New Era Dawns: Frank Gladstone Takes Helm of ASIFA-Hollywood Leadership, Michael Paxton to Produce Annie Awards

A significant shift in the landscape of animation advocacy and recognition has just been announced, as ASIFA-Hollywood leadership undergoes a pivotal transition. Frank Gladstone, a name synonymous with animation excellence, has been elected as the new board president of ASIFA-Hollywood. Concurrently, the esteemed Michael Paxton has been promoted to the crucial role of executive producer for the highly anticipated Annie Awards, signaling a fresh wave of energy and expertise at the helm of the world’s foremost professional organization dedicated to the art of animation.

This strategic restructuring of ASIFA-Hollywood leadership comes at a dynamic time for the animation industry, which continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in AI, Animation, Tech, and VFX. The appointments promise to guide the organization through these exciting changes, ensuring its mission to celebrate, preserve, and promote animation remains robust and forward-thinking.

Frank Gladstone: A Visionary Leader Returns to ASIFA-Hollywood Leadership

Frank Gladstone’s election as president marks a significant homecoming and a testament to his enduring influence within the animation community. Gladstone is a celebrated director, producer, and educator whose illustrious career spans decades, touching legendary studios such as Disney, Warner Bros., and DreamWorks. His deep understanding of the craft, from traditional hand-drawn techniques to cutting-edge digital pipelines, makes him an ideal leader for ASIFA-Hollywood in an era defined by technological innovation and diverse storytelling.

Before his latest appointment, Gladstone held senior posts within ASIFA-Hollywood, including a previous tenure as president starting in 2011 and executive director until his retirement in December 2023. Most recently, he served as the executive producer of the Annie Awards, a role he now passes to Michael Paxton. His comprehensive experience across various facets of the organization, coupled with his hands-on involvement in creating beloved animated movies, positions him uniquely to steer ASIFA-Hollywood towards new horizons. His return to the presidency signals a commitment to leveraging vast industry knowledge for the benefit of all animation professionals and enthusiasts.

Gladstone succeeds Sue Shakespeare, the respected president of independent studio Creative Capers Entertainment, who had skillfully led the board since December 2020. Shakespeare will now transition to ASIFA-Hollywood’s esteemed Emeritus Board, where her wisdom and experience will continue to serve as a valuable resource for the organization.

Michael Paxton: Elevating the Annie Awards for a Global Audience

Stepping into the pivotal role of Executive Producer for the Annie Awards is Michael Paxton, a distinguished figure whose career began at Disney in 1989, contributing to the production of the iconic ‘The Little Mermaid.’ His journey through animation includes work on diverse projects like ‘Rover Dangerfield,’ ‘The Pagemaster,’ ‘Stuart Little 2,’ ‘The Lion King 1½,’ and ‘The Addams Family 2.’ Beyond his animation credits, Paxton is an Oscar-nominated documentarian for his film ‘Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life,’ showcasing his profound storytelling capabilities.

Paxton’s extensive background in both creative development and industry recognition makes him exceptionally suited to lead the Annie Awards. His experience as an educator, lecturing at festivals and universities, also ensures a deep appreciation for the craft and the artists behind it. “After 35 years in animation and working with the previous Executive Producer of the Annie Awards, I am honored and grateful to now be the new Executive Producer of the Annie Awards,” Paxton shared, “and to continue to support the best in the animation industry.” Under his guidance, the Annie Awards are poised to further solidify their reputation as the animation world’s highest honor, celebrating achievements in everything from independent shorts to blockbuster animated movies and groundbreaking TV series.

A Dynamic New Executive Board: Diverse Expertise for a Vibrant Future

The newly elected executive board surrounding Frank Gladstone reflects a strategic move to inject a blend of seasoned experience and fresh perspectives into ASIFA-Hollywood leadership. Joining Gladstone as Vice Presidents are:

• Jerry Beck: A renowned animation historian, author, and co-founder of Cartoon Brew, Beck brings unparalleled encyclopedic knowledge of animation history and cultural impact.
• J.J. Blumenkranz: A prominent visual effects and pipeline technology executive, whose impressive credits include seminal works like ‘Shrek’ and ‘The Polar Express,’ Blumenkranz’s expertise will be invaluable in navigating the complex world of VFX and advanced production technologies.
• Tom Caulfield: Another vital addition, Caulfield’s specific contributions will undoubtedly complement the board’s diverse skill set.

Further strengthening the board are Bill Turner as Treasurer and Erica Pinto as Secretary. This collective of talents underscores ASIFA-Hollywood’s commitment to a holistic approach, encompassing creative, historical, technological, and administrative excellence. Aubry Mintz, ASIFA-Hollywood executive director, expressed enthusiasm for the new team: “I’m excited to welcome our newly elected Executive Board. While several members have previously served in leadership roles, our executive board brings a blend of experience, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy.”

The 54th Annie Awards: A Global Stage for Innovation and Inclusion

Under Michael Paxton’s new leadership, the Annie Awards are already making significant strides towards greater inclusivity and recognition of global talent. ASIFA-Hollywood recently announced the opening of submissions for the 54th Annie Awards, introducing a groundbreaking “Best International Anime Production for TV/Media” category. This addition is a direct response to the burgeoning global popularity and artistic merit of anime, acknowledging its profound impact on the animation landscape.

The program now covers a comprehensive 37 categories, ensuring that excellence across all forms of animation – from character design and storyboarding to innovative **VFX** and sound design – is recognized. Entries for the 54th Annie Awards will close on November 30, with the highly anticipated ceremony returning to the historic UCLA’s Royce Hall on February 20, 2027. This event is a critical moment for the industry, celebrating the best in animated movies, television, and short-form content. Notably, the 54th Annie Awards recently opened its submissions, introducing a groundbreaking ‘Best International Anime Production for TV/Media’ category, signaling a significant expansion of its global reach and recognition. For those eager to delve deeper into this exciting development, we’ve covered it extensively in our article: 54th Annie Awards Submissions Now Open: A New Era for International Anime and Animation Excellence.

ASIFA-Hollywood’s Enduring Legacy: Promoting the Art of Animation

ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization ASIFA, stands as the world’s first and foremost professional organization dedicated to promoting the art of animation. Beyond the glamour of the Annie Awards, its extensive initiatives include the Animation Archive, a vital repository for preserving animation history; the Animation Aid Foundation, providing support to animation professionals in need; and the Animation Educators Forum, fostering growth and learning within academic circles.

The organization actively supports film preservation efforts, ensuring that classic and historically significant animated movies and works are safeguarded for future generations. It also champions open-source software development, a critical aspect of modern tech and **inventions** that democratizes access to powerful animation tools. Through classes, screenings, and community events, ASIFA-Hollywood continues to be a vibrant hub for artists, technicians, and enthusiasts, driving innovation and celebrating the artistic achievements that define the world of animation.

Key Appointments and Roles

This dynamic new ASIFA-Hollywood leadership team is poised to lead the organization into an exciting future, embracing technological advancements like **AI** in creative processes while honoring the rich heritage of animated movies and series. Their collective expertise ensures that ASIFA-Hollywood will continue to be a beacon for innovation, education, and recognition in the global animation community.

For more comprehensive information on ASIFA-Hollywood’s mission, initiatives, and how to get involved, please visit their official website at asifa-hollywood.org.