We are proud and excited to share this beautiful illustration which encapsulates perfectly the sense of unity felt amongst the women at Absolute. We owe our praise and gratitude for this amazing artwork to Christine Peters, one of our talented Motion Graphics Designers for our sister company, Blind Pig.
This week Absolute has been celebrating its amazing female staff in the run up to International Women’s Day 2020. As a company we are so lucky to be able to enjoy the achievements and dedication of a plethora of talented artists, producers and creative minds. In contribution to the many celebrations and campaigns for women across the world this week, we wanted to share some words from our very own super-women working in the advertising and VFX industry.
“I have found the industry positive towards women. For me, I have been supported and encouraged in every avenue that I wanted to explore and when I found my passion for 2D compositing, everyone took their time to teach me and help me learn. I also would not have got to where I am at Absolute if it wasn't for the women that I am surrounded by everyday, us ladies got to stick together!”
Edel Bane – Junior 2D Artist
“I’ve been in the industry 14 years now and since coming back from having my first child last year I’ve realised it’s not only important to highlight what a challenging industry it can be to work in for a woman but also a working mum. I found it incredibly difficult to come back into the work place as a new mum, working more flexible hours to fit around my new life at home whilst juggling the demands of a fast moving creative industry, but I’m very lucky to be supported by wonderful people at Absolute who have made it possible. I know lots of people aren’t as lucky and I hope that things keep progressing so it becomes the new norm. We should be striving to make sure women and mothers are getting the same opportunities as men and celebrating the incredible work they do throughout not only this industry but all industries across the globe. We really are great and I am consistently blown away by our strength.”
Kirsty Murray – Senior Producer
“To me international Women’s Day is a reminder of how much we have achieved but also the journey to come in realising true equality.”
Lottie Sawyer – Front of House
“Every step of my journey in this amazing business has been surrounded and supported by talented and generous women. Celebrating their help and wisdom as well as encouraging this in perpetuity for the young people of today and tomorrow is essential. I am confident that the courage and convictions of mentors past and present is being shared and fostered by this business and I look forward to being able to continue to do this personally and professionally as more men and women join the VFX and creative community which it is such a privilege to be part of.”
Sally Heath – Executive Producer
“The media industry is very male-dominated, which can be discouraging to women looking to break into the industry. However, I’ve found that Absolute has several strong, capable women who are all pushing to help each other progress in every field within post-production. For myself, I have been receiving amazing support for moving into colour-grading; not only from women in the company but men too. This is incredibly encouraging as it solidifies that we are capable of moving towards a future where equality is not just women supporting women, but everyone making an effort to acknowledge what women can do and do well.”
Juliette Wileman – Colour Grading Assistant
“In the words of Beyoncé... who runs the world?!”
Ollie Ireland – Junior Producer
“For me, IWD is all about women championing and supporting other women. This needs to be apparent across all platforms; senior management and leadership, company culture, media representation as well as financial equality. Within the advertising and VFX communities, it’s so important that we’re all striving to achieve a gender equal world. Through celebrating IWD we are positioning ourselves as individuals and as companies to challenge the traditional, outdated stereotypes and unhelpful bias that unfortunately still exists. Through doing this, we’re continually developing and aiming for a fully inclusive and tolerant industry which is truly representative of today’s society. Most importantly, International Women’s Day is not just for women, it’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone to recognise the incredible achievements that women are making.”
Jenna Le Noury – Executive Producer
“‘Being rare’ isn’t a compliment; it is the result of girls being discouraged from entering male dominated fields at a young age. I believe equality looks like having the ambition to become another successful woman in her field rather than the only one.”
Niamh Lawson – Systems Support Engineer
“I'm proud to be working beside such supportive women and men at Absolute that push each other to be great artists and individuals, regardless of gender. There’s still a noticeable lack of female artists in the visual effects industry and I think International Women's Day is a great platform to promote that the industry, for women, is an option.”
Sersha Lawrence – CG Artist
“As almost a veteran in the VFX industry I have been mentored by and mentored many fantastic talented and driven women. I celebrate international women’s day by looking back on all we have achieved and recognising how much more there is to be achieved, to have a voice that is heard with impartiality and to be valued.
At the end of the day we are all human beings and should demand respect and equality whatever our gender. We are privileged to be part of a fluid and creative industry and we should use the opportunity to treat others with dignity and kindness. I look forward to encouraging ever more dedicated women who strive, commit and succeed”
Belinda Grew – Head of Production