Inclusion. A word often paired with Diversity and Equity, inclusion is crucial in every workplace and industry, including VFX and Animation. While the concept is widely discussed, its true implementation often falls short. This article highlights why Cinesite considers inclusion essential and how we believe it can transform our studios.

Note: Cinesite remains committed to its EDI efforts and believes that everyone has the right to feel safe and respected in the workplace.

This article is relevant for anyone who works in our industry, and is the first of a series.

The Value of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
EDI is way more than just a buzzword.
From fostering innovation, creativity, and personal growth, enhancing problem-solving and decision-making, making our teams far richer, and creating a more dynamic and effective workplace, EDI initiatives have already demonstrated many positive and necessary individual and organizational benefits. Hence, too many workplaces tend to focus solely on diversity without supporting true inclusion. Apart from being counterproductive, this can also cause more harm than good.

Speaking About Inclusion.
Inclusion is about creating a work environment that values and respects every employee, regardless of background or identity.
An inclusive studio fosters a sense of belonging and makes opportunities and resources available for everyone, especially those who might otherwise be historically excluded. In other words, inclusion is not about hiring artists with diverse backgrounds, but about creating an organizational culture where everyone can bring their whole selves to work.

What is The Sense of Belonging?
Inclusion is measured by the sense of belonging and the feeling of being part of a group. This personal and subjective experience varies based on each individual’s experiences, identities, and backgrounds. This feeling can vary from one person to another. For some, belonging is rooted in shared cultural or ethnic backgrounds. For others, it’s found in shared experiences, and interests or could also refer to the feeling of being respected and valued.

Take a moment to consider what makes you feel part of your team. Do you know what makes your colleagues feel included or excluded? Have you ever discussed this with them?

The Pitfalls of Diversity Without Inclusion
As you may have understood, without inclusion, equity and a true understanding of those concepts, hiring artists and employees from different backgrounds can exacerbate discrimination, tokenism, microaggressions, exclusion and other dismissive behaviours toward them. For all of these reasons, and many more, Cinesite’s employees’ well-being and sense of belonging matter. And the EDI Global Department has made this its priority.

How Does Cinesite Support Inclusion in Their Studios?
To support this commitment, the Global EDI Department promotes inclusion across all studios, working closely with their HR Department and upper-management. Among other things, this includes (but not limited to):
– Training with a focus on the management level, to reinforce leadership and ensure inclusiveness;
– Providing specific tools and support to navigate inclusion-related situations, including individual coaching;
– Providing ongoing support to HR departments (ie, internal processes review, internal global policies review, creation of guidelines and other specific tools, etc.);
– Remaining entirely available for any employee who might need specific support, have a request or questions;
– Highlighting and communicating important moments throughout the year to pursue conversations and improvements that can be made.

These initiatives, part of a global strategy, not only strengthen our community, but also ensure that inclusion and equity are integral parts of our everyday operations and decisions.

Through these efforts, Cinesite Group remains committed to creating a workplace where all its artists and employees feel valued, respected and seen, to contribute their best.