Highlighting our Proud group and the LGBTQIA+ community at DNEG!
Today marks the first day of Pride Month in the United States, Canada and in many countries around the world. What better way to kickstart the month than to highlight our very own employee-led LGBTQIA+ community, DNEG Proud Group.
DNEG Proud group is a safe space that fosters support, connection and expression amongst our LGBTQIA+ community here at DNEG. Along with hosting in-person events the group cultivates conversations around important causes — and of course, shares recommendations for film and television!
Based in our London headquarters, Boyan (Bobby) Georgiev (Unreal TD, DNEG Animation) oversees the DNEG Proud Group’s activities as Chair. We caught up with Bobby to learn more about DNEG Proud, life as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community working in VFX, and the power of film to share LGBTQIA+ stories.
Hi Bobby! Why is it important to have a group like Proud within our company?
I think it’s really important to have a group where you know you have like minded people who you can speak to, seek help and share experiences knowing they will be fully open and understanding.
What is it like to be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community while also working in the VFX industry? Do you feel that the community is supported by the industry as a whole?
In my 5 years working in industry now I have always felt that I can be my true self and everyone I’ve encountered has been so great about the way I identify. I find that people working in VFX and Animation come from many different backgrounds and diversity is embraced.
What is your vision for the future of the VFX industry’s LGBQTIA+ community?
Equality for everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community is paramount and especially for trans people, as they are currently going through a tough time in the court of public opinion.
Last year we ran a ‘Pride Picks’ series, where members of the DNEG Proud group shared some of their favourite films or TV series championing LGBTQIA+ stories. As an art form, do you feel that film and television has a particular power or role when it comes to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community?
Films, TV and entertainment as a whole have the transformative power to open the eyes and hearts of the mainstream not just about LGBTQIA+ people but any community. Through the magic of film we are able to tell stories about experiences others have never faced and through compassion it can motivate people to go out of their way to relieve the physical, mental, or emotional pains of others and themselves.
Later this month, DNEG is hosting an internal talk featuring Zach Barack – a transgender actor, singer, and comedian from the northern suburbs of Chicago. Zach is credited as the first openly transgender actor in a Marvel film – “Spider-Man: Far From Home”. He writes music and performs as a stand-up comedian alongside acting in TV and film. Stay tuned for more on that soon!
To find out more about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at DNEG, and our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where we invest in continuous improvement and allyship, click here.