Animation can make us laugh, make us think and help us see the world differently. But for too long, many stories didn’t reflect the real world, leaving out voices, experiences, and identities.
At Fred & Eric, we believe animation should celebrate everyone - different genders, ethnicities, body shapes, abilities, and identities.
Representation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about showing real people, with real experiences, in ways that feel authentic. As an all-women-founded studio, gender equality is at the heart of how we work. From our collaborative processes to the stories we tell, we aim to create a studio and animations that reflect fairness, respect, and inclusivity. Read more about our approach here.
What Diversity Looks Like
Diversity in animation is more than checking boxes. It’s about:
- Characters who break stereotypes.
- Families and communities from different cultural backgrounds.
- Celebrating bodies and abilities of all kinds.
- LGBTQ+ characters whose identity is just one part of their story.
When animation reflects real life, it connects with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. We also consider the diverse audience that watches our animations, from different cultural backgrounds, abilities, and age groups. Thoughtful, accessible design helps ensure that our stories are relatable and inclusive for everyone. Learn more about designing for everyone here.
Animations Doing It Right
We love celebrating stories that get diversity right and we’re proud of the work we do at Fred & Eric. Every project starts with close collaboration with our clients to make sure we’re representing experiences accurately and respectfully. We work hand-in-hand with the people whose stories we’re telling, combining their insights with our creative approach. Here are a couple of examples where thoughtful representation takes center stage:
Childhood Trauma War & Conflict
A collaboration with the UK Trauma Council and young refugees. Shattered reflections show trauma and healing, with design informed by young advisors for authenticity.
NSPCC: (Un)comfortable Conversations
A story of a Muslim boy navigating tough conversations. By telling the story without dialogue, the animation overcomes language and literacy barriers, letting emotion and visuals do the talking, making it accessible and impactful for all audiences.
In creating this film, it was vital that the character felt believable without leaning on harmful stereotypes. Working closely with the NSPCC, we shaped every detail, from casting to character design, to make sure the portrayal was responsible, thoughtful, and relatable for the school-based audiences who would see it.
Why It Matters
Seeing yourself on screen isn’t just nice, it’s powerful. Research shows that diverse characters:
- Build empathy and understanding.
- Help children develop healthy self-esteem.
- Challenge stereotypes and broaden perspectives.
Behind-the-scenes diversity matters too: creators from different backgrounds bring depth and authenticity to their stories.
The Take Away
Diversity and representation aren’t trends. Animation shapes how we see the world and ourselves. By reflecting all of us, stories become more inclusive, empathetic, and yes, a lot more fun.
At Fred & Eric, we’re proud to play our part and we hope more creators will too.
Got a project in mind? If you’d like to chat through your animation needs (or just bounce around some ideas), we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us here.
