Jay Francis is the Vice President of Current Series and Diversity and Inclusion at Disney Television Animation. He has over 15 years’ experience in managing the creative direction of series’ production, and has worked on award winning shows including Phineas and Ferb, Big City Greens, and Amphibia. Jay plays an important role in driving the push for more authentic storytelling that represents the world in which we live. In this episode we talk about: •  The key to a great pitch • Transitioning from independent animation production to recruitment for primetime animation television •  How accessible a career in animation can be •  Working for Disney and how the company has embraced Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in development •  His first internship at a local ABC affiliate in Boston •  His first animation internship at DIC Entertainment •  Leaving his job to launch Little Gangster Entertainment •  Animation networking opportunities for VO Actors, Animators and more •  Finding a lucrative kickstart creating video games using what he learned from animation •  The importance of diverse and authentic storytelling through animation Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-francis-81a3002 Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Mentors on the Mic Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle