Leading the Future

Exploring Transformational Leadership in the European Animation, Games, and VFX Industries

Authors

  • Silke Hassreiter Breda University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
  • Tuki Clavero Breda University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
  • Lindsey Bouwels Breda University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
  • A. Treshi-Marie Perera Breda University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
  • Mata Haggis-Burridge Breda University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54337/caga24-11175

Keywords:

Tramsformational Leadership, Creative Industries, Animation, Games and VFX, Leadership Development

Abstract

This study offers an in-depth analysis of how transformational leadership is currently understood and enacted within the European animation, games, and VFX sectors. Through qualitative insights gathered from 75 professionals across European studios and educational institutions, the research identifies both the promise and the practical limitations of the leadership model that centers on emotional intelligence, mentorship, and shared team ownership. While these principles are widely endorsed in the industries, the study finds that their consistent application is hindered by industry-specific challenges, most notably: the prioritization of technical expertise over leadership capabilities in promotion decisions, a lack of industry-specific leadership training, generational differences, and pressures stemming from intense production demands. Additionally, issues such as blurred boundaries between work and personal life and imbalanced workloads between leaders and teams further complicate leadership in the industries. The findings point to a need for clearer leadership frameworks tailored to the industry’s demands and greater institutional support to equip both current and future leaders with the skills needed to foster sustainable, high-performing teams for the evolving demands of these creative industries.

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Front page of the conference proceedings CAGA24 – The Conference of AG Animation 2024. The background is black with stars and a large spherical network structure of interconnected points on the right. In the center of the page, the text reads: CAGA24 – The Conference of AG Animation 2024 – The (R)Evolution of Animation: Current Challenges and Future Directions – September 10–11, 2024. At the bottom, the logos of AG Animation, FH University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Aalborg University, The Animation Workshop VIA University College, and VAF – Viborg Animation Festival are displayed.

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Published

18-12-2025

How to Cite

Hassreiter, S., Clavero, T., Bouwels, L., Perera, A. T.-M., & Haggis-Burridge, M. (2025). Leading the Future: Exploring Transformational Leadership in the European Animation, Games, and VFX Industries. Proceedings of CAGA24: The Conference of AG Animation 2024, (1). https://doi.org/10.54337/caga24-11175

Issue

Proceedings of CAGA 2024

Section

Section 4: Education within Animation

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Silke Hassreiter, Tuki Clavero, Lindsey Bouwels, A. Treshi-Marie Perera, Mata Haggis-Burridge

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.