娱乐英语新闻:Bigelow boost for women directors

Su Da, a female animation director from Shanghai Animation Film Studio, has never given up her dream to rejuvenate the domestic cartoon industry.

Her original animated series "Big-Ear Tutu," which tells the story of the joyous growth of a three-year-old boy named Hu Tutu, has garnered big popularity and many awards nationwide. It is also regarded as an indigenous counterpart to the Japanese animation hit "Crayon Shin Chan."

Su says that most of the funny stories and lines in "Tutu" come from her experience of being with her son.

"Every child has the curiosity to know the adult world," says Su. "A good animated series should always cater to the demands and taste of its audience and combine education with entertainment."

As a cartoon director in China, Su needs to get involved in all the production process of a cartoon series, from its early planning, design, creation and funding to promotion. She also participates in developing by-products such as stage plays, books and toys.

During her 10-year career as a director, she feels the pressure to keep a balance between work and family.

"No matter how busy I am, I will spare a few hours every day with my son," Su says. "I won't miss his amazing growing moments."

Su also feels a strong "gender imbalance" in her field, with men continuing to dominate technical areas such as editing, sound and cinematography.

"But women do have their advantages in film making - they're slightly more sensitive and have superb intuition, imagination and communication skills," Su says. "In that sense, I believe that the lack of women behind the camera will just be temporary."