As a boutique studio, SALTO aims to lead by example within the creative sector. We recognize that a diverse workforce directly fuels richer visual narratives, creative experimentation, and authentic animated stories. We therefore integrate diversity, inclusion, and gender balance principles into the development and management of all projects.

We are committed to maintaining gender balance in proposed project teams, ensuring that women are represented not only in support roles but in key creative and decision-making positions. Recruitment for new collaborators follows an open process, with a clear target of gender parity among candidates considered. Progress is monitored throughout development and production, with outcomes reported internally and to our partners, with a separate emphasis on the targets and KPIs listed below in this chapter.

1. Inclusive Recruitment & Representation

• Skill-First Hiring: We evaluate applicants solely on artistic merit, creative vision, and actions, omitting names, gender markers, or nationalities from portfolios during initial reviews.
• Diverse Sourcing: We find it important to partner with local art schools, global online animation networks, and regional initiatives to reach underrepresented talent pools.
• Gender Balance Targets: We actively work toward a 50/50 gender balance across all production roles, from concept art to technical direction, mirroring the European Commission Management Goals.

2. Studio Culture & Psychological Safety

• Open Dialogue & Respect: We established a studio environment built on equal respect, where creative disagreement is handled constructively and transparently.
• Zero Discrimination: We enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, harassment, or bias based on sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnicity.
• Flexible Frameworks: We offer hybrid schedules and flexible working arrangements to accommodate parents, caregivers, and diverse physical needs, reducing the industry's historical burnout.

3. On-Screen Representativeness & Responsible Storytelling

• Challenging Stereotypes: We are committed to designing animated characters and narratives that consciously break away from rigid gender, cultural, or physical stereotypes.
• Intersectional Lens: Our artists integrate a variety of lived experiences into character design, background worlds, and voice casting to authentic reflect our global society.
• Accessible Content: We incorporate accessibility consideration into our pipeline, aiming for high-quality audio descriptions and color-blind friendly visual designs.

4. Leadership & Accountable Action

• Balanced Decision Making: We ensure creative control, project pitching, and department-lead roles maintain a healthy gender and cultural balance.
• Continuous Feedback: We conduct annual anonymous surveys focused on workplace openness, ensuring team members have a safe channel to communicate areas of improvement.
• Socio-Economic Openness: We are working towards the goal to offer paid mentorships and entry-level internships to ensure financial barriers do not lock out emerging talent.