TT can be an animation hub

TRADE and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon yesterday said this country has the potential to become a leading hub for outsourced animation work. Gopee-Scoon expressed this view at a news conference at the ministry’s offices at Nicholas Towers in Port of Spain. The conference was held to announce the participation of an Anima Caribe delegation at the 2019 Kidscreen Animation Summit in Miami this month.

The Kidscreen Summit regarded as the children entertainment industry’s most important annual event. With 2,000 attendees from over 50 countries, Gopee-Scoon said, “Capacity building, networking and business opportunities abound.” She said local animators participating in the summit will be able to present their animation projects to international animation executives who will be seeking sales and distribution options.

Local animators Jeuanne Alkins, Michael Richards, Jason Lindsay and Jessica Yaw Ching are part of the eight member Animae Caribe delegation. They will present their respective animated works “Bim and Bam”, “Birds of a Feather, DIY Zoe and “Magnificent Maggie” at the summit.

Gopee-Scoon said the summit offers an opportunity for TT “to be branded as an ideal destination for the outsourcing of animation services.”

With the global animation industry estimated to grow from US$259 billion in 2018 to US$270 billion by 2020, Gopee-Scoon said Government sees opportunities for TT and will “take the necessary steps to successfully capture market share.” She explained this is in keeping with the National Development Strategy’s pillar on building globally competitive business. Gopee-Scoon said Walt Disney, IMAX and Sony are constantly searching for locations across the world that provide a suitable environment to outsource animation services.

Major animation studios such as EA Games and DreamWorks are also pursuing global outsourcing as part of their business model. Gopee-Scoon said while shows like “The Simpsons” and “Futurama” were conceived in the United States, they were “brought to life overseas.” She opined that TT has resources to provide a location for these companies.

These include being cost-friendly, having a knowledgeable workforce, being fluent in English and having a high tech animation infrastructure.