Irish animation industry opens doors for NI-based production companies – Deadline

Although local elections this week in the UK have led to heightened speculation about the future of Ireland’s borders, animation the industry has come together to increase opportunities for creativity and collaboration.

Animation Ireland, Animation UK and Northern Ireland Screen today agreed on an agreement that will open membership to studios based in Northern Ireland. This means that the studios will be able to be members of both Animation Ireland and Animation UK, trade associations representing studios in Ireland and the UK respectively.

The agreement came amid a sharp rise in animation on both sides of the Irish border, a huge increase in production, staffing and funding for the animation industry, which currently employs more than 2,000 people. Animation Ireland now has 35 studios, compared to 25 in 2018 and only 14 in 2015.

Under the agreement, Northern Ireland studios will participate with Animation Ireland and Animation UK in major international events and conferences in animation, film and television to jointly promote the island of Ireland and the UK, as well as issues such as attracting new talent to the sector, collaboration . -production capabilities and wider international promotion.

Northern Ireland studios will have access to Animation Ireland training events as well as Northern Ireland Screen events and trainings.

Announcing the agreement, the parties called it “an important step forward in cooperation between the studios of the two jurisdictions, which in recent years are increasingly linked through joint work on major global productions.”

Commenting on the announcement, Animation Ireland CEO Ronan McCabe said; ” This is an important milestone for the Irish animation sector on both sides of the border. There has always been a great spirit of cooperation in the animation sector, and that is what we are talking about. Working together, we can all help ensure that the island of Ireland continues to grow its reputation as a leading international hub for animation production. There are already a lot of connections between us in terms of animation, film and TV, so it makes sense to be more formal.

Kate O’Connor, executive chair of Animation UK, said; ” Animation UK represents a UK sector known for its creative excellence, humor, iconic characters and innovation. We are excited to welcome aboard brilliant animation companies in Northern Ireland. This exciting development and the unique partnership between Animation UK, Animation Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen will allow us to deepen our existing relationship. ”

Colin Williams, founder and creative director of the Northern Ireland animation studio Sixteen South said; “We are very excited to become members of Animation UK and Animation Ireland. Animation is a global industry without borders. We at Sixteen South have co-produced with excellent partners in many countries around the world, and this agreement was reached through Northern Ireland Screen so that we, as a Northern Irish studio, were recognized and members of both the UK and Irish Animation body gorgeous and truly fit . We are a mix of cultures in Northern Ireland and it’s great for us. ”