Scottish Development International & Scottish
Enterprise hosted a two day workshop discussion on the future of Scotland's
animation industry. aimhi represented the Highlands & Islands in an event
that had a good turnout from both the private and public sectors.
The animation industry in Scotland, though relatively small, has been
earmarked as being one of significant potential; in part due to perceived
transferable knowledge in Scotland's thriving video games sector. And while the
US and Japan remain the two giants of the industry worldwide, there isn't really
a dominant player in Europe per se. This is where Scotland (and Britain) hope to
change. SDI and SE are also excited by the twin trends of growing market
potential and erosion of traditional barriers to market. Animation's commercial
potential has shot up over the past decade as digitally enhanced images have
become an integral part of 'live' mainstream movies. Blockbusters like The
Matrix and Mission Impossible are using so much CGI (Computer Generated Imagery)
that they are blurring the boundaries between real life actors/stuntmen and
digital animation; and ensuring animators are getting a greater share of film
production revenues than ever before. In addition, technological developments
leading to mass produced, cheap production units have slashed costs to the
extent that the playing field is now more open than ever to the smaller players
that typifies British animation companies.
The Stirling event was dominated by discussions over the following:
1)
Defining Scottish Screen's role in the animation industry
2) The public
sector coming up with a coherent and customised policy that addresses financing
and business support issues unique to the industry
3) A regular networking
platform to disseminate best practices within Scotland
In addition, a DTI factfinding mission to the American West Coast came up
with the recommandations that Britain needed to:
1) Pursue both
technological and creative excellence
2) Early adoption of technology and
keeping track of latest research developments
3) Devoting a percentage of a
company's own income into longterm R&D
4) Investing in employee education
and training
Finally, there were also market reports from Australia, Korea, Canada,
Europe, Japan, the US, India and Singapore given out. There was particular
interest in exploring collaborative business opportunities in Canada and India;
with a trade mission for Canada scheduled for this October.
It would seem likely that events like this for the animation industry would
be happening on a more regular basis in the future. It is also equally likely
that aimhi will continue to get invited to contribute in a consultative role.
aimhi would like to see one of the members, involved in the animation industry,
represent aimhi in such future events (expenses paid). If you think you are up
for that, email info@aim-hi.org
