by Garland-Waide Bradford | Apr 28, 2019 | Animation News
Animation du Monde 2020 returns to DISCOP Abidjan in partnership with the African Animation Network (AAN) will host the 3rd annual Animation du Monde pitching competition next month.
As Africa’s animation industry continues to develop, and in recognition of the challenges that creators face in being able to reach a market, there will be a strong focus on animated short film and series.
DISCOP Abidjan is the second of 5 preliminary rounds of the Pan-African Animation du Monde 2020. Through the DISCOMICS footprint– an initiative run by DISCOP Markets and AAN– and which includes partnerships with 3 of Africa’s longest running comic conventions, AAN will be hosting 4 regional prelims in Johannesburg (at ICON CGC), Abidjan (DISCOP Abidjan), Lagos (at Lagos Comic Con), and Nairobi (Nairobi Comic Con). Because the partners are always looking to create new opportunities for creators across Africa, AAN has partnered with the Accra Animation Film Festival (AAFFia) to add a 5th regional preliminary round.
The MIFA Pitches are arguably the biggest animation focused pitching forum in the world and take place against the backdrop of the Annecy Int. Animated Film Fest’ & Market/MIFA (Annecy/MIFA). A place where filmmakers can celebrate the craft while building relationships and a deeper understanding of the industry. Contestants have until the 17th of May to submit their project and can do so by clicking HERE.
Animation du Monde’s mission is to give animation projects in developing animation industries from across the world the opportunity to participate at the highest level internationally during the MIFA Pitches. Video pitches will be accepted for those not able to attend the preliminary regional round at DISCOP Abidjan however, candidates who are able to attend the event will be given preference. The competition regulations can be viewed HERE.
“The value of entering a pitch competition like Animation du Monde goes far beyond winning or losing. Through it you build relationships, your confidence to sell your project, and most of all the insight of industry professionals with years of experience with projects from around the world.” says Nick Wilson, Head of Projects & Content at AAN.
During the 2018 Animation du Monde finals in Annecy Ingrid Agbo, from Togo, secured a pre-sale for her project L’arbre à Palimpseste which is currently in pre-production. Ingrid qualified with her project through the 2017 regionals run by AAN at DISCOP Abidjan and won one of two places to represent Africa at Annecy/MIFA 2018 via the Animation du Monde 2017 Continental Finals at DISCOP Johannesburg Through her journey she was able to connect with other African animation filmmakers who were able to help her refine her project through to the 2018 finals in France.
Ingrid shared her Annecy experience with us, “My Annecy experience was so unexpected. Winning the opportunity to pitch my project there was a huge pleasure but also a real challenge for me. This festival was like a gauge for my project. There were so many and different, great projects coming from all around the world.”
Jerome Soffo Simo, President of Tous’Anime Association & Organizer of CANIMAF in Cameroon, had this to say about his about his experience, “Firstly, the Annecy Pitch Contest taught me that you have to write, draw, structure, and then put together your animation project and that story is the most important part, because, a successful animation is a well-told story. The story will guide you in choosing the style to adopt and the rest will follow.”
Subscribe to our newsletter and keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for news on when the preliminary rounds will be in your region!
Animation du Monde 2020 retourne à DISCOP Abidjan: DISCOP Abidjan, en partenariat avec African Animation Network (AAN), organisera le mois prochain le 3ème concours annuel de pitching Animation du Monde.
L’industrie africaine de l’animation continuant de se développer et en reconnaissance des défis auxquels les créateurs sont confrontés pour pouvoir accéder au marché, l’accent sera mis sur le court métrage et les séries animées.
DISCOP Abidjan est la deuxième des 5 phases préliminaires de l’Animation du Monde panafricaine 2020. A travers l’empreinte de DISCOMICS – une initiative gérée par DISCOP Markets et AAN – et qui comprend des partenariats avec 3 des conventions de la bande dessinée les plus anciennes d’Afrique, AAN accueillera 4 événements préliminaires régionaux à Johannesburg (ICON CGC), Abidjan (DISCOP Abidjan), Lagos (Lagos Comic Con) et Nairobi (Nairobi Comic Con). Parce que nos partenaires cherchent toujours à créer de nouvelles opportunités pour les créateurs à travers l’Afrique, AAN s’est associé au Festival du film d’animation d’Accra (AAFFia) pour ajouter un 5ème tour préliminaire régional.
Les Pitchs MIFA sont sans doute le plus grand forum de pitching d’animation au monde et se déroulent dans le contexte du Festival International du film d’animation d’Annecy et du MIFA (Annecy/MIFA). Un lieu où les cinéastes peuvent célébrer le métier tout en établissant des relations et une compréhension plus profonde de l’industrie. Les candidats ont jusqu’au 17 mai pour soumettre leur projet et peuvent le faire en cliquant ICI.
La mission d’Animation du Monde est de donner aux projets d’animation des industries en développement du monde entier la possibilité de participer au plus haut niveau international lors des Pitchs MIFA. Des pitchs vidéo seront acceptés pour ceux qui ne pourront pas assister à la ronde régionale préliminaire à DISCOP Abidjan. Toutefois, les candidats ayant la possibilité d’assister à l’événement auront la priorité. Le règlement de la compétition peut être consulté ICI.
«La valeur de participer à un concours de pitch comme Animation du Monde va bien au-delà de gagner ou de perdre. Grâce à cela, vous développez des relations, votre confiance pour vendre votre projet et, surtout, la perspicacité des professionnels du secteur ayant des années d’expérience a travers des projets du monde entier », déclare Nick Wilson, Responsable des Projets et du Contenu chez AAN.
Lors des finales Animation du Monde 2018 à Annecy, Ingrid Agbo, du Togo, a assuré la pré-vente de son projet L’arbre à Palimpseste, actuellement en pré-production. Ingrid s’est qualifiée pour son projet via les tournois régionaux 2017 dirigés par AAN au DISCOP Abidjan et a remporté l’une des deux places pour représenter l’Afrique à Annecy/MIFA 2018 via la finale continentale Animation du Monde 2017 au DISCOP Johannesburg. Elle a ainsi pu se connecter à d’autres réalisateurs africains qui ont pu l’aider à peaufiner son projet jusqu’à la finale 2018 en France.
Ingrid a partagé son expérience d’Annecy avec nous: «Mon expérience à Annecy était tellement inattendue. Gagner l’opportunité de présenter mon projet a été un immense plaisir, mais également un véritable défi pour moi. Ce festival était comme une jauge pour mon projet. Il y avait tellement de projets différents venant du monde entier.»
Jerome Soffo Simo, président de l’association Tous’Anime et organisateur de CANIMAF au Cameroun, a partagé son expérience: «Tout d’abord, le concours de pitch d’Annecy m’a appris qu’on doit écrire, dessiner, structurer, puis enfin assembler votre projet d’animation et que le script constitue la partie la plus importante, car une animation réussie est une histoire bien racontée. L’histoire vous guidera dans le choix du style à adopter et le reste suivra.»
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Garland-Waide Bradford has a career path that has varied from corporate work as a public relations manager in communications strategy to media work as an insert producer for factual television. These were purposeful choices to understand how to integrate creative choices with market requirements in turning content into brands. Growing up in a township meant that these educational opportunities were out of reach due to access and financial constraints. But, having paid his dues through work, Bradford is a dynamic thinker who owns a skills set that is third industrial revolution ready. He completed his BA Honours in Media Studies in 2017. His focus has been on media management and has been studying models of sustainability in the media for several years. He started his journey with the African Animation Network as Head of Communications in 2017 where he hopes to use his skills to empower aspirant animation professionals and member associations to further their global reach.
by Garland-Waide Bradford | Apr 24, 2019 | Animation News
Animation du Monde 2020 and Pop Culture take center stage at ICON Comics & Games Convention 2019!
In 2018 the African Animation Network (AAN), through its partnership with DISCOP Markets, partnered with Africa’s longest running pop culture events, ICON CGC (South Africa), NAICCON (Kenya), and Lagos Comic Con (Nigeria) to create DISCOMICS. This open network platform’s goal is to create opportunities through which these events can work together to grow and increase opportunities for Africans who create pop culture content. These events, over the past 2 years, have hosted some of the preliminary rounds for the Pan-African animation pitching competition Animation du Monde.
“Pop culture” has made great inroads into mainstream media over the last decade. This in part due to the ways through which the stigma around nerd and geek culture has fallen away. Social media has come to play a big role in this with some of the most popular Instagram accounts belonging to active cosplayers. Animation is a genre that has inspired many a cosplayer. Its role in popularising the subculture is undeniable.
Animation again played a big role at ICON CGC 2019. The event’s 27th edition. This could be seen in almost every facet of the event, from cosplayers dressed as their favourite characters, to some of the entertainment, and panel discussions. This was the backdrop wherein the first of five Pan-African preliminary rounds for Animation du Monde 2020 kicked off.
Over 4,000 people interacted with multiple aspects of ICON CGC over the Easter long weekend, which took place at Emperors Palace. People from various backgrounds and ages shared their love for pop culture through the various events that took place. These included panel discussions around the business aspects of the pop culture phenomenon, as well as a full and frank unpacking of the challenges that the South African and African industry’s built around this genre are facing.
An article by Rob Salkowitz, the author of Comic Con & the Business of Pop Culture, digs deeper into these challenges. Rob also hosted a panel discussion on the role that Africa has to play in the entertainment economy, which includes animation as one of the key components of this changing landscape.
As a Pan-African custodian of the Animation du Monde pitching competition brand, AAN, through a partnership with Annecy Int. Animated Film Fest’ & Market/MIFA, is always looking for opportunities that will empower creatives, and to showcase African talent. The winners of this year’s preliminary rounds will go through to the Continental Final held at DISCOP Johannesburg in late November, where they will be mentored by some of the best in the business.
Some of the most talented African animation creators presented their work both live and through video presentations at ICON CGC. In the end the 3 projects chosen were; Pixel’s Plan by Cate Wood Hunter (South Africa), Into the Odd by Moshood Shades Ridwan (Nigeria), and Flying Low by Sean Steinberg & Sean Braam (South Africa). African storytelling through animation is gaining confidence and whilst these projects are unique and very different they have an authentic African voice.
The Animation du Monde preliminary round was one of 3 international competitions taking place at ICON CGC this year. It included the region final for the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) competition which saw two teams being selected to represent South Africa (and by extension Africa) at WCS held in Nagoya, Japan in both 2019 and 2020. 8 teams competed but in the end it will be KinNeko Cosplay who will attend WCS 2019 and Team BakaYama who will attend in 2020.
These kinds of competitions provide contenders with access to compete on a global stage at the highest level– opportunities that were not available several years ago. It makes it possible for Africa to change the opinion the world has of it. It also means that new audiences are able to appreciate what the continent has to offer. WCS and Animation du Monde are opening doors for creators that were previously only available outside the continent.
The call for the second prelim of the Pan-African Animation du Monde taking place at DISCOP Abidjan is currently open. Francophone Africa has in the past proven it has what it takes to compete internationally. Ingrid Agbo (Togo), a DISCOP Abidjan 2017 semi-finalist, would later go on to win an historic pre-sale at MIFA Pitches 2018 via the Continental Final at DISCOP Johannesburg 2017. Contestants have until the 17th of May to submit their project and can do so by clicking HERE. Video pitches will be accepted for those not able to attend the preliminary regional round at DISCOP Abidjan however, candidates who are able to attend the event will be given preference. The competition regulations can be viewed HERE.
We look forward to seeing your project for this leg of the prelims!
Subscribe to our newsletter and keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for news on when the preliminary rounds will be in your region!
Garland-Waide Bradford has a career path that has varied from corporate work as a public relations manager in communications strategy to media work as an insert producer for factual television. These were purposeful choices to understand how to integrate creative choices with market requirements in turning content into brands. Growing up in a township meant that these educational opportunities were out of reach due to access and financial constraints. But, having paid his dues through work, Bradford is a dynamic thinker who owns a skills set that is third industrial revolution ready. He completed his BA Honours in Media Studies in 2017. His focus has been on media management and has been studying models of sustainability in the media for several years. He started his journey with the African Animation Network as Head of Communications in 2017 where he hopes to use his skills to empower aspirant animation professionals and member associations to further their global reach.
by African Animation Network | Apr 16, 2019 | Animation News
Animation du Monde / ICON Deadline Extension / First Judge & Mentor Announced!
During a press conference on Monday, 15 April in Paris, Annecy Int. Animated Film Fest’ & Market/MIFA announced their exciting animation film line-up whilst also welcoming Nora Twomey as MIFA Campus’ first female patron. Twomey, a partner at Cartoon Saloon, directed the critically acclaimed The Breadwinner.
The MIFA Campus is an exciting opportunity for students and professionals from around the world to meet with recruiters, attend various master-classes and discuss initiatives and schemes in the animation industry. As a custodian of the Animation du Monde brand in Africa, the African Animation Network (AAN) are proud to be associated with an organisation that places such great importance on empowerment, a cornerstone of AAN’s mandate as a social enterprise.
African animators are therefore invited to take part in the first preliminary round of the Pan-African Animation du Monde pitch season that will take place at ICON Comics & Games Convention (ICON CGC) from the 20th to the 22nd of April at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa. The deadline for project registrations have been extended. Contestants have until the 18th of April (8AM CAT) to submit their project and can do so by clicking HERE.
Video pitches will be accepted for those not able to attend the preliminary regional round at ICON CGC however, candidates who are able to attend the event will be given preference. The competition regulations can be viewed HERE.
AAN have also assembled an exciting panel of international judges & mentors for this year’s Animation du Monde Continental Final that will take place at DISCOP Johannesburg in November 2019.
The first of the judges & mentors to be announced is Rathan Sam George (Chief Operating Officer, Toonz Media Group), who has the following to say of his involvement; “We at Toonz Media Group produce over 10,000 minutes of animation a year and have recently seen the raw potential of African creators. Partnering with AAN has created opportunities for us to share our knowledge, as well as reach out to these creatives in a way that will grow the animation industry locally. I am personally excited to find co-production and IP investment opportunities in Africa”.
The African Animation Network is a pro-profit, talent-driven social enterprise and open network with a core mandate to empower African animation professionals and build a sustainable African animation industry.
by Garland-Waide Bradford | Apr 11, 2019 | Animation News
Animation du Monde 2020 at ICON Comics & Games Convention!
The 27th edition of ICON Comics & Games Convention (ICON CGC) is taking place from the 20th to the 22nd of April at Emperors Palace. It will host the first preliminary round of the Pan-African Animation du Monde pitch season. Contestants have until 15th of April to submit their project and can do so by clicking HERE. Video pitches will be accepted for those not able to attend the preliminary regional round at ICON CGC however, candidates who are able to attend the event will be given preference. The competition regulations can be viewed HERE.
Although this is only the 3rd edition of the competition, it has already created opportunities for African producers that haven’t existed before. During the Animation du Monde 2018 finals at Annecy Int. Animated Film Fest’ & Market/MIFA, Ingrid Agbo (from Togo) secured a pre-sale for her project L’arbre à Palimpseste which is currently in pre-production. Ingrid qualified with her project through the 2017 regionals run by the African Animation Network (AAN) at DISCOP Abidjan and won one of two places to represent Africa at the Animation du Monde 2017 Continental Finals at DISCOP Johannesburg.
Animation du Monde focuses on developing animation territories across the world and gives contestants the opportunity to participate at the highest level internationally during the MIFA Pitches programme. The MIFA Pitches are arguably the biggest animation focused pitching forum in the world and take place against the backdrop of the Annecy Int. Animated Film Festival/MIFA (Annecy/MIFA) in France.
The Pan-African Animation du Monde preliminary pitch season also creates opportunities for creators to build relationships with other African animation filmmakers. Ingrid is using the platform that the pre-sale she won has given her, to recruit talent from across the continent to work on first season of L’arbre à Palimpseste as she builds partnerships with broadcasters from across the world.
South African producer Isaac Mogojane, a MIFA Pitches Finalist in 2015 and MIFA Pitches Winner in 2018 (Disney Prize) shared with us his experiences in pitching at MIFA. “ I have had the privilege of presenting projects at MIFA twice. The first time I was there was in 2015 when I presented the action/adventure series, Anansi. Last year, our second project, Junk Pilots was accepted into the global TV pitches category and this time round, it took home the Disney Prize. Presenting your ideas at Annecy and MIFA is a great way to build a profile around your project. Each year, the market gets bigger, more projects are picked up and more deals are concluded in Annecy. This makes it therefore a great platform to engage with the world about your creative vision and how you imagine it coming to life.”
Animated short films and TV series have shown great potential to foster partnerships across the continent and globally. At the 2017 Animation du Monde Continental Final, Wendy Spinks’ & Clea Mallinson’s short film Mumue was selected, alongside Ingrid Agbo, to represent Africa at Annecy/MIFA 2018. Although Mumue didn’t win during the pitch sessions in 2018, Wendy went on to win the Digital Lab Africa NEF Animation – Nouvelles Ecritures pour le Film d’Animation International Residency with another project of hers I am Chuma. Wendy had the following to share about her Animation du Monde experience: “Pitching at Annecy/MIFA has been a personal goal for me for some years and it was a real humbling moment that it would come via Mumue, which is a project I know to have allowed myself, for the first time, to really bring forward my personal creative and authentic voice to rise above the priority for commercial viability of the project and to address a social cause I care deeply about.”
At the 2018 Continental Finals held at DISCOP Johannesburg, The Troublemakers presented by Nildo Essa (of Mozambique) and The Makerbolts presented by Dami Solesi (of Nigeria) won the two places to represent Africa at the 2019 Animation du Monde Finals in Annecy. Nildo shared some insights on his journey thus far: “We wanted to create little heroes that our children could relate to… and ever since then has been a very rough and hard road to go on because we don’t have the ability to get aid from local entities or the government. We were able to compete in the prelims of the Pan-African Animation du Monde competition for Annecy 2019, we were one of the 10 chosen projects to compete in the Continental Finals… after some very needed guidance by the event’s judges and mentors we were one of the winners and now we are going to pitch our series project Os Pestinhas or The Troublemakers at Animation Du Monde at Annecy this year!”
At the Continental Finals held at DISCOP Johannesburg 2018, all the finalists got to work on their projects with industry heavy hitters who were both judges and mentors. These included names like Alexis Ducord & Arthur de Pins (Co-directors of Zombillenium), Mike de Seve (Creative Director at Baboon Animation), Rathan Sam George (CCO of Toonz Media Group), and Géraldine Baché (Head of Projects at MIFA). As part of the Annecy – MIFA Animation du Monde – Skills Programme, a programme of workshops, masterclasses, one-on-one project evaluations and pitch practice sessions were run at DISCOP Johannesburg ahead of the Continental Final. Participants were given valuable insights into both improving their projects and their pitching techniques.
Through the DISCOMICS footprint– an initiative run by DISCOP Markets and AAN– and which includes partnerships with 3 of Africa’s longest running comic conventions, AAN will be hosting 4 regional prelims in Johannesburg (at ICON CGC), Abidjan (DISCOP Abidjan), Lagos (at Lagos Comic Con), and Nairobi (Nairobi Comic Con). Because, the partners are always looking to create new opportunities for creators across Africa, AAN has partnered with the Accra Animation Film Festival (AAFFia) to add a 5th regional prelim.
Subscribe to our newsletter and keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for news on when the preliminary rounds will be in your region!
Garland-Waide Bradford has a career path that has varied from corporate work as a public relations manager in communications strategy to media work as an insert producer for factual television. These were purposeful choices to understand how to integrate creative choices with market requirements in turning content into brands. Growing up in a township meant that these educational opportunities were out of reach due to access and financial constraints. But, having paid his dues through work, Bradford is a dynamic thinker who owns a skills set that is third industrial revolution ready. He completed his BA Honours in Media Studies in 2017. His focus has been on media management and has been studying models of sustainability in the media for several years. He started his journey with the African Animation Network as Head of Communications in 2017 where he hopes to use his skills to empower aspirant animation professionals and member associations to further their global reach.
by Garland-Waide Bradford | Mar 30, 2019 | Animation News
If you have an animation project you have been working on that’s pitch ready, or one that’s been sitting on a hard drive somewhere, it’s time to dust it off. The Pan-African Animation du Monde 2020 preliminary pitch season is kicking into gear!
As a Pan-African brand custodian of the Annecy – MIFA Pitches Animation du Monde pitching competition the African Animation Network (AAN) is launching the 3rd annual regional prelims across 5 events, starting with ICON Comics & Games Convention (ICON CGC). ICON CGC is the oldest pop culture event of its kind in Africa.
Animation du Monde’s mission is to give animation projects in developing animation industries from across the world the opportunity to participate at the highest level internationally during the MIFA Pitches. The MIFA Pitches are arguably the biggest animation focused pitching forum in the world and takes place against the backdrop of the Annecy International Animated Film Festival & Market/MIFA in France. A place where animation filmmakers can celebrate the craft while building relationships and a deeper understanding of the industry. During the 2018 Animation du Monde Finals in Annecy; Ingrid Agbo, from Togo, secured an historic pre-sale for her project L’arbre à Palimpseste which is currently in pre-production.
Agbo qualified with her project through the 2017 regional prelims run by AAN at DISCOP Abidjan and thereafter, won one of two places to represent Africa at the 2018 Animation du Monde Finals whilst competing at the continental finals at DISCOP Johannesburg. Through her journey she was able network with other African animation filmmakers who were able to help her refine her project through to the 2018 Animation du Monde Finals in France. Through the relationships she had built she has been able to recruit African talent from across the continent to work on the first season of L’arbre à Palimpseste as she builds partnerships with broadcasters from across the world.
Through its DISCOMICS footprint– an initiative run by DISCOP Markets and AAN– and which includes partnerships with 3 of Africa’s longest running comic conventions, AAN will be hosting 4 regional prelims in Johannesburg (at ICON CGC), Abidjan (DISCOP Abidjan), Lagos (at Lagos Comic Con), and Nairobi (Nairobi Comic Con). Because, the partners are always looking to create new opportunities for creators across Africa, AAN has partnered with the Accra Animation Film Festival (AAFFia) to add a 5th regional prelim.
At the 2018 continental finals held at DISCOP Johannesburg, The Trouble Makers presented by Nildo Essa (of Mozambique) and The Makerbolts presented by Dami Solesi (of Nigeria) won the two places to represent Africa at the 2019 Animation du Monde Finals in Annecy. At the continental finals held at DISCOP Johannesburg, all the finalists got to work on their projects with industry heavy hitters who were both judges and mentors. These included names like Alexis Ducord & Arthur de Pins (Co-directors of Zombillenium), Mike de Seve (Creative Director at Baboon Animation), Rathan Sam George (CCO of Toonz Media Group), and Géraldine Baché (Head of Projects at MIFA). As part of the Annecy – MIFA Animation du Monde – Skills Programme, a programme of workshops, masterclasses, one-on-one project evaluations and pitch practice sessions were run at DISCOP Johannesburg ahead of the continental final. Participants were given valuable insights into both improving their projects and their pitching techniques.
Nildo Essa (left of Mozambique) and Dami Solesi (right of Nigeria) will represent Africa at the Animation du Monde finals at Annecy 2019.
“The value of entering a pitch competition like Animation du Monde goes far beyond winning or losing. Through it you build relationships, your confidence to sell your project, and most importantly the insight of industry professionals with years of experience on projects from around the world.” says Nick Wilson, Head of Projects & Content at AAN. “Animated short films and series have shown great potential for both continental and international partnerships, with a higher possibility to raise funding, get them produced and reach audience. It’s with this in mind that there will be a strong focus on short films and series for this year’s pitching competition“
Subscribe to our newsletter and keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for news on when the preliminary rounds will be in your region!
Garland-Waide Bradford has a career path that has varied from corporate work as a public relations manager in communications strategy to media work as an insert producer for factual television. These were purposeful choices to understand how to integrate creative choices with market requirements in turning content into brands. Growing up in a township meant that these educational opportunities were out of reach due to access and financial constraints. But, having paid his dues through work, Bradford is a dynamic thinker who owns a skills set that is third industrial revolution ready. He completed his BA Honours in Media Studies in 2017. His focus has been on media management and has been studying models of sustainability in the media for several years. He started his journey with the African Animation Network as Head of Communications in 2017 where he hopes to use his skills to empower aspirant animation professionals and member associations to further their global reach.
by African Animation Network | Nov 22, 2018 | Animation News
DISCOMICS founders; African Animation Network (AAN) & DISCOP Markets announced at a press conference at the recent DISCOP Joburg event, the official launch of DISCOMICS IQEMBU.
AAN’s core mission is to create a sustainable African animation industry and central to achieving this goal is industry related education. Through its work across the continent over a number of years, AAN has established a Pan-African partner network of national animation associations, animation festivals and pop culture events that now includes (subsequent to an equity investment made by DISCOMICS) the 3 longest-running comic conventions in Africa; Nairobi Comic Con in Kenya, ICON Comic & Games Convention in South Africa and Lagos Comic Con in Nigeria.
DISCOMICS FOOTPRINT:
Based on this inclusive network and DISCOP’s footprint of markets across the continent, DISCOMICS IQEMBU, with the support of key international industry partners, including; Toonz Media Group, Baboon Animation and Toon Boom Animation; will drive a 3-pronged strategy forward.
The 3-pronged strategy announced last week includes the following:
- DISCOMICS FUKAMELA – incubate in isiZulu
- DISCOMICS SHESHISA – accelerate in isiZulu
- DISCOMICS IQEMBU – cluster or group in isiZulu
INDUSTRY PARTNERS:
Based in India, Toonz Media Group is a global leader in animation production producing over 10,000 mins of animation per year. Baboon Animation, based in New York, is a world leading animation IP development team having created Emmy Award Winning and Oscar nominated writing, directing, and design for over two decades. Toon Boom Animation, based in Canada, is the leading 2D animation software service provider in the world today.
AAN will co-develop animation production curricula, including a TOONZ ANIMATION FUKAMELA, and a specialised animation writing curriculum, a BABOON ANIMATION FUKAMELA. When the partners are happy with the quality of the work produced, roughly after six months, the TOONZ ANIMATION SHESHISA and BABOON ANIMATION SHESHISA will launch. Both Toonz Media Group and Baboon Animation will supply service work to sustain the talent pool, pipeline and infrastructure.
In partnership with Toon Boom Animation, AAN will co-develop a specialised 2D animation curriculum, a TOON BOOM FUKAMELA. Inclusive of the TOON BOOM FUKAMELA will be training for the creative leads/trainers. Once these creative leads have finished their training, the TOON BOOM SHESHISA will launch, an internationally accredited TOON BOOM CENTER OF EXCELLENCE.
SIGNING OF AGREEMENTS:
CEREMONIAL SIGNING OF AGREEMENTS
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Nick Wilson (Head of Projects & Content AAN & Co-founder DISCOMICS), Rathan Sam George (Director of Operations Toonz Media Group), Tim Mangwedi (Director, DISCOP Africa), Harry Ravelomanantsoa (Toon Boom Representative & Sales agent – Middle East & Africa), Mike de Seve (Creative Director Baboon Animation)
QUOTES FROM THE PARTNERS:
“India is arguably the global leader in animation production and we can think of no better partner than Toonz Media Group.“ Nick Wilson, Head of Projects and Content at AAN and co-founder of DISCOMICS, says; “Furthermore, North America, and particularly the US, has been at the forefront of animation IP development since the inception of the animation industry. The plethora of Emmy Awards and Oscar nominations that the Baboon Animation team has been responsible for clearly illustrates that. And, having a global leading technology partner like Toon Boom, ensures we work to the highest global standards. We’re exceptionally proud to have these 3 partners in the DISCOMICS IQEMBU. The long-term future of African animation looks exceedingly healthy.”
Mike de Seve, Creative Director of Baboon Animation has this to say of the partnership; “Many regions have built thriving animation industries starting with service work– later growing to be true creative voices in the world market. Over the years we’ve watched it happen in Japan, Korea, India and more recently China. African countries can be next: its talent pool is immense, and its vision unique. Baboon is thrilled and honored to be here at the beginning of this amazing adventure!”
“Toonz Media Group is excited to start this journey with Africa. As the industry on the continent grows, it will become capable of sustaining itself. Education has been a cornerstone in our strategy in India to grow our own industry. Investing into the local talent pool through developing a curriculum is just as important to developing the African animation industry.“ says P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group.
“Toon Boom has, for many years, been looking at opportunities to grow its market share in Africa”, says Francois Lalonde, VP Sales and Marketing, Co-President of Toon Boom Animation Inc.; “We know of the huge creative talent pool on the continent and we’ve been trying to tailor our strategy around the unique requirements of the African animation industry. This partnership with DISCOP, AAN, Toonz Media Group and Baboon Animation is extremely exciting on many levels for Toon Boom as it is directly aligned with our vision in Africa.”
Patrick Zuchowicki, CEO of DISCOP Markets is equally optimistic about the future of animation on the continent; “AAN and DISCOP have worked tirelessly to bring together global market leaders for its DISCOMICS IQEMBU initiative. We’ve done extensive research into global trends in animation production and consumption to bring together global leaders in a best-of-breed solution and we are confident of the continued growth of this sector in Africa where over 60% of the population is under the age of 35. There is an incredible opportunity for significant job creation across the continent through DISCOMICS IQEMBU.”
For more information:
www.discop.com
https://africananimation.net/
The African Animation Network is a pro-profit, talent-driven social enterprise and open network with a core mandate to empower African animation professionals and build a sustainable African animation industry.
