THE BUSINESS OF ANIMATION: Diaspora Digital Content Creators: Pioneering the Industry

Caribbean Studios Leading The Charge

Date: Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Time: 10am – 3pm
Venue: NAPA HOTEL Chancery Lane Side

The Caribbean and the Diaspora is becoming a significant player in the global animation and game industry, with studios like Full Circle Animation, Coded Arts, Farr Creative, TTAP Factory, I-Scream Animation and E-Pixl Studio paving the way for the region’s creative landscape. These studios have garnered international attention for their innovative approaches to gaming and animation. The upcoming Animae Caribe 2024 Business of Animation Conference provides a powerful platform for highlighting these success stories, allowing industry leaders and emerging talents to showcase their work and share insights into the future of Caribbean content.

The session kicks off with a keynote from Laura Henry Allain who will present a case study of the hit CBeebies show ‘JoJo and Gran Gran,’ demonstrating the impact of diaspora stories on global audiences. This will be followed by Soca artist Anslem Douglas as he shares insights on ‘The Adventures of Spin & Scratch,’ an animated series about a Mice Family in New York who stores away in their home owner suitcase as she returns to the Caribbean to live. Hosted by journalist and former content producer at BBC Franka Phillip we focus on the impact of diaspora stories on global audiences.

The “Works in Progress” section will spotlight groundbreaking regional projects starting with ‘PB and the Buk’ by Shane Leekit as he shares his experience after winning the Animae Caribe Big Thinkers Pitch. It will be followed by ‘Irie Island ‘an island animated series created by Mathew Krevetz, a doctor in the Virgin Islands who use animation to educate kids about their environment and other social issues. A demo and discussion will follow which will focus on the game ‘Tobago Trek’ and its impact on tourism in Tobago.  Jeunanne Alkins’ will then dive into the rich world of Bright Eyed’s newest project – PLAY AH MAS. Animation, game design, and digital media represent the future of work. This session provides participants with the opportunity to engage directly with professionals, gain insight into these rapidly changing sectors, and understand the skills needed to succeed. By connecting experts, buyers, and investors with regional content creators, the festival is bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. As we look to the future, the role of platforms like Animae Caribe cannot be overstated. The Caribbean’s animation and gaming sector is thriving, and we have to participate in this creative, technology-driven economy. Leveraging these platforms will be essential in shaping a future where Caribbean innovation takes its rightful place on the global stage.