Creative Wales looking to support animation talent
Skwigly
Creative Wales, the Welsh Government agency that represents Wales’ creative industries confirms that the ‘doors are open’ to animation talent in Wales, amid the major potential to develop the sector and overwhelming global demand for content.
This call to action comes ahead of the launch of series three of The Rubbish World of Dave Spud (Illuminated Films) on 17th July on CITV, which – once again – has been created using the services of Cloth Cat Studios in Cardiff.
Lupus Films’ animated feature Kensuke’s Kingdom, a hand-drawn animated feature was also created by a partnership production team that included Welsh animators, this time via BumpyBox. The feature premiered at this year’s Annecy Festival and was nominated for the coveted Cristal for Best Feature. Featuring an illustrious voice cast including Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) and BAFTA Award nominee Cillian Murphy (Inception, 28 Days Later), the film highlights the high level of talent on offer in Wales, now utilised by globally renowned studios.
Hollowpixel Studio is another Welsh animator with an impressive story to tell. Having received support from Creative Wales over the last three years, they first worked with Poked Studio on the animation Ungameland before embarking on their first solo project Codelings. More recently, Hollowpixel found success in Los Angeles as their film, Order of the Dragon won Best International Short Film 2023 at the Marina Del Rey film festival. Filmed in the Brecon Beacons, the film depicts a mother and daughter who move to Wales only to discover that dragons are real and have infested their new home. The feature has since been submitted to festivals across the world.
Recent industry research figures show that the Digital creative sectors in Wales (inc. Animation, Games, CreaTech, VFX and Post-Production) employ more than 8,000 people and are already turning over £270m annually* Creative Wales is keen to grow the sector further, partly by supporting its vibrant animation sector.
The Creative Wales Production Fund aims to support the development of animation businesses, talent, and projects in Wales, to drive further growth in the sector. It is issuing an open call for Welsh animators, both independent and/or studios, to apply for production funding, with funds of between £50,000 and £500,000 available for successful applicants and is actively encouraging the production of more animated TV series in Wales by offering up to 10% on top of UK animation tax credits for qualifying productions.
Productions and organisations that celebrate Wales’s culture, language, and geography, as well as demonstrate the latest sustainability and wellbeing practices, will be prioritised. The scheme will also support the development of skills in the sector, safeguarding the future of animation in the region and giving it the means to progress.
There is a strong talent base in Wales, and lots of industry guidance and funding support available, and we want to hear from creatives working in Animation in particular.
The support provided to creative projects via Creative Wales’s Production Fund has boosted the Welsh economy by £187 million since its launch; with funding provided to several projects across Film, TV, Animation and Games. We significantly invest in the Music industry, Publishing and Skills and Talent, and continue to work with key stakeholders to enhance R&D and innovation in the sector.
We are committed to supporting creatives, by identifying and addressing industry needs, working closely with our workforce and recognising talent. Our message is clear to aspiring animators: you can create a long and successful career in animation in Wales, with the chance to work on major projects for streaming services, television, and film. It’s an exciting time to join the sector, and we look forward to hearing from you.
–Gerwyn Evans, Deputy Director of Creative Wales
As well as the Production Fund, Creative Wales recently ran a Young Content Fund to boost the development of bilingual (Welsh) animation and live-action programming for children and young audiences. Just under £300,000 has been awarded to eight animation studio projects that are currently in development, with further funding announcements expected later this year.
How to apply for Production Funding
To make an application first read the Production Funding Guidelines. If you feel your project may be eligible for funding, please visit the Online Eligibility Checker where you will be prompted to answer a series of eligibility questions. Based on your responses, you will be advised on the next steps.
Applications will be assessed against six key criteria: Economic Impact, Commercial Viability, Skills & Talent Development, Equality, Diversity & Including, Cultural Representation of Wales and Sustainability. The funding seeks to boost the number and variety of productions made in Wales, as well as improve employment opportunities and maximise the economic impact of productions to local economies in Wales and the supply chain.
Creative Wales can also provide up to 10% in additional funding on top of UK tax credits Inquiries are welcomed from animators looking to develop projects, including those based outside of Wales, if 50% of the IP is owned in Wales.