Film London launches new Animation Strategy
Skwigly
Film London announced a renewed commitment to the animation industry today (Tuesday 15 June 2021) during Annecy International Animation Film Festival, with the launch of its new animation strategy. With London producing more than 50 per cent of the UK’s animation output, employing over 2,500 people, since 2012 the investment into London’s animation sector has increased from £35m to over £450m a year. Film London’s strategy aims to bolster this by working with the region’s studios and producers to help the sector grow commercially and creatively over the coming years.
Film London’s animation strategy draws on a study of all London based animation studios and producers in the third quarter of 2020 which sought to understand the shape of the sector in London ahead of and during the global pandemic. The research identified six consistent areas of concern from the industry:
- Tax credits
- Funding of production and IP development
- Training, skills and diversity
- Infrastructure
- Animation as a separate commercial sector
- Celebration of London’s animation success
Film London’s animation strategy sets out key themes and actions to support the industry, from training and inclusion to funding of productions and IP development. Examples include:
- This year saw the launch of FLAMIN Animations – a new programme of commissions for four early-career black-identifying artist animators living in the UK. The first of many planned collaborations with the screen agency’s networks of equal access, artists’ moving image, new talent, games and archive film.
- A twice-a-year, New Entrant IP session will be established, allowing new talent, not usually able to access top line studios and producers, to be introduced. A speed-dating model will be utilised where new talent will have a fixed time to pitch their ideas to several studios in one session, and several key studios have already signed up to the venture.
- A programme of panels and seminars by leading animation talent will be curated to encourage school-age children from diverse backgrounds to explore career opportunities and inspire graduates to follow a career in animation. Film London will also continue to work in matching the needs and skills gaps within the industry with the higher education curriculum, working with the GLA and Adult Education organisations.
Global demand for screen content, including animation, has never been greater. The UK has an absolutely golden opportunity – one which London is seizing – to ensure our capital and other regional animation hubs can harness this. We have world leading animation creatives, producers and facilities in London. Our strategy is as much about supporting the next generation of talent to continue that, as it is about bringing in ever increasing inward investment. We want London to remain at the very forefront of global animation for years to come.
-Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission
During the global coronavirus pandemic, animation fared far better than many screen industries. Recent months have been an excellent time to take stock of the animation sector in London, to ask key stakeholders where the challenges lie and to develop a strategy outlining how Film London can best support animation, now and in the future. We’re delighted to launch our new strategy today, addressing the challenges and attracting further growth for our world-class animation sector.
-Julian Scott, BAFTA nominated Executive Producer and Film London Consultant for Animation and Kids TV
Film London is also releasing a specially-commissioned Animation showreel to coincide with the Animation Strategy launch.
Film London announced the Animation Strategy at a panel discussion at Annecy International Film Festival called Animating Our World: A UK Perspective. Festivalgoers can check out the presentation here.