A delegation from the Irish animation industry led by Fis Éireann/Screen Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and including representatives from Oscar-nominated studio Cartoon Saloon will attend the World Animation Summit in Los Angeles this week.
The Irish delegation will showcase the work of Irish creative talent and seek to strengthen relationships and increase collaboration between the animation industries in Ireland and Hollywood.
It will also have meetings with major international studios such as Amazon, Netflix and Disney at the summit, and the Consulate General of Ireland, Los Angeles will host a networking reception on Thursday.
“Screen Ireland is proud to lead this Irish animation delegation with Enterprise Ireland, in what is a fantastic opportunity to further strengthen our production partnerships and relationships with US studios," said Désirée Finnegan, CEO of Screen Ireland.
"The growth and success of Irish animation in recent years is a testament to the sector’s resilience and ambition, both artistic and commercial. Most importantly, it showcases more of the original visual storytelling Irish animation is renowned for around the world that continues to connect with global audiences.”
In Association with
Kilkenny's Cartoon Saloon will be joined as part of the delegation by Irish animation studios Elk Studios, Giant, Ink & Light, Kavaleer, Little Moon, Moetion Films, Piranha Bar, Studio Meala, Treehouse Republic, and Turnip and Duck.
The summit will be attended by some of the world’s leading animation studio executives and talent, and host three days of keynote addresses, panel discussions and networking opportunities, exploring emerging trends and opportunities in the animation and VFX industries.
“Irish animation pairs technological innovation and artistry to tell heart-warming and beautiful stories,” said Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland.
“Here we are connecting Ireland’s leading animators with leading decision-makers in the world of entertainment."
The Irish delegation includes industry body Animation Ireland and professionals from 11 animation companies. Overall, the sector comprises more than 40 animation companies with over 2,500 full-time staff.
Between 2009 and 2019, the Irish animation sector grew five-fold and accounted for almost 50% of all production spend in the country in 2019. Local animation production spend jumped a further 27% last year.
"Strengthening the relationships between Irish and US studios is an essential part of Screen Ireland’s presence in Los Angeles and is part of our ambition to create new opportunities for creative talent across the sector," said Steven Davenport, head of US production and partnerships at Screen Ireland."
Andrew Kavanagh, CEO and founder of Irish animation studio Kavaleer, will take part in a panel discussion giving advice about how to find the right global partner.
Nora Twomey, co-founder and creative director of Cartoon Saloon, will take part on a panel featuring ‘Award Season Feature Contenders’, in recognition of the studio’s My Father’s Dragon, which will be released on Netflix this week.
The film was developed with support from Screen Ireland funding and has benefited from Section 481 tax incentives.
The animated fantasy adventure film is an adaptation of the 1948 children's novel of the same name by Ruth Stiles Gannett.
Photo: Cartoon Saloon's My Father's Dragon. (Pic: Netflix)
