Capilano Film and Animation

Capilano University Animation in Jamaica

Last summer two Animation teachers (Don Perro and Adam Sales) went to Jamaica to teach animation. Jamaica? We had to find out more. Here is the conversation:

What were you teaching in Jamaica? Who hired you and why did they choose you?

The class was made up of people who were: art students, teachers and a couple working animators.  We taught animation basics....really just a brief introduction.  We worked in Adobe Flash for the most part and Adam did some lectures with Softimage XSI (3D animation).  We were introduced to the World Bank by the trade commissioner for Canada in Jamaica.  The World Bank invited us down due to our history of international development of animation programs (we have set up programs in China, Malaysia and Mexico).

What was the purpose of teaching animation in Kingston?

The World Bank wants to encourage animation as and industry in Jamaica to create employment opportunities for youth.  They also want to increase awareness of gender violence issues and promote change. They worked with the Canadian Trade Commission and produced an animation festival and conference called KINGSTOONS 2013 that ran the weekend before our workshop and which was a huge success. That event alone created a huge interest in animation among government, educators and the public (4000 Facebook "likes" in a few weeks) https://www.facebook.com/kingstoonfest

Why is Jamaica becoming the next center for animation in the world?

Well, we don't know if Jamaica will be the next center for animation yet....there is interest and the government is currently investing in some training programs. One studio that was involved seems to have signed an international deal. http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads/34963 Many people think Jamaica has great potential.  They have an English-speaking population with a western culture.  They are involved with the creative arts such as drawing and music.  There is no or little difference in the time zone.  The government is pro-animation and pro-business. And of course, comparatively lower labour costs would play a part.

I blogged the trip. 

http://thejoncrow.blogspot.ca/

Below is the blog of Fabio Pittaluga, World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist for Latin America and Caribbean. We worked with him to get this all set up. 

http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2013/07/23/animation-jamaica-birth-industry-youth