For those of you who are new to my blog , I'm the CIO of Red Giant Studios LLC. We are a small animation production team that does 2D, 3D and visual effects for film animation. I recently was invited to do a speech in china at an animation conference in Beijing. It was amazing to say the least. At this current time china is very eager to become a major exporter of animation. Currently there animation market is being dominated by the animation imports of japan and the US. But its only a matter of time before the supply chains geared towards animation in china will become stronger and grow the industry to be a world leader in animation. Its true they are 30 yrs behind there trading partners. Its also true that allot of the universities there are not on par with the animation schools of the US and Japan. But with the major restructuring and government support, China is poised to change all that.
While I was there I saw allot of talent and allot of students that were willing to learn what ever they could about the international animation markets. The only problem is they don't have a style or animation sensibility of there own. I believe in time they will but as of now everything is of anime influence. Its not a bad thing. Its what happens when your familiar with what is being sold to you in huge numbers. Of all the animation that is happening in china , 80% of it is foreign. Of the 80% there is 60% Japanese animation and 20% US. So the supply chains of animation for china to even have an industry didn't even exist. Now that it does there is allot catching up to do. The advantages china has is the volume of workers. Also the governments willingness to help support the industry by making it easier for the financing of major films and TV shows. With over 300,000,000 million children , the temptation to see the true potential of the Chinese animation market added with the even larger world animation market is way to compelling to not want to be apart of.
In the end the trip to Beijing was well worth the time. China is in the beginning stages of growth when it comes to animation. The worlds economy is slowing down especially here in the US. So to be able to be invited to be apart of something that has the potential to be one of the worlds finest places for entertainment is an honor and a gift. I would strongly urge other businesses and venture capitals to explore the vast opportunities in china. The growth rate could use our skills and talents to provide a smooth transition into the future. The animation film and TV industry will blossom with new content and it will be well received by the world stage. If the opening Olympics is any indication of whats to come, then the future just gets brighter and brighter. I love films and to see film take on a new shape while it maintains what is familiar in the Chinese culture will be a welcome site to see in this bold new world.
