Vancouver secures first-ever city focus at leading international animation market.
Vancouver, BC -- Vancouver’s top animation talent will soon be showcased on the international stage, thanks to the Vancouver Focus at the Annecy International Animation Festival’s film market (MiFa), this June 9 to 12 in Annecy, France.
This is the first time the long standing animation festival has ever showcased a city -- usually territories are highlighted at the industry conference. This year, however, the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC), along with Vancouver industry leaders, convinced organizers that this city’s animation industry merits its very own platform. The VEC is collaborating closely with its partner, the European Trade and Investment Representative Office, Government of British Columbia, to promote the sector in this market and to organize B2B initiatives in Annecy.
The Vancouver Focus on June 11 will include an exclusive industry event, featuring a panel discussion with representatives from leading Vancouver studios Atomic Cartoons, Bardel Entertainment Inc., Eaglecliff Entertainment, Global Mechanic and Sony Pictures Animation. There will also be animated film screenings, including Global Mechanic’s short “Impromptu”, B2B activities, networking opportunities and a video highlighting Vancouver’s innovative industry. Other Vancouver studios participating in the market include Titmouse and Rainmaker.
“The Vancouver Focus will showcase our Digital Entertainment and Interactive industry, with strong emphasis on our thriving animation sector, to an international audience and will allow us to explore co-production and service work with key global professionals,” says Ian McKay, CEO, of the Vancouver Economic Commission. “We’re committed to supporting Vancouver’s animation industry, an integral part of the Digital Entertainment and Interactive sector that generates $2.6 billion dollars in revenue annually and directly employs more than 22,000 people.”
Vancouver is recognized internationally for its wide animation talent pool, proximity to other global creative hubs, solid industry infrastructure, and competitive tax credits. The success of the city’s animation industry also owes much to the competitive tax policy of the B.C. government and the implementation of DAVE, the Digital Animation or Visual Effects tax credit that was introduced in 2003.
“Annecy is the most prestigious animation festival and market in the world,” says Warren Franklin, CEO, Eaglecliff Entertainment who will moderate the Vancouver Focus panel. “Having a focus and showcase on the Vancouver industry is major coup for the VEC and our key companies who will be participating in this event.”
The Annecy International Animation Festival is the leading international animation industry event of the year, attended by more than 7,000 accredited professionals from 80 countries with more than 110,000 tickets are sold to buyers, distributers, investors and journalists. From June 9 to 12, the conference serves as a forum for information for industry professionals, includes film screenings, and showcases over 470 exhibitors.
Source: Vancouver Economic Commission
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
