Lucasfilm Ltd. has announced that it has established Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, a digital animation studio designed to produce digital animated content, including films, television and games for global audiences. Gail Currey, vp/gm of Lucasfilm Animation, will lead the Singapore-based creative team. The other investors in the venture include EDB Investments Pte Ltd. and Creative Technology Ltd.
"I've been a fan of Asian animation and illustration all my life," said George Lucas. "Asian cinema has had a particularly big impact on a lot of my work. When we began thinking about developing new ways to explore the craft of animation, it seemed a natural step to combine the two. By having a base in Singapore, we can create a new style of animation that will blend east and west -- and offer something not seen before."
"We're excited about this new venture," commented Micheline Chau, president/coo of Lucasfilm, who was in Singapore for the announcement. "Singapore was our location of choice for so many reasons -- a growing talent base, the cosmopolitan flavor and its attractiveness as a place to live. Our long-term partnership with the Economic Development Board (EDB) gives us the resources to begin work almost immediately, working in concert with our animation unit in California."
Teo Ming Kian, chairman EDB said, "This is a capstone for Singapore's digital media industry. We already have an established base of 17 international cable and satellite broadcasters, a burgeoning TV production sector as well as game development. This new studio will not only provide exceptional career opportunities for local animators and people keen in the creative arts, it will also attract top talent from the world over to live and work in Singapore. It will help us further diversify our economy and provide opportunities for our people with different interests and competencies."
Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion-picture and television production operations, the company's global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, serving the digital needs of the entertainment industry for visual-effects and audio post-production; LucasArts, a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game console systems and PC; and Lucas Licensing, which manages the global merchandising activities for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties. Additionally, Lucas Online creates Internet-based content for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties and businesses. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in Marin County, California. For more information, go to www.lucasfilm.com.
Established in 1961, the Economic Development Board (EDB) is the lead government agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of economic development strategies in Singapore.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
