Top U.K. Animators in Export Push during World Trade Week U.K.

Press Release from UKTI

A delegation of top UK animation companies looking to expand internationally will showcase their work at the world's biggest animation industry event this week, as part of a government initiative to encourage exports.

The delegation includes Bournemouth University, whose students have already worked on feature films like SHREK and LORD OF THE RINGS, alongside the likes of the Bafta award winning Pesky Productions.

The government's international business development body UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is supporting the mission to the International Animation Film Festival in Annecy in France.

Annecy will be attended by nearly 200 buyers who are on the lookout for the next big name in animation, as well as hundreds of recognised and emerging creatives, producers, service providers, broadcasters and distributors.

The push coincides with World Trade Week UK, a Government initiative to encourage exports, running from 8th to the 12th June.

UKTI Chief Executive Sir Andrew Cahn said: "Britain is a world leader in animation. We have internationally renowned expertise across sectors from short film animation, like the WALLACE & GROMIT series, to the computer generated visual feature film effects showcased in the HARRY POTTER films.

"Creative industries make a huge contribution to the UK economy, as well as to our culture. This is something that we need to support, and I am delighted that UKTI is helping these companies attend the Annecy Festival. This is the place where animators meet key players in TV, film and advertising and it throws up lots of export opportunities.

"World Trade Week UK is all about exporting which is immensely important for the UK economy. We are very much looking forward to seeing what comes out of this event."

The delegation of 20 British companies has received financial support from UKTI and South West Screen.

South West Screen's chief executive, Caroline Norbury said: "The South West is known for its thriving animation industry so we're delighted to be involved with such an important event. Attending international markets like Annecy is vital for companies of all sizes - especially in a sector where the UK leads the world, like animation.

"Our partnership with UKTI means we are able to offer support to more companies than ever before to attend this event and we hope that the festival produces some useful new leads for all the companies attending."