Provincial Government visits Triggerfish Animation Studios on 14 October 2011 Denis Lillie, CEO CFC (left) MEC Alan Winde in discussion with Stuart Forrest (blue shirt) 14 October 2011 Western Cape’s animation industry a major focus for Provincial government This week the Cape Film Commission CEO, Denis Lillie and Western Cape Economic Development and Tourism Minister Alan Winde paid a visit to the Triggerfish animation studios located in the Western Cape's southern suburbs. The studios, the largest of its kind in Africa produces both 2D and 3D movies. It is therefore no secret why Triggerfish enjoys such a high profile in our local animation industry and have started productions on films that are slated to compete against the big players such as Pixar and Dreamworks. They have also recently secured Samuel L Jackson and Leonard Nimoy as the voices of two of the principal characters in their soon to be released 3D animation movie “Zambezia”. Earlier this week their musical soundtrack, composed by a South African composer received a standing ovation from the orchestra that recorded it in Los Angeles. All the South African sounds were all recorded locally. The group visit proved to be very productive and highlighted a promising future for the local animation industry in terms of the growth and production of African animation for a global audience. This was emphasized especially for the potential growth of not only film but associated industries such as gaming and merchandising. "For our work to be seen worldwide, we have to compete on an aggressive international stage against giants that have been established for decades. It’s fantastic to have support and expertise from Provincial Government and the Cape Film Commission, and it’s going to be invaluable as we go forward in growing the supporting industries like merchandising, licensing and educational TV spin-offs. We’re ready to show the world that South Africa is on the forefront of art and technology." said Triggerfish producer Stuart Forrest. The visit was one of several important initiatives local government has undertaken as a means of enhancing the growth of the province’s creative industry, with the transformation of the animation industry being the focal point in the discussions. On developing a socially inclusive creative economy for the Western province, Minister Alan Winde said, “I was immensely impressed with what they {Triggerfish} are doing in showcasing our dynamic and young talent. Their business initiatives are complementary to Provincial Government’s quest at being globally competitive, innovative and to support growth and jobs in our region.” During the course of the meeting, it was agreed between the MEC Winde, Stuart and Denis, that they would explore the development of a gaming industry locally. There is also the collaboration on education and training especially through the work the CFC is doing in capacitating the industry for development with the aim to create a further 200 jobs in the animation industry over the next couple of years. Issued by: Denis Lillie, Cape Film Commission 021 483 9070 Print Top