CREATE

CARIBBEAN EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AGENCY - CREATE 04FILM&Animation -STEPSTOTHEWORLDSTAGE -ANANIMATEDAPPROACH

Filming of Noka Wheel

Noka Wheel - A Shaun Escayg Film

Finally and perhapsmost importantly, Abrahams was determined tomonetize the industry. Monetising regional animation would also be undertaken through a strategic series of steps. Abrahams recommends that first the Caribbean needs to create its own unique format, “the world needs new content, something fresh.” Next the content will require an audience and for this Abrahams suggests turning to the diaspora in order to “access millions” that already harbour an appreciation for the Caribbean-based content. Abrahams suggests establ ishing a platform thr ough onl ine technology, creating an animated television station. “This would pr ovide regional animators with a forum to showcase their work and receive a fee for their efforts.” Finally Abrahams suggests establishing a platform through online technology, creating an animated television station. “This would provide regional animators with a forum to showcase their work and receive a fee for their efforts.” Abrahams continues to check items off her lists confident that while there is still much to do the rewards are forthcoming for this creative industry. “Through the festival we will bring an international audience to our work and through our work we will take the Caribbean to an international audience.”

through this medium was realised. Though ‘easier’ should not be misconstrued as ‘easy’ as financial support from the business community remains elusive. “The challenge with business investors is that while they know animation can make a significant financial contribution to the economy they do not understand this will not happen quickly.” Now in its 12th year the Animation and New Media Festival has spread regionally and is slated for other Caribbean countries including Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Suriname. The Trinidadian animated film producer of the popular series Krik Krak Anansi hopes in time to establish the Animae Caribe brand as the Caribbean’s Animation Festival and attract international attention. “Caribbean Export Development Agency provided a great platform to communicate the festival project to a regional audience and served as an advocate to voice the potential.” The result of the agency’s support was Abrahams’ ability to build a regional network, bringing the industry partners together. “Caribbean Export served as a catalyst for helping people appreciate the feasibility of animation.” The next step is to duplicate this effort internationally. Evidence of how embracing the creative industries can impact on economy positively is visible in the case studies of England, Singapore and Ireland. The Caribbean however is yet to create a similarly sustainable model here. “It is easier for music I believe, this genre seems to be doing well but the challenge is greater for film.” Abrahams has implemented a strategic plan for animation and digital media, a staircase to success through a series of steps towards international penetration. Step one for the Animae Caribe founder was to return to home base in Trinidad. The producer had honed her skills in the United Kingdom over a 5-year period and understood that regional development was best accomplished through being based in the Caribbean. Secondly Abrahams needed to create awareness for animation as a viable segment of the creative industry. This she established with the birth of the annual animation and new media festival. The third step was to provide an educational platform for training, to help grow and sustain the industry. With the introduction of secondary and tertiary qualifications accessible in the region, Abrahams checked this off the list.

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