Hi there everyone.
3D Animation is a design art that has taken off in the last few years and has totally revolutionised the way visual arts/media are created.
South Africa is teeming with design talent in this field, however we see more and more of our talented men and women leaving our shores for greener pastures overseas, where it is much more likely for them to find jobs and make a make on the industry they love. Unfortunately it seems that the money just isn’t there when it comes to 3D animation in South Africa.
However one animation project that did take off in a big way and will was showcased on American television by none other than HBO, was Magic Cellar.
This was one heck of a step for Saffa kind.
Magic Cellar, which is a South African/Canadian project to bring African culture programme to a younger audience in the States, has been acquired by HBO (Home Box Office) and was shown in the US as well as Barbados. This was seriously big news for 3D animators in our neck of the woods.
The Magic Cellar series was commissioned by the SABC, Morula Pictures and Canadian company Chocolate Moose Media.
So whats all the hooha about? Well the fact that a 3D animated series that was created in SA has made it to America and has been licensed by a company as huge as HBO shows that we as South Africans have what it takes to mix it up with the big boys in the design animation industry.
Well to put it correctly, we know we are good enough, but now it’s time for the rest of the world to recognize our skills.
The only problem is now keeping the ball rolling, especially after the huge financial crash of recent times. It seems that 3D design companies overseas as well as here at home are struggling to keep their heads above water, so we find some seriously talented people just waiting around for the fish to bite.
What can we do here in South Africa to keep 3D animation alive and kicking?
I’d love to see companies, as well as government working together to perfect this fast moving art form in SA. Not just with cultural projects like Magic Cellar, but also with top notch animated series for our kids, as well as integrated 3D animation for advertising etc.
Do you know of any awesome 3D animation projects currently underway in South Africa? I’d love to hear more about them so that I can try and raise awareness of the plight of our local design talent.
Duncs.
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