Animation market in Great White North big draw for firms

'Canadian broadcasters are required to follow government-mandated guidelines when purchasing content from international partners, including rules about representing Canadian values, such as equality, diversity and non-violence.'

Philip Callan

With over nine million children living in Canada, and with a business climate and culture similar to Ireland, the 'Great White North' is a market full of opportunities for Irish animation.

The Irish animation industry's success in developing content for audiences at home and abroad has driven a rise in employment. While only around 100 people were employed in the sector in the mid-2000s, it is estimated that more than 1,700 work in animation in Ireland today. The sector is worth almost €100m to the economy, the majority of which is export-generated.

The way children around the world view entertainment is changing in ways that are suited to the strengths of Irish providers. While watching TV itself remains the most popular way for children to spend leisure time, content is increasingly consumed on newer devices, like phones and tablets, and through digital platforms.

A Viacom Insights study, 'Kids of the World', found that, of children surveyed aged 6-11, 41pc owned their own tablet and 37pc owned a smartphone.

Canadian broadcasters are required to follow government-mandated guidelines when purchasing content from international partners, including rules about representing Canadian values, such as equality, diversity and non-violence. There is a growing trend for productions that incorporate educational content that teaches children about their world and issues such as terrorism, personal safety and internet security.

The recognition garnered by Irish studio Cartoon Saloon's The Breadwinner, an Ireland/Canada co-production with Toronto-based Aircraft Pictures, is a great example of that global trend. The feature film addresses issues such as gender inequality, political oppression and warfare, and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at both the Golden Globes and Academy Awards.

Nora Keely at Guru Studio in Toronto has highlighted Canada's co-production treaty with Ireland as a driver of projects between Irish and Canadian partners. At this year's Kidscreen Summit in Miami, an important event for the global children's entertainment industry, a panel of Canada's leading figures encouraged peers to take advantage of co-production pacts and to source international partners for projects.

One challenge smaller Irish companies must overcome is scaling and getting their name known internationally, notes Ronan McCabe of Treehouse Republic and Animation Ireland. Pitching at international markets such as Kidscreen, Cartoon Forum and MIPCOM is important. Even if a pitch doesn't succeed on the first occasion, those pitched to may remember the project later when they need to purchase content.

Pre-school shows can be easier for Irish companies to pitch to international buyers, as the older the age bracket, the greater the divergence of children's pastimes and hobbies. Dublin and Belfast-based JAM Media secured a deal with CBC for its new pre-school show Becca's Bunch, which combines live action, puppetry, 2D and CG animation to create a multi-textured world. Cartoon Saloon's Puffin Rock is also aimed at the two- to five-year-old bracket and was acquired by Netflix to air in Canada, the USA, and around the world.

In addition to North America and Europe, opportunities in developing markets in Asia, particularly China, are being targeted more closely by Irish studios. While significant barriers to entry remain, including a requirement for government approval of imported animation programs, they offer a growing middle class with a large demand. Cartoon Saloon recently signed a multi-licence deal for Puffin Rock with the China Nebula Group in a market with a population of 1.3 billion, of which 27pc are under 20 years old.

Enterprise Ireland's overseas office network is available to assist SMEs in the animation sector with assessing in-market opportunities, identifying potential customers, and supporting international buyers to source from Ireland.

Philip Callan is a market executive for the animation sector based in Enterprise Ireland's Toronto office