THE Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) has launched its first animation project, which will see 15 youngsters from inner-city communities being exposed to training and job experience in the field of animation.

Targets of the new project are at-risk youth, who fall within the 17 to 35 age group, from Kingston and St Catherine and with high CXC achievement scores in visual arts and information technology.

Pursued in partnership with Reel Rock GSW Animation Limited and Professional Development Training Institute and Girls Town, the aim is to train at least 15 youngsters in the basic principles of animation, and two weeks of training in the use and application of the Toon Boom Harmony platform.

Reel Rock GSW is one of the first end-to-end animation production companies in Jamaica. Using cutting-edge software technology such as the Toon Boom Harmony Platform for 2D and Maya for 3D animation, plus a highly skilled and trained staff of illustrators and animators, Reel Rock GSW offers its clients the full spectrum of animation services — from character, background and other illustrations to storyboarding, animation, digital paint, compositing and post-production work.

The JSIF project involves equipping a facility with the infrastructure required for establishment of the studio in Maxfield Park including 15 computers and related peripherals, office furniture and broadband communication.

Loy Malcolm, general manager for project management at JSIF, said participants will be trained to become directors, voice actors, artists and illustrators. This will allow participants to be qualified for a spectrum of animation services.

The total project cost is $7.1 million.