WITH a view to tap into a burgeoning market, the Jamaican Animation Nation Network (JANN) launched its organisation at the PCJ Auditorium in New Kingston, St Andrew, recently.

“The vision of JANN is to see Jamaica become the centre of animation in the Caribbean with a strong global presence, as we believe we have the talent to service the animation industry,” Kevin Jackson, JANN president, told the Jamaica Observer.

JANN is an amalgamation of Jamaica Animation Network and Jamaica Animation Nation.

Jackson, who assumed the helm from Corretta Singer, promised more activities due to the combined synergies.

“We have some exciting workshops, seminars, master classes and conferences planned for 2015. We currently have four major animation studios and a few boutique studios here and there. We want to dramatically increase these numbers over the next 20 years,” he said.

Under the theme ‘Animation Goldmine: Own your Art, Own your Asset’, the event was also an intellectual property seminar for both seasoned and budding animation content creators.

“We have a rich and beloved culture that we believe the world would love to see,” Jackson said. Backed by the Ministry of Science, Technology Energy and Mining; Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO); and Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), the seminar started with a quick video from State Minister Julian Robinson, who encouraged Jamaicans to tell their

own stories.

A presentation was also made by Marissa Longsworth, JIPO copyright manager. She then joined a panel featuring legal luminaries from top law firms Myers, Fletcher & Gordon, and Samuda & Johnson during a question-and-answer segement.