Thirty-seven animation instructors from 17 institutions across the island have been trained in advanced 2D and 3D animation techniques through the ‘Train The Trainers’ Module three Programme (TTT 3).

The six-week training programme held from July 3 to August 11, was aimed at enhancing the effectiveness in the delivery of local animation training programmes.

The training was facilitated under the Youth Employment in Digital and Animation Industries (YEDAI) Project signed between the Government of Jamaica and the World Bank Group.

Participants benefited from training conducted by instructors from Capilano University in Canada. Focus areas included drawing for instructors; character design process; principles of animation; and special effects animation.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, held on Friday at the Excelsior Community College in Kingston, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology Hillary Alexander said the programme aims to prepare animators to participate in the US$243- billion animation and gaming industry.

“For some of you, today’s (Friday’s) ceremony is the culmination of the programme which started in July 2015. For others, this was your first time participating. Regardless of where the journey started for you, one thing is certain, the training you have received in this module have been instrumental in preparing you to meet market-driven demands,” she said.

The permanent secretary added “this will definitely assist in placing our country firmly on a path to developing the industry and creating meaningful jobs for our country”.

For his part, Programme Instructor Adam Sale said the 8,000 training hours were well spent and encouraged all stakeholders to continue practising the lessons learned.

“I want to stress the importance of giving faculty more time to work with their craft [and] to stay current with software. The best way to take advantage of faculty is to give them knowledge, which they can then impart back to their students and the only way to do that is to give them time,” he said.

He added that animation continues to grow in Jamaica and with continued support from Government and (other stakeholders), progress will continue.

First introduced in July 2015, the ‘Train The Trainers’ Module 1 focused on equipping Jamaican animation instructors with effective teaching strategies, techniques and methodologies in the fundamental principles of 2D and 3D animation using a combination of theoretical and practical approaches.

The programme was continued the following year with the ‘Train The Trainers’ Module 2 taking a more practical approach based on technical skills learned in TTT1.

The TTT programme was designed in collaboration with Jamaican Animation Studios, Educational institutions and international education experts and is being implemented by the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology.

— JIS