KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Approximately 150 young people are now in a better position to tap into the global US$230-billion animation industry, having received certification under phase one of the Creative Industries Education and Employment Programme (CIEEP).

With an estimated investment of US$779,000, the CIEEP aims to equip participants with international industry standard training in 3D animation for feature films.

The CIEEP is an initiative of the Youth Employment in the Digital and Animation Industries Project (YEDAIP).

The training phase of CIEEP was executed over nine months and focused on training in five specialised skill areas critical to the production of full length 3D animated films. These include: designing and modelling 3D environments; model and character rigging; visual effects for animated films; facial rigging and animation; and 3D character animation.

Speaking at the recent closing ceremony at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Project Manager, YEDAIP, Margery Newland, said the competencies and certification acquired by the participants set Jamaica on the right path towards benefiting from the global animation industry.

“It’s a good step towards achieving those goals that we have set for ourselves,” she said.

Newland noted that the CIEEP was implemented by the Government, in collaboration with the CA Foundation/Studio C, JAMPRO, the Korean Trust Fund (World Bank) and Cornerstone Ministries.

“It’s a huge investment that was made by the Government. Our partnership with the World Bank goes back a long way, but this animation project was almost like an experiment with the World Bank and we are trying very hard to make it a success,” she said.

Newland informed that the project, which began under the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology and was later transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister, was executed within the allotted time.

She lauded the graduates for the tremendous job they did during the training programme and encouraged them to continue excelling in their areas of discipline.

World Bank Country Manager for Jamaica, Galina Sotirova, said the graduates will assist in strengthening the country’s animation industry, as the sector is among those cited as having potential for growth and are likely to create more employment for the young generation.

She said the trained individuals will assist in removing the barrier that hindered the country from attracting bigger contracts in the animation industry.

Founder, CA Foundation, Carlos Arguello, emphasised that Jamaica should position itself as the leader of animation in the region, adding that the initiative is a step in that direction.

Animation Specialist, YEDAIP, Robert Reid, said training and the building of a large capacity of highly skilled animators is one of the most important pillars in the development of the industry.

He noted that several programmes at the secondary and tertiary levels have been introduced to build the skills and capacity of local animators, adding that the CIEEP is one such initiative.

Through the Korean Trust Fund, experienced trainers and translators were contracted and brought in from South Korea to deliver the training.

During the closing ceremony, the animators were presented with certificates, having acquired competencies in five highly specialized areas of 3D animation.

The YEDAIP aims to develop skills and capacities in 2D and 3D animation and a policy framework and strategic plan for the growth of the animation industry in Jamaica.