KINGSTON, Jamaica — As part of the Business of Sustainability for Studios (BOSS) project, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), led representatives from eight animation and film/TV production studios to the Marché International des Programmes de Communication (MIPCOM) content trade show in Cannes, France.

The delegation is the first from Jamaica to attend the event, JAMPRO disclosed in a release today.

According to the release, MIPCOM, also known as the International Market of Communications Programmes, will be a platform for Jamaican companies to promote animation projects in development, network with international industry professionals, and seek opportunities for animation features to be produced in Jamaica as outsourcing projects.

MIPCOM 2018 is hosting over 2000 exhibitors at the four-day event which began on Sunday.

Manager of the government’s Youth Employment in the Digital and Animation Industries (YEDAI) Project, Margery Newland, said the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) was pleased to support the MIPCOM 2018 delegation.

“The Government of Jamaica is pleased to finance the participation of representatives of our nascent animation industry to MIPCOM 2018. We anticipate that the networks established over the duration of the event will enhance our relationships with major international players in the animation sphere, and will contribute to the accelerated growth of our local industry,” she said.

Newland said Jamaica’s first-time participation in MIPCOM 2018 was an excellent way to boost the local animation industry.

“The delegation to MIPCOM is part of Jamaica’s strategy to fast track the development of the local animation industry, by garnering new knowledge and perspectives on global trends in the industry, and establishing honest and open dialogue and relationships with industry professionals,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Renee Robinson, Film Commissioner, said that JAMPRO was keen on the animation studios gaining solid leads from the mission, and having first-hand experience of the process to promote creative projects on the world stage.

“The BOSS programme has been long time coming, and we’re thrilled to be leading the delegation to MIPCOM. This is one of the most important content markets globally, both for acquisitions of indigenous IP and for the establishment of outsourcing deals. We have always accepted the flow of business coming towards us, but this outward mission demonstrates our confidence and drive to go out full force into the global marketplace and actively vie for new business opportunities. People do business with people they like, know, and trust – and consistent market attendance is the catalyst,” Robinson said.