Creative Wales, the Welsh Government agency that represents Wales’ creative industries, declares that the ‘doors are open’ to animation talent in Wales, where the sector is primed for development amid overwhelming global demand for content.
This call to action comes ahead of the launch of Season 3 of The Rubbish World of Dave Spud (Illuminated Films) on July 17 on CITV, which – once again – has been created using the services of Cloth Cat Studios (clothcat.com) in Cardiff.
Lupus Films’ animated feature Kensuke’s Kingdom, a hand-drawn animated feature was also created by a partnership production team that included Welsh animators, this time via BumpyBox (bumpybox.com). The feature premiered in competition at this year’s Annecy Festival. Featuring voice cast including Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) and BAFTA Award nominee Cillian Murphy (Inception, 28 Days Later), the film highlights the level of talent on offer in Wales.
Hollowpixel Studio (hollowpixels.com) is another Welsh animation label with a story to tell. Having received support from Creative Wales over the last three years, they first worked with Poked Studio on the animation Ungameland before embarking on their first solo project Codelings. More recently, Hollowpixel’s Order of the Dragon won Best International Short Film 2023 at the Marina Del Rey Film Festival in Los Angeles. Filmed in the Brecon Beacons, the film depicts a mother and daughter who move to Wales only to discover that dragons are real and have infested their new home. The feature has since been submitted to festivals across the world.
Recent industry research figures show that the digital creative sectors in Wales (including animation, games, CreaTech, VFX and post-production) employ more than 8,000 people and are already turning over £270 million annually (per figures quoted from a 2021 Welsh Gov’t industry survey). Creative Wales is keen to grow the sector further, partly by supporting its animation sector.
The Creative Wales Production Fund aims to support the development of animation businesses, talent, and projects in Wales, to drive further growth in the sector. It is issuing an open call for Welsh animators, both independent and/or studios, to apply for production funding, with funds of between £50,000 and £500,000 available for successful applicants and is actively encouraging the production of more animated TV series in Wales by offering up to 10% on top of U.K. animation tax credits for qualifying productions.
Productions and organizations that celebrate Welsh culture, language and geography, as well as demonstrate the latest sustainability and wellbeing practices, will be prioritized. The scheme will also support the development of skills in the sector, safeguarding the future of animation in the region and giving it the means to progress.
“There is a strong talent base in Wales, and lots of industry guidance and funding support available, and we want to hear from creatives working in Animation in particular,” said Gerwyn Evans, Deputy Director of Creative Wales.
“The support provided to creative projects via Creative Wales’s Production Fund has boosted the Welsh economy by £187 million since its launch; with funding provided to several projects across film, TV, animation and games. We significantly invest in the music industry, publishing and skills & talent, and continue to work with key stakeholders to enhance R&D and innovation in the sector.
“We are committed to supporting creatives, by identifying and addressing industry needs, working closely with our workforce and recognizing talent. Our message is clear to aspiring animators: you can create a long and successful career in animation in Wales, with the chance to work on major projects for streaming services, television, and film. It’s an exciting time to join the sector, and we look forward to hearing from you.”
As well as the Production Fund, Creative Wales recently ran a Young Content Fund to boost the development of bilingual (Welsh) animation and live-action programming for children and young audiences. Just under £300,000 has been awarded to eight animation studio projects that are currently in development, with further funding announcements expected later this year.
To make an application first read the Production Funding Guidelines. If you feel your project may be eligible for funding, please visit the Online Eligibility Checker where you will be prompted to answer a series of eligibility questions. Based on your responses, you will be advised on the next steps.