What is the biggest issue facing the animation industry right now?
The decrease in commissions from major companies due to mergers, interest rate hikes and the end of the streaming wars is notable. At the same time, traditional broadcasters are dealing with a decline in ad revenue and are cutting their budgets. Additionally, inflation is causing costs to rise. As a result, running a studio profitably has become inherently difficult.
What is your company doing in response to this?
We are concentrating on ways to increase the cost efficiency of productions, emphasising our enduring relationships with broadcasters, and delving into direct-to-digital projects.
How are you using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make animated projects and how are these tools altering the role of the animator?
For our upcoming projects, we plan to leverage AI for productivity gains by automating repetitive tasks that do not involve creative expressions. We highly appreciate and value the inspiration and artistic spirit that skilled animators bring to each project.
What does the popularity of Roblox tell us about young audiences and can online social platforms be effectively used to launch new animated IP?
Roblox’s success has shown that online social platforms can be effective for launching new animated IPs, especially for younger audiences. The combination of interactive storytelling, community-driven engagement, and cross-platform experiences allows creators to test and scale their content in ways that traditional media does not easily offer. By integrating social elements carefully, these platforms can be fertile ground for starting new animation franchises or extending existing ones.
Tell us about the project you are pitching at Cartoon Forum.
The Dinner Detectives (52×11′) are a team of kid detectives who uncover mysteries in a neighbourhood full of food wonders and cultural treats. Clues first, cookies later! In a culturally rich and diverse neighbourhood – brimming with bakers, grocers, restaurants and cafés – Ying, Ayo and Aksel tackle all cases, big and small, solving mysteries and discovering different cultures and food along the way. Each episode is filled with fun, thrills and great adventures that test the kids’ skills, resources, and teamwork.
The show is adapted from a series of picture books written by Yves Stening and illustrated by Nigel Buchanan. Their company, Cartoon Creative, is the Australian coproducer of the show.
