Francis Y. Brown, CEO of AnimaxFYB Studios, has called for increased government support to strengthen Ghana’s emerging animation industry. Speaking during the studio’s 10th-anniversary celebration, Brown underscored the immense potential of the sector, as well as the obstacles impeding its growth.
As one of Ghana’s leading animation studios, AnimaxFYB has played a pivotal role in showcasing the possibilities of local animation on the global stage. However, Brown highlighted critical challenges that require urgent attention from the government, including the absence of co-production treaties and tax incentives tailored to attract investors into the industry.
Challenges Facing Ghana’s Animation Industry
“The animation industry in Ghana is still in its early stages, and there are numerous hurdles we must overcome to realize its full potential,” Brown noted. “One of the major issues is the lack of co-production treaties. Ghana currently doesn’t have such agreements with any other country, which limits our ability to collaborate internationally. This challenge also affects the broader film industry.”
Brown also emphasized the need for financial policies that could make the sector more appealing to investors. He pointed to the success of industries that have benefited from tax rebates and suggested similar incentives for the animation and film sectors.
“We need tax rebates to make animation and filmmaking attractive to investors,” he said. “Other industries benefit from these incentives, and it’s time we extend the same support to creative sectors like animation. Such measures could bring significant growth and attract foreign investment.”
Addressing the Skills Gap
Beyond financial challenges, the industry also faces a shortage of skilled professionals. Brown acknowledged this gap but expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to train young talents in the field.
“At AnimaxFYB Studios, we recognize the need for skilled professionals,” he said. “That’s why we’ve partnered with animation studios worldwide to provide training and bridge this gap. Our Koliko Training facility has been instrumental in nurturing young animators, and we aim to train at least 500 new talents by 2025.”
The CEO stressed that building a robust talent pipeline is essential not only for the local industry but also for positioning Africa as a player in the global animation market.
“The global animation industry is growing rapidly, generating billions of dollars annually. However, Africa is not capturing its fair share of this revenue. By training world-class professionals, we can change that narrative and ensure that African animators contribute meaningfully to the global industry,” he added.
Showcasing Ghana’s Potential
As part of its 10-year celebration, AnimaxFYB Studios organized an exhibition to demonstrate the potential of Ghana’s animation industry. The event attracted stakeholders, potential investors, and animation enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the studio’s creative achievements and the broader opportunities within the sector.
Visitors were treated to a showcase of AnimaxFYB’s acclaimed works, which include projects like Mmofra, Room 5, and Tutu. These animations, known for their vibrant storytelling and cultural authenticity, have earned the studio recognition both locally and internationally.
The Call for Greater Investment
Brown reiterated the need for government and private sector collaboration to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s animation industry. He urged policymakers to recognize the economic and cultural value of animation and to implement measures that would enable the sector to thrive.
“Animation is not just about entertainment; it’s a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural expression,” he said. “By investing in this industry, we can create jobs, preserve our heritage, and position Ghana as a leader in African animation.”
He further highlighted the need for African governments to take a more active role in ensuring that the continent benefits financially from its creative output.
“In 2023, the global animation industry was worth $500 billion, and Africa contributed $13.3 billion to that figure. Unfortunately, none of this revenue stayed in Africa. We need to focus on producing our own content and retaining the revenue generated,” he stated.
A Bright Future for Ghanaian Animation
Despite the challenges, Brown remains optimistic about the future of animation in Ghana. He believes that with the right support and investment, the country can become a hub for animation on the continent.
“Ghana is already leading in many aspects of animation, and we have the talent to compete globally,” he said. “What we need now is the infrastructure and policies to support that talent and help it flourish.”
As AnimaxFYB Studios continues to push boundaries and inspire new generations of animators, the call for government support serves as a reminder of the untapped potential within Ghana’s creative sector. With collaborative efforts, the animation industry could become a significant driver of economic growth and cultural influence in the years to come.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0