Yaeesh Collins|Published
Eight Cape Town-based animation studios have been selected for an eight-month accelerator programme aimed at improving their access to finance, markets and commercial opportunities.
The programme is driven by the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) timbuktoo Creatives Hub, with support from the Japanese government, Digital Frontiers and the Triggerfish Foundation.
Launched by UNDP, the timbuktoo initiative is billed as the world’s largest pan-African public-private innovation platform. It seeks to bridge the critical gap in early-stage risk capital for African entrepreneurs while building a unified, continent-wide ecosystem where startups can scale beyond their home borders.
The animation accelerator focuses on helping studios move beyond service work for international entertainment companies and develop, own and commercialise original intellectual property.
“Africa’s creative industries can be an important source of jobs and growth, but only if creative businesses can attract investment and compete in global markets,” said Gloria Kiondo, deputy resident representative for UNDP South Africa.
“When African studios own the stories they create, more of that value stays on the continent. This accelerator helps studios make that shift, from producing content for others to building companies that investors can back.”
Eight studios selected
The inaugural cohort includes Bugbox Animation, led by Candice and Tim Argall, and Fancy Horse Studios, whose co-founder Dianne Makings produced Aau’s Song for the Star Wars: Visions anthology.
Goon Valley, co-founded by Nadia Darries, is also using the programme to expand its original-content offering. Darries co-wrote and co-directed work for the same anthology.
Lucan and Motif Studios, both contributors to the Disney+ anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, are also part of the cohort. Motif is led by Craig Parker and Jacques Bock and has 15 years of experience in visual effects and animation.
Pixcomm has produced 10 seasons of Jabu’s Jungle and the Supa Strikas franchise. Sparks Flew Development Studio brings scriptwriting experience from projects including the Emmy-winning adaptation of The Smeds and the Smoos.
The cohort is completed by Studio Bo, which is developing Animal Therapy, a musical series designed to help young children understand and navigate their emotions.
African-owned intellectual property
The programme aims to strengthen links between South Africa’s animation sector and Japan’s established animation industry. It is intended to help participate studios improve their commercial readiness and compete for international investment and distribution opportunities.
Digital Frontiers, a Cape Town-based non-profit established in 2015, contributes experience in digital capacity building, financial inclusion and youth employment across the Global South.
“African animation studios have the talent and the stories; what they’ve often lacked is structured access to the commercial pathways that turn creative potential into sustainable businesses,” said Todd Malone, chief executive of Digital Frontiers.
The Triggerfish Foundation, the non-profit arm of Triggerfish, supports initiatives focused on lowering barriers to premium animation production. Its work includes gender equity, sustainability and skills development for African artists and technicians.
“Through Triggerfish Foundation’s work across the continent, we’ve seen firsthand how the right mentorship and market access at the right moment can be the difference between a studio staying small and a studio scaling,” said Carina Lücke, the foundation’s director.
Purpose of the accelerator
The accelerator is intended to help studios address that financing gap by strengthening their business models, investment readiness and access to industry networks.
Studio representatives are expected to meet mentors at MIP Africa in Cape Town next week as they continue developing strategies to take African-owned animated stories to international audiences.
IOL