The Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA) celebrated the completion of its animation and multimedia masterclasses, “In Motion and In Focus,” during a closing ceremony on Friday, 12 December.
Facilitated in partnership with AnimaxFYB Studios from Ghana, the masterclasses provided the participants with extensive practical experience training in photography, videography, livestreaming and animation.
“The creative economy contributes over $2.2 trillion to global GDP and employs more than 30 million people worldwide. Animation, multimedia and digital content alone are among the fastest growing segments, with the global animation industry projected to surpass $500 billion by 2030,” explained Francis Y Brown, founder of AnimaxFYB Studios and Lead Instructor for the masterclasses. “We arrived in Grenada with a clear mission to equip its citizens with world-class creative skills and position them to participate in a rapidly expanding global industry and ensure that Grenada’s talent is not left on the sidelines of this growth.”
As their class projects for the masterclasses, the students produced 2 short films: “Oil Down Animals” and “The Last Jab.” The Last Jab, produced by the multimedia class, reflects the students’ ability to handle scripting, directing and cinematography. The animation class produced Oil Down Animals, an original animated piece of cultural relevance, demonstrating that, as Brown shared, “with the right guidance, Grenadian talent can meet and exceed competitive standards.”
Milissa Thomas, speaking on behalf of the masterclass participants, expressed her appreciation to their instructors for providing the guidance to help them realise their potential and to the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs for making the experience possible. “We entered this programme as individuals, but we are walking away as animators, filmmakers and storytellers. We discovered skills, confidence and a sense of direction many of us did not know we needed. All of this was made possible because the government of Grenada and the Office of Creative Affairs continue to invest in Grenada’s creative sector. Their commitment sends a powerful message that our talent, our stories and our creativity matter. Opportunities like this aren’t just training, they are building blocks for an industry that will shape the future of Grenadian artists.”
Orlando Roman, Advisor with responsibility for the Creative Economy, reiterating the government’s commitment to the creative industry by providing practical and meaningful support for the sector’s growth, announced: “Each graduate of this programme will receive a grant to assist with the acquisition of essential tools, including software and other essential equipment. So that you can continue developing your work and building on the skills you have gained.”
Congratulating the masterclass participants on their achievements, Senator the Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, urged them to use the tools they now possess to create boldly, fearlessly and purposefully. “The future of animation, digital media and creative technology in Grenada is bright and begins with you. Let us continue to unlock industries that were once unimaginable in our small island, but which now represent our greatest potential.”
GOCA
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