Source: Animation Mentor Blog, (2014). Why Animation Continues to Thrive as an Art Form and an Industry. [online] Available at: http://blog.animationmentor.com/why-animation-continues-to-thrive-as-an-art-form-and-an-industry/ [Accessed 20 Nov. 2014].
While I was researching online about the animation process and development, I happened across this article via Twitter about the animation industry itself and the job prospects that people like myself, an aspiring animator, can hope to have in the future. The piece talks about the reasons why animation is so successful as an art form. In recent years there has been an unprecedented rise in the popularity of animated features and shows, both for young and adult audiences. I didn't realise that only in 2002 was the category for 'best animated feature ' added to the academy awards! Previous to this, there were too few animated films up for consideration for there to be a unique category. In the 80s and 90s, the establishment of Pixar and Dreamworks animation studios meant that Disney was not the sole player in the industry any longer, and there was serious competition for the first time, which sparked a new age in animation.
"Because animation features entertain on several levels with humor, emotion, and depth, they attract a huge cross-section of the American movie-going audience who pay good money to see them. When a film can appeal to kids, adults, parents, and grandparents, you get box office magic"
This article is written from an American point of view, but it is still relevant to the European industry also. A greater demand for animted films means more studios have been able to start producing films also to compete with the studio giants. The size of the global animation industry just last year was USD 222 billion. A great deal more jobs are created constantly to keep up with demand. Apparently the animation market grows on average of 7% year on year. According to the Irish Film Board, in 2013 production activity for the independent film, television drama and animation sector reached the highest level on record. It contributed over €168 million into the Irish economy through employment creation and spend on local goods and services. This represents an increase of approximately 18% on 2012 figures and 42% on 2011 figures.
