Animators from Mexico and Philippines join forces

CEBU, Philippines - New partnership to bring in tech transfer, cultural exchange program Multi-awarded Mexican animation studio ANIMEX has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Filipino-owned digital animation company Cutting Edge Productions. Their new partnership ushers in technology transfer and cultural exchange programs between the two broadcast and film animation advocates. 

Endorsed by the world's leading supplier of digital media solutions TOON BOOM Animation and the embassy of Mexico in the Philippines, Animex and Cutting Edge's creative synergy looks forward to the creation of multicultural and original animated contents, and new business models. 

"The Philippines has the most talented animators. They're much more talented compared to animators in the rest of Asia and the world. From a purely artistic creative point of view, the people here are very gifted. However, they're not getting their proper share of revenue. What we need now are more local owners of animation studios who have a big vision; who can raise enough financial resources to be able to take on a more leadership role versus being at the bottom of the food chain," says Joan Vogelesang, Toon Boom president and chief executive officer.

"The animation industry in the Philippines has been built in the past on outsourcing. But the future is on creation of local content and co-production where the Philippine studio takes a bigger position, and therefore gets a bigger piece of the pie. We are confident that the linkage and exchange program between Animex and Cutting Edge will be a big flagship initiative in the Philippines," she adds.

Animex and Cutting Edge studios have 16 years combined experience in producing and marketing original animated contents. Both companies' past digital animation projects have been considered groundbreaking. 

Animex is a pioneer in Mexican animation. Its impressive portfolio includes one-minute 2D filler "Roncho: the bad luck dog" (2003) - series aired on LocoMotion Channel in Miami, USA; "La LeyendadelaNahuala" (2007) - Mexico's first film done in DTS format; "Nikte"(2009) - a film distributed by Universal Pictures; and "La Revolucion de Juan Escopeta", an Aeroplano Films and Animex co-production to be completed in November 2010. 

Animex, which has established a division in Hollywood, California, is also collaborating with Mexican-American actor and director Edward James Olmos in his first animated Mexican feature entitled "Il Americano" - a hilarious tale about a flock of birds migrating from Mexico to the United States.

On the other hand, Cutting Edge is composed of local animators and producers behind "Dayo Sa Mundo Ng Elementalia", the Philippines' first full-length 2D digital animated film, which premiered at the annual Metro Manila Film Festival two years ago. Multi-awarded film composer and musical arranger Jessie Lasaten sits as the company's president and CEO.

"Animex and Cutting Edge certainly share common grounds: birth pains, corporate values and advocacies. For the cultural exchange program, we are selecting the best candidates from both our teams. We could have animators from Mexico and the Philippines switch places twice or thrice a year," says Ricardo Arnaiz, Animex producer and director. 

As maiden venture, Animex and Cutting Edge have started co-producing their first 3D animated short film that explores the similar culture and traditions of Mexicans and Filipinos. Animex's Arnaiz and Filipino director Jerry Santiago helm the Mexican/Filipino production. (THE FREEMAN)