My So-Called Digital Life

Outsourced Work Makes Up 90% Of Taiwan's Animation Industry

Outsourced animation work in Taiwan makes up 90% of the country’s animation industry revenues in 2005, the Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) announced Wednesday, which was report on at au.biz.yahoo.com.

CEPD figures show that Taiwan’s total production revenue topped NT$4.8 billion (US$146.14 million). By 2008, the government organization projects the Taiwanese market to reach NT$9.4 billion. CEPD states that growth is being seen in animated TV commercials and other CG productions.

Animation in China

A cartoon industry forum was held in Qingdao this past weekend. One of the numbers thrown around was that China has around 500 million readers of animation and watchers of cartoons.

About 60% of those fans are from 14-17 years old. Adults make up about 30% of the fans.

Chinese animation is criticized for not having creativity and for suffering at the hands of government controls.

Japanese anime is hugely popular with China's 250 million children. Even America's The simpson's has gained a following. The government promotes watching The Simpsons as more evidence why China should not be a free country like the US.

China has produced 50,000 minutes of animation so far this year, already surpassing last year's total.

Nickelodeon places tones on iTunes

Nickelodeon has updated its animated selection at iTunes, writes Mediaweek. Before its network premiere on November 18, Skyland may already be previewed in four episodes now available to own. Following the adventures of a brother and his sister in the year 2251, the series' first episode may be downloaded for free at the online store. Meanwhile, numerous clips from The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival, delivering independent animation from around the world, are also available to purchase. Twenty-eight compilations of approximately 180 short films are anticipated to eventually hit iTunes. - Animated News

Animation in Asia

Employees of animation companies dressed up as cartoon figures celebrate the opening of the Shenzhen Yijing National Cartoon and Animation Industry Base in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, May 19, 2006. The Yijing National Cartoon and Animation Industry Base was opened here on May 19 as part of the Second China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair (ICIF) running from May 18 to 21. The animation industry of Shenzhen is developing rapidly during the recent years. At present, the output of the animation of Shenzhen ranks number one in Asia and fourth in the world.

Shenzhen develops Asia's largest animation industry. Click here for the article!