The Screenskills Animation Council To Relaunch In 2019

The ScreenSkills Animation Skills Council has announced it will re-launch in the new year under new leadership.

Tom Box, Co-founder and Managing Director of Blue Zoo Animation Studio, has agreed to be the new chair. The appointment is expected to be ratified in January.

The revival of the council comes after discussions with key parties and is intended to tackle the critical skills needs in UK animation, such as 2D artist and 3D modelling artist. Concerns over skills shortages in animation mirror those in other parts of the film and television industries.

Box said: "The skills issues faced by our industry are more prominent than ever before. The booming demand for animated content means there is a huge demand for a highly skilled workforce, but there are risks to growth from skills shortages, a lack of diversity and inclusion in the industry and the changing political landscape. I very much look forward to joining the council to help bring united action to build an even stronger workforce."

ScreenSkills is working with partners including Animation UK and Pact and colleagues in film to identify appropriate members for the revitalised council. The aim is to focus on recruiting representatives from companies working in animation and paying contribution into the Animation Skills Fund (commonly known as the levy).

Contributions of £33,000 have been made to the Animation Skills Fund in the year 2018/2019 to date, a significant rise on the year before.

www.screenskills.com