Animation Lounge to Return at DISCOP Africa 2017

JOHANNESBURG: The Animation Lounge from this year’s DISCOP Africa is set to continue at the 2017 editions of DISCOP Abidjan and Johannesburg, which are slated for May 30 to June 1 and October 25 to 27, respectively.

DISCOP and its organizers Basic Lead teamed up with Animation South Africa at DISCOP Abidjan 2016 to create the first-ever animation-themed pavilion. There was also the Animation Pavilion and Lounge at DISCOP Johannesburg, where Turner Kids hosted a pitch contest that was won by Cloud Life of Punch Monkey Studio, with Zeropoint Studios’ Hatch as the runner-up.

Nick Wilson, chair of the Export Missions Committee of ASA and coordinator of The Animation Lounge, commented: “DISCOP Johannesburg 2016 was a landmark for the African animation industry. We had more than 50 animation professionals in attendance, an increase of 200 percent on last year’s event and, for the first time, 20 students were in attendance.”

Patrick Zuchowicki, CEO of Basic Lead and founder of the DISCOP markets, said: “Our partnership with Animation South Africa to create The Animation Lounge at DISCOP Johannesburg 2016 was one of the highlights of the event. The increase in attendance speaks for itself and the feedback that we received from participants and partners of The Animation Lounge was excellent. It thus gives me great pleasure in announcing that we will continue our partnership with Nick Wilson to coordinate The Animation Lounge for DISCOP Abidjan and Johannesburg in 2017. One of the aims of this endeavor will be to bridge the gap between the Francophone and Anglophone African animation industries in 2017 with more African and global players in attendance.”

Wilson added: “We are excited to build on the success of The Animation Lounge at DISCOP Johannesburg 2016. With DISCOP’s support, and in dialogue with animation professionals and national associations across the continent, we have the opportunity to create a confluence of African animation. If you are an animation professional or represent a national association, please get involved. We want to ensure that The Animation Lounges at DISCOP Abidjan and Johannesburg in 2017 are a representation of the diversity of the African animation community, an open network to rapidly grow the industry.”