DISCOP Joburg Animation Lounge & Pitching Contest

JOHANNESBURG: Animation SA, which represents South Africa’s animation industry, has teamed up with Turner for the first-ever Animation Lounge at this year’s DISCOP Johannesburg.

The market will also feature the Turner Kids’ Animation Pitching Competition, which allows African producers and storytellers to present children’s programming properties currently in development to a panel of local and international industry experts, buyers and commissioning editors. The winning selection will receive a cash prize of $2,000, with $1,000 going to the runner-up.

Applicants will have the chance to schedule a brief feedback session with Turner. All delegates will be able to participate in a sharing session and Q&A before the pitching competition at DISCOP Johannesburg, which is taking place from November 2 to 4 at the Sandton Convention Center.

“This partnership with Turner is indicative of the bargaining power of the collective and is validation for the efforts of all the volunteers at Animation South Africa over the years,” said Nick Wilson, chair of the Export Missions Committee of Animation South Africa. “Our mandate is to grow the animation industry in South Africa and there is no better way to do that than in dialogue with one of the biggest players in global animation.”

“It is a great opportunity for Turner Africa to sponsor the Animation SA booth and pitching competition,” added Pierre Branco, Turner’s VP and general manager for Southern Europe and Africa. “This is also a demonstration of how we are strengthening our presence across the continent, and building our local production strategy to create content that is both relevant and engaging for our African audiences.”