#Taiwan Animation #Asian Animation Summit #Netflix

Taiwan Hosts the First Asian Animation Summit

From November 19 to 21, 2024, Taipei transformed into the heart of the animation industry as it hosted the inaugural Asian Animation Summit (AAS), a significant event dedicated to the development of children's animation across the Asia-Pacific region. Organized collaboratively by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) and Kidscreen, the leading magazine in children's entertainment, the summit aimed to entice investments in Asian animation from major European and American broadcasters.

The event attracted an impressive lineup of international animation channels and streaming services including Netflix, Warner Bros., Discovery Kids APAC, and BBC Children. Over three days, the summit facilitated in-depth discussions and exchanges among industry experts and creators, fostering many opportunities for international collaborations and development within the animation sector.

A Unique Gathering of Animation Professionals

AAS is particularly geared towards creating animation series aimed at children aged 15 and under. The event featured business matchmaking opportunities, including investor pitches, one-on-one meetings, and insightful industry forums. Notable attendees included regional representatives from Japan's Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO), Thailand's Thai Animation and Computer Graphic Association (TACGA), and Australia's Screen Queensland. Many Taiwanese distribution platforms and investors, such as PTS XS, Chunghwa Digital Cultural and Creative, and Taiwan Mobile, also played a significant role by participating to understand and engage with the global animation market.

Promoting Taiwanese Talent

With a focus on amplifying original content and diversifying children's programming, TAICCA has initiated various support initiatives. These include talent recruitment, collaborations with renowned international organizations, and investment in initial project developments to enhance international co-productions. Homme Tsai, Chairperson of TAICCA, expressed his enthusiasm about hosting AAS in Taiwan for the first time, highlighting the advantages it brings to Taiwanese content creators. This summit provided a platform for Taiwanese animation studios to present their work, aiming to connect with international buyers.

Taiwanese teams showcased a total of 13 pitches alongside representatives from Japan, Thailand, Australia, and India. Among the five prominent Taiwanese animations presented were:

• - Coby Jack by Whatube Studios: A comedy short film set in Taipei that wonderfully blends Eastern and Western humor.
• - Aero Ace by TWR Entertainment: A concept encouraging exploration through the lens of imagination, where children can control machines with their thoughts.
• - Titi Roro by Play Big Music: A musical adventure incorporating the “Mudio” concept, merging music and visual storytelling.
• - Galaxy Wonders by Cheer Digiart: A sci-fi comedy short that encourages children to learn and explore the universe.
• - Pillow Pals by Pig Box Studio: An enchanting narrative underscoring the belief that toys acquire life once named by children.

These incredible pitches resonated with industry members and buyers, with