Starting Your Own Animation Studio?

How do you start an animation studio? Well, it is difficult to pin down the most reliable steps in building an animation studio. But one thing I know, in order for a studio to grow, it needs to engage in original content activities.

I have been posting several messages in the web with the purpose of looking for "pinoy" original content animation studios. And at the moment, I only found three namely Mind Tap Studios of the Asia Pacific College in Magallanes, Enrick Geronia's Indio Genome Project and Tuldok Animation. So, given that these are the studios I got so far, I will begin my article by giving my impression with regards to the said studios.

Mind Tap Studios is a unique creative and technical institution. It is a working studio that has a modest amount of clients who consistently make use of the creative and technical functions of the studio. Its operation does not rely on donations or private contributions rather its operation is sustained by its own revenues.

Besides providing technical and creative support to its clients, the studio is engage in original content animation as reflected by its animation arm "Mobytoons". This engagement created a natural need to put up animation programs that will develop individuals who will eventually participate in original content projects and activities.

Checking their website, Mind Tap is further developing new programs for other media platforms like digital photography, web designing and original content comic book development. I see these programs as pioneering steps toward original content development and management for animation, comic book, wed design and even digital photography.

I met Enrick Geronia in a foreign animation studio based in Makati. I was managing the creative department and Enrick was part of the production line. To be honest, we do not share certain views with regards to Philippine Animation but we do share a common vision with regards to original content development and management. In fact, I did a freelance story editing work with him under his maverick enterprise called Indio Genome Project that was a modular unit of a foreign animation studio.

Enrick Geronia's Animation Studio reflects the character of the person behind it. In a nutshell, Enrick's studio can be summarized into one sentence. "Imagine Che Guevarra handling an animation studio in the midst of heavy gunfire".

I encountered, through the web, Tuldok Animation Studio when one of the studio's core member e-mailed me with regards to the animation pre-production seminar that I plan to conduct this coming summer 2008. Tuldok Animation Studio is a direct opposite of the previous animation studios that I mentioned above. The studio is a conglomerate of individuals working in educational institutions engage in multimedia programs and animation workers. In their website, they are clearly soliciting private contributions and public donations. And if my memory serves me right, their studio is a non-profit group affiliated with the NCCA which happens to be a government agency under the Office of the President (correct me if I am wrong).

The said three original content animation studios are inspiring in the sense that they all are working for the establishment of original pinoy animation. Though each may use a different tactic in achieving a common goal, still, their collective courage to go against the flow is admirable.

In an "animation scene" dominated by sell outs and animation services, I hope that by writing about these studios, others will be brave enough to venture out the confines of animation outsourcing. I know that there are a lot of original content studios out there. So please, if you want me to write about your studio, just send me your website so that I can check it out.

You can also read the article at http://bravenewworld2004.multiply.com/journal/item/11/Starting_Your_Own_Animation_Studio

'Libingan' At Animahenasyon, Pinoy Animation Fest!

"Libingan," a 20-minute animated short film produced by Tuldok Animation Studios Inc. is set to compete in the Animahenasyon, Pinoy Animation Festival which is organized by Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) http://animationcouncil.org/.It will be shown together with other short films in the 6-20 minute category this Nov. 22 (Thursday) 8:00 pm. – 9:30 pm. and also on Nov. 24 (Saturday) 12:30 nn. – 2:00 pm at Robinsons Galleria Indie Cine. You can check the other films and their screening schedules at the ACPI website.

Tuldok Animation Studios Inc. is a non stock, non profit organization that aims to promote the creative talent of the Filipino artist through animation.This all volunteer group made this film in a span of almost two years during their spare time, making the most out of their limited resources, at their individual homes. It is supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and Wordtext Systems Inc.(WSI) provider of Licensed/Original Adobe Software.

You can check out their trailer at http://www.tuldokanimation.com/

Synopsis:

Anna is brought to the province to meet her relatives for the first time. With its unfamiliar sights, sound and smell, she doesn't like it one bit. Her experience is made worse when she meets three kids who bully her into going into a haunted forest. Together with her dog, Rambo, she ventures into the shadows and makes a startling discovery…

Reviews:

"Libingan is short, sweet, and snappy — and it succeeds just by being a simple story that's very well-told. In the small, elegant story of a little girl exploring a dark forest, it doesn't try anything fancy, but still nails all the right notes, from the start all the way to the satisfying ending."

-K-Zone Magazine blog

"More than its impressive presentation, Libingan triumphs with its desire to incorporate local traditions and mythology to its overall story, stressing Tuldok's objective to create animated films that would reflect Pinoy culture."

-Philippine Entertainment Portal

You can also read the article at The Mindanao Examiner Website at http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20071119212718

"LIBINGAN" on EXHIBITION at the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival 2007

" . . . Presented with the animated short film, THE BURIAL, by Ramon del Prado: a search for a cell phone lost in the woods becomes a magical journey for a young girl and her dog. English subtitles."

You can check out the other details at the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival website at http://cfaff.org/films.html

"LIBINGAN" is a FINALIST in ANIMAHENASYON 2007 PINOY ANIMATION FESTIVAL

ANIMAHENASYON 2007 highlights original Pinoy animation

The Filipino animator must be one of the most overlooked artists inthe Philippines. As diligent and creative as the Pinoy independent filmmaker but not as recognized, the local animators have, for the longest time, been looking for a chance (and in some cases, a venue) to finally showcase their originality and talent. Strangely enough, it is the foreign animation companies that have been recognizing the local animators by giving them steady work for the many years now. Indeed, it has been an open secret that some of the cartoons produced by foreign production houses employ Pinoy animators. No doubt about it, Filipino animators are talented but the question is: when will they be given the spotlight they so rightfully deserve?

Enter ANIMAHENASYON 2007, Pinoy Animation Festival slated on November 21 to 25 at Robinsons Galleria's Indie Cine. The festival aims to finally give professional and amateur Filipino animators a venue where they could screen their original works. "I think it is about time to give these animators a chance to show their own works," says Ricky Orellana, festival director of ANIMAHENASYON. "After all, they have been working on other's people's materials for the longest time." He says that viewers might be surprised to discover that Pinoy animators are not just copycats of American or Japanese animation. "We have our own style," he says.

Indeed, if the entries this year prove anything, it's that Filipino animators are hard to pigeonhole. "Some are in 2-D and 3-D and some used cell animation but what is really surprising is that we received entries from all over the Philippines: from Baguio to Iloilo, from Lapu Lapu to Marinduque," Orellana said. Suffice to say that the topics are also diverse. Some are interpretation of local folklore and some are original stories by the animators themselves. "Even now, I expect our judges to have a hard time picking which entries to include in the final list," the festival director said, "because some of the entries are really good."

And since ANIMAHENASYON's goal is to spotlight Pinoy animators, what better way to do that than to have two very successful Filipino animators from PIXAR (Toy Story, Finding Nemo) and Dreamworks (Shrek,Madagascar) to give a talk during the festival. "Aside from the original Pinoy works, we are also inviting two Pinoy animators who have done significant work in mainstream Hollywood," says Orellana."Hopefully, the forum will give animators a chance to discuss pertinent issues concerning not only the local industry but the international animation industry as well."

And like any other festival, ANIMAHENASYON will hand out various awards for deserving entries. Up for grabs are the GRAND PRIZE AWARD, AWARD for BEST REGIONAL ENTRY, JURY'S SPECIAL AWARD, and AUDIENCE'S SPECIAL AWARD, among others. But of course, as the festival organizers never fail to point out, the real prize is that finally Pinoy animators are not just anonymous workers toiling on some cartoon series but, through ANIMAHENASYON, artists in the real sense of theword.

ANIMAHENASYON 2007 is spearheaded by the Animation Council of the Philippines Inc. (ACPI), a non-stock and non-profit organization. The members of ACPI specialize mainly in—but not limited to— 2D or 3D animation. The organization, which is recognized and supported by the Philippine government, aims to create an identity for the Philippines to be considered among the preferred countries that service theanimation industry.

Please check the ACPI's Website at http://animationcouncil.org/

Tips on How to Get Funding/Grants for your Independent Film Project

So you've got a dream to fulfill. A project that you want done. What do you need to do to realize your dream? How will you achieve it? Do you have the time and resources to do it? These are a few questions that you'll encounter while planning your project.

If you've got friends who share the same passion, have the same dreams and are willing to work hard to fulfill them, consider yourself lucky. If you can find even more people who can be part of this team, that's even great. What's important at this stage is to create a group with one goal and one vision, all working towards accomplishing your dream project.

Of course, we've got to face reality. Money will play an important role to help you achieve what you want. You will need to search for financing to start and sustain your project until it is completed. There are many Grant-giving institutions that give grants for worthy causes, especially if your project is in line with their thrust. For Tuldok Animation Studios Inc. (Tuldok), we pitched our project to several organizations before we filed a grant with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

please click on the icons to direct you to the NCCA website

Our journey was not a walk in the park. Competition was tight and we had to justify and defend our project with the three (3) different levels of the NCCA Grants Program before our grant was awarded. Coming from our successful experience, we would like to share with you some tips on how you can have a better chance of being awarded a grant not just with the NCCA but with other Grant-giving institutions as well.

1. Unique Idea/Project Proposal

Grant-giving institutions are always on the look out for unique projects that promote their causes/thrust. This is a very important aspect. Apply ONLY with Grant-giving institutions that have similar goals with your project’s output, if not chances are your proposal will be rejected or be overlooked. As you begin working on your project proposal, ask yourself these questions – “Why should I give grant to this project?” and “What sets this project apart from the others?” For example, if you’re filing for an independent film grant, you should have a good reason why your film deserves it. Your proposal should be different, fresh, and addresses a certain need in society.

Your project proposal should be comprehensive. Research on every aspect: the budget, production plan, the production team, etc. Your budget should also show the prevailing industry rates to give the financier an idea of the costs and savings you plan to achieve. Aside from showing them that you are serious about the project, an organized cost estimate will help you plan your expenses when you do get the funding.

An important reminder: do NOT include food allowances in your budget proposal. It’s better to put your sponsor’s money where you need it the most. In Tuldok’s case, money was spent towards labor and equipment rental. Include a production timetable, a list of suppliers, financiers, etc. Also include how much money you’ll be getting from other sources, if there are any. Remember to make your presentation as professional as possible. Impress them!

2. Credentials

You have more of a chance of being awarded a grant if you can prove that you’ve already accomplished something. Having experience in the field of what you want to pursue shows that you’re focused and assures the grant-givers that you won’t waste their money. If you have no previous experience, it is better to study and gain experience first.

3. Demonstrate Organizational Skills

Sponsors and investors will ask if you have the ability to finish the project. Have you accomplished anything as a group? Do you have enough people to do it? Are they capable and well-suited to the tasks at hand? The more experienced the people involved, the greater the chance of you convincing investors to finance your project.

4. Equity/Personal Contribution

This is another overlooked aspect but an extremely important one. Most grant-giving institutions want to see what you’re contributing. If they’re supplying you with the money, what are you giving back? Is the labor you are putting in of considerable value? It would be much better if you can demonstrate to them that they are not the only ones taking the risk and that you and other stakeholders are, too. Liquidation reports are important in showing where the money from the grant is going. Always be organized and professional. Arrange receipts, and if possible, seek professional help from an independent accountant/auditor.

5. Quality of Endorsements

It would help if you know people who can attest to your ability in completing projects. An endorsement is a vote of confidence for you and your team. Make sure that your endorser is related to the industry/discipline of your project. The more experienced they are in their industry, the higher the chances of you gaining approval for your grant. It is not in the number of endorsements, but the quality of endorsers that count.

These are just a few factors that made us successful in obtaining our NCCA grant. We hope that you too can be successful should you apply for a grant in the future. A successful grant undertaking will open more doors for you and your organization to obtain more grant/funding in the future. Again, this is a case-to-case basis with each Grant-giving institution either private or government. Should you have questions, don’t hesitate to email us at tuldok.animation@gmail.com. We will do our best to respond to your query.

We believe that there should be more people/organizations creating Original Filipino-made Content and not a single group alone. The more producers there are the better for the film/animation industry and for our Country. We hope that in our small way we were able to help you. We wish you all the best in your undertakings! Please spread the word about this article so that we can inform and help more people.

Pending Application - Tuldok ® Registered Trademark

We began the long process of filing for our Trademark "®" of our Tuldok Logo last June 2007, and hopefully a couple more months we will get approved (According to the Intellectual Property Office, with their new system, it will only take about 6-9 months to process unlike before which takes years). We also noticed that in the Intellectual Property Registry, there are very few Animation Studios which have registered their trademarks. I wonder why, when in fact having a trademark registered is very important especially in the entertainment business. Nonetheless, we suggest that you get one.

According to Wikipedia, Trademarks are a distinctive sign or indicator of some kind which is used by an individual, business organization or other legal entity to uniquely identify the source of its products and/or services to consumers, and to distinguish its products or services from those of other entities. A trademark is a type of intellectual property, and typically comprises a name, word, phrase, logo, symbol, design, image, or a combination of these elements.

For more information on how you can apply for a trademark, please visit the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines website at http://www.ipophil.gov.ph/

Concept Art of "Libingan"

Here are some of the concept artworks done by Tuldok Artists namely Jun Mediavillo, Lito DeLara, Mikey Javier, Carmen del Prado, Che Bello, Marc Mondonedo, Ramon del Prado, Jeffrey Capili, and Paula Berroya. There were many more submitted last year, April-May 2006.

Disclaimer: All the artworks are owned and copyrighted by the artists themselves. They were used as inspiration in the production of the actual "Libingan" Characters and Backgrounds which are owned and copyrighted by Tuldok Animation Studios Inc.

RATED K features TULDOK under 'Yan ang Pinoy! Segment

"Kaya nating mga Pilipino makagawa ng World Class na Animated Film basta sama-sama at tulong-tulong tayo..."

Click on the PLAY BUTTON to see this video clip.

July 17, 2007 Tuldok Animation Studios Inc. Launch Event and "Libingan" Premiere Photo Collage

It was a very successful launch at the CCP Little Theater where more than 250 people graced the event including VIPS and people from the media.

Please click on the photos for bigger resolution