June 17, 2009

ONTARIO INVESTS $23M IN LOCAL ANIMATION INDUSTRY

Sir Elton John, who is serving as the producer of upcoming feature animated movie Gnomeo and Juliet, and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty were both on-hand for the announcement. McGuinty feels the investment will allow the region to further develop high-quality animation and technology that will attract business and create jobs in the field. The goal is also to keep production in Toronto, where as in the past, producers may have sought animation services elsewhere.

Starz is the 3D animation studio behind Veggie Tales and the upcoming Tim Burton-produced animated movie 9. Elton John's Gnomeo and Juliet is also being produced at the studio.

Ontario also offers numerous financing incentives for those producing content. The province has set aside $1.15 billion in the Next Generation of Jobs Fund to fund companies, such as those in the digital media space, that create jobs, offer a green or sustainable feature/process, and are willing to locate a facility or business unit in Ontario.