Animation industry, its growth potential

That animation has developed as a global industry within the media and entertainment sector is not widely known. However, its application to feature films, television cartoon series and video games has kept the entertainment world moving. The virtual world thus created becomes an edition of the real world. Bangladeshi animators have proved their creativity by working for global entertainment giants. Yet this particular type of work lags behind its neighbours on account of weak infrastructure, regulatory constraints and a lack of required policy support from the government. But the only Bangladeshi, now settled in the United States of America and heading the DreamWorks Animation, to have won an Oscar for visual effects on a US film is Nafees Bin Zafar. He won the Academy Technical and Scientific Award as early as 2008 for developing a fluid simulation system. 

There are talented graphics designers and animators among those who freelance for entertainment giants in the USA. So far as creativity in this particular industry is concerned, there is no dearth of geniuses in this country. They can overcome the challenges they face on the creative front but when the tools are not highly advanced, the contents do not reach the depth they should have done, they are helpless. Yet the animators have taken the industry by dint of their grit and on their own initiative. A report carried in this newspaper on Tuesday last claims the country's animation industry has a potential for earning $3.0 billion a year provided that it is given the policy and supports it needs. The global market of this industry is projected to reach $550 billion by 2030. Unless the human resources and technical support become compatible for setting up powerful studios and those are structured though a network to develop computer hubs, Bangladesh will miss a golden opportunity of grabbing a share in the projected animation market. 

Sadly, the policymakers are in no hurry to develop the right ecosystem for the animation industry. An official of the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Division has candidly admitted that under this government there is no plan for helping the sector to expand as a foreign exchange earner. It may happen when an elected government takes over. Such a laidback attitude of the higher authorities speaks volume for the lack of urgency. Time is precious here. India and China lead the outsourcing market and they will go ahead further while Bangladesh will miss the boat. 

At a time when there was a need for developing the capacity of the industry by injecting fresh investment, at least the government could prepare a policy framework with provision for public-private partnership. Right now 20,000 people are working for the industry. If the industry flourished, more human resources could be absorbed. In the absence of an enabling policy, the animators have to face daunting challenges. At least the process of paying foreign employees and at the same time appointment of foreign consultants could be made easier. But none of these is going to happen because the government has failed to grasp the import of delay in taking a positive decision on this issue. The industry will have to fend for itself.