6.3 SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE HONEYCOMB REGIONS
6.3.1 NORTHERN IRELAND
• Introduction of a similar measure to the tax credit advance facility which is available in Scotland would assist Northern Ireland animation producers access an advance payment against receipt of their UK tax credit and move projects into production.
• Assess the potential of developing Derry city as a satellite cluster linked to the Belfast animation sector. The cheaper cost location and resources such as Ulster University, the North West Regional College and the Innovation Centre at the Northern Ireland Science Park could facilitate cluster development.
• Assess the potential of developing cross border animation clusters linking Derry city and Letterkenny.
• Developing the experience of new entrants would strengthen Northern Ireland’s talent pool. Measures to assist this could include expansion of Northern Ireland Screen’s Creative Animation Scheme and development of an animation graduate work placement scheme similar to the Bridge, combining specialist CPD training and work experience.
• Third level education in animation is focused in Belfast. The need for an increase in the number of animation graduates should be assessed and the potential for the development of an animation degree in Derry city.
• Strong provision of CPD training for animation professionals could be developed in Derry city to help attract companies to the area and support cluster development.
6.3.2 WESTERN SEABOARD OF SCOTLAND
• Sector specific supports for animation in Scotland appear to be low. Creative Scotland’s targeted funding under its screen fund could potentially focus specifically on animation, such as developing schemes to support developing emerging
animation talent which have been observed in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (see Case Study, page 26).
• Assess the potential of developing Ayrshire or Skye as animation clusters in western Scotland. These are cheaper cost locations than Glasgow or Edinburgh.
• Forging of strong links between the animation and education sector in Scotland should be encouraged. Incentives could stimulate this such as initiatives similar to Northern Ireland Screen’s Creative Animation Scheme.
• A particular focus on business and entrepreneurial skills development for animation could help foster animation studio development.
• Strong provision of CPD training for animation professionals could be developed in Ayrshire or Skye to help attract companies to the area and support cluster development.
6.3.3 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND BORDER COUNTIES
• Assess the potential of developing Dundalk as a satellite cluster linked to the Dublin animation sector. Its proximity to Dublin, cheaper cost location and resources such as DKIT and Creative Spark could facilitate cluster development. • Assess the potential of developing cross border
animation clusters linking Letterkenny and Derry city.
• Research is needed to provide detailed information on the nature and extent of skills deficits in Ireland’s animation sector, similar to what Creative Skillset produce in the UK.
• Strong provision of CPD training for animation professionals could be developed in Dundalk or Letterkenny to help attract companies to the area and support cluster development.
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