Blog written by Kole Ade Odutola, Nigerian poet, scholar, activist

Introduction

If anyone told you that there are Nigerians (or even Africans) who have expertise in the production of animations; would you believe it or will you like me reach out to the nearest search engine to fish out one example?

In my case I looked through some sections of the World Wide Web to seek out someone who could tell me about the state of affairs in the art of animation and maybe express fears in the present or in the future. I did not need to look too far when facebook came to my rescue and delivered as it were a graduate of Civil Engineering to my in-box. It is imperative that you read his story yourself and check out the various links he graciously supplied.

Ha !! before you enjoy (or reflect on)  his responses to my curiosity, I will like to know why no one has written a comment on the last entries. What is going on? I may just stop this blog if you all don’t make it an engaging site. It is not ‘clopen’ blog. It is totally open and I will want you to read and respond to the ideas contained therein. I look forward to your responses in my in-box (kole2@yahoo.com) or right here on this page.
 
Ok, now back to the story at hand. Our animator of the moment is a man full of passion and vision. He is Oladeji Victor Bamidele. He studied Civil Engineering before signing up at the Media Village, Kalk Bay, Cape Town to train in 3D communications as an animator. After working on several projects with South African animation houses like Character Matters Animation Studio, Ambient Animation Studios, Telegenic Production amongst others, Deji- who has been privileged to work with the likes of Tom Roth (from Disney) and Eric Lessard (Dream works) among other South African animators- went back to Nigeria for the first time in three years in January to run some workshops in 3D communication and to create awareness for his training program in Cape Town –Animation for Africa - whose six months training and internship program at Image Animation Studios.

Now you can enjoy our over-the-net questions and answers:

(1). What is your background and how did you get into Animations?

 I am a graduate of Civil engineering, after my studies. I decided to pursue one of my dreams, which is media, though I had early  influences on me which was the fact that my dad worked in a media organization, so I grew up seeing camera and stacks of beta-cam tapes in the house; but also like every other kid, I was amazed by cartoons on TV and its  captivating hook and always wondered how the characters were created, up until when I left the higher institution, I didn’t fully understand the technology behind Animation until I went to media school to study (Video production).

From there I started birthing the dream of producing a feature 3D film, and at that time I didn’t know any school where I could study animation, so I started a search and found a couple of schools in the United States but these were too expensive for me then. Fortunately through a recommendation, I was able to find a school in Cape Town, South Africa. So that was how I ended up in South Africa. After my studies, I proceeded for an internship program in an Animation studio, after which I pick a job with them for some time, I also engaged in free lance work for a time and even started lecturing basics in 3D communication.

(2) What is the state of animations in Nigeria? How can you describe the kind of productions coming out of the different production houses?

We are not there yet, but it’s amazing what the guys here are chucking out, the spirit and passion is there which is key, we just need a bit of guidance from experience animators and projects to kick start the industry . You can really see the bits and pieces here and there on our screen especially music videos and several montages.

(3) How will you compare stories you produce to productions elsewhere. Do you think the technology allows producers to include cultural ideas and stamps that show the identity of Africa/Nigeria?

I think a lot of people don’t yet have the experience of writing for animation, it’s definitely not the same. Writing for live action and writing for a 3D movie are two different things but all of that comes with experience and training, that is why an American writer can pick an Africa story and transform it totally into something every audience would applaud.

Technology isn’t a problem, with funds you can acquire any technology any where…the most important factor here is the artist, the story and funding. You will agree with me that Africa has got lots of rich stories but how do we translate those into world class pieces, remains the issue.

In responding to your question I will ask myself this question:

Do we have good animation directors and script writers who can translate raw ideas into master productions?  Once we begin, and the industry begins to grow in terms of proper production then we can deliberately begin to infuse/ stamp our identity into our work.

(4) What are the major problems for animators in Nigeria?

Lack of exposure, training and funding for big projects as you know animation is very expensive and takes lots of time. I think another issue is impatience, Animation isn’t like live action where you can chuck out films every 3 months or 3 weeks, at times a feature film like the one I worked on, can take up to 2 - 3 years working every day.  Do we have that character to wait? Can the investor wait that long? It’s a big issue.

(4.1) Are there training schools in Nigeria/Africa for professionals interested in animations? If yes where?

Training school are beginning to spring up in Nigeria specially in Lagos a least I have heard of one or two, but for sure seminars and short courses are also taking place.  You can check out http://www.ticfilmschool.com

(5). Do you have links to your work(s)...that can be included in the blog?
http://www.lionofjudahthemovie.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrjG_a30eGI

I was one of the lead pre-viz animator for Lion of Judah, it was a privilege working with great animators on this project.

(6). How do you see the future of animation in Nigeria?

We will get there…we have the stories, beautiful stories virtually every place you go in the country.You find every interesting stories of animals, fictions, it’s unbelievable. With lots of support we can begin our way into first, a support/service 3D industry and then have a 3D industry, I mean we already have a background in videos; we are also not doing badly with our videos. With funding the guys here will cook up a storm.

(7) Have you won any competition recently or anyone you know? 

 NO. There is no animation industry here. I’m  hoping to start something here soon, like an award for works in partnership with relevant bodies both local and international , I’m trying to get a friend of mine here – Eric Lessard (one of the lead animators for Shrek and Madagascar), he might be visiting soon. Hopefully, we can do some seminars and also encourage people.

Character Matters has just finished working on Africa's 1st full length featured CGI animated feature, 'The Lion of Judah'. The movie, commissioned by Animated Family Films in the United States and produced by Sunrise Productions, is an 80-minute, 2K, cinema production with all the bells and whistles we have come to expect from the major studios.
Links:     http://www.charactermatters.com/
http://www.lionofjudahthemovie.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrjG_a30eGI

Actors in the movie: Ernest Borgnine, Michael Madsen, Sandi Patty, Anupam Kher,
 

END-NOTE FROM YOUR AFRICAN SPACES BLOGGER:

He has lived the dream that remains in the realm of wishful thinking for many of his generation, training as an animator and working with some of the best in the industry.