Omnilab opens NZ animation arm
Ominilab Media has launched the new Auckland CGI animation studio Oktobor Animation.
“We are very proud of the launch of this exciting new CG animation studio in New Zealand. Oktobor Animation is inspired by the success of WETA whose success is owed in part to the strong commitment made by the New Zealand government to incentivise international producers to bring their films to the region,” said Omnilab managing director Christopher Mapp.
“We believe there is a substantial opportunity to extend this success to the television VFX and animation arena by establishing Auckland as the viable and competitive production hub for longform CG animation. Hence our significant financial commitment in Oktobor Animation. We also have a strong belief in the New Zealand market as a whole and will continue to invest in more and projects as this vibrant market continues to develop,” he added.
The new studio is a joint venture with the US company Backyard Animated Pictures. One of its first projects is The Penguins of Madagascar for Nickelodeon, based on the DreamWorks Madagascar films.
“Production has already commenced and currently our staff number 80. By mid-next year we expect to have a crew of over 120 artists and technicians. In fact, we anticipate Oktobor Animation will provide up to 300 jobs over the first four years,” said Oktober general manager Bruce Everett.
The animation company will also offer up to 15 three-month paid internships up to four times per year to top graduates of local NZQA schools and between 120-140 contract jobs at their Auckland facility.
