Review of ACPI (Animation Council of the Philippines Inc.)

What is the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI)?

The Animation Council of the Philippines Inc. (ACPI) is a non-profit group that promotes Filipino animation talent and services at home and abroad.

• ACPI was formed in 2000 to support the country’s animation industry.
• Its members include animation studios, schools, and technology providers.
• It runs Animahenasyon, the country’s leading animation conference and festival.

What is ACPI?

What do Scooby Doo, Tom & Jerry, The Addams Family, Dragon Ball Z, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles all have in common? Apart from being among the world’s best-loved cartoons and animated movies, they have also known the touch of a Filipino animator’s hand.

What’s more, many Filipino animators have added their skills to the gaming industry. For example, they have worked with top gaming firms like Nintendo and Sony.

The people behind the Animation Council of the Philippines Inc. (ACPI) knew this deep pool of talent existed. So they banded together in 2000 to support and promote Filipino skills and services in animation, both here and abroad. This makes the Philippines one of the strongest hubs for animation outsourcing in the region.

About ACPI

The Animation Council of the Philippines Inc. (ACPI) is a non-stock, non-profit group. Its members are animation companies, schools, and technology providers in the country. In the main, member firms work in traditional, 2D, and 3D animation.

ACPI is recognized and backed by the Philippine government. As a result, it works to promote the country’s animation industry. Its goal is to make the Philippines a preferred source of animation services worldwide. In fact, the country is already a top outsourcing destination for many services.

In addition, the group promotes both local and global Filipino talent. So it hopes its member studios will soon rank as creative and skilled outfits around the world.

Education and skills growth is a priority too. For example, ACPI works with bodies like the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Together, they have built curriculums, training rules, and assessment tools for schools that teach animation.

ACPI also runs workshops and contests to sharpen the skills of current and aspiring animators. Moreover, it has partnered with firms like AMD, Empire Multimedia, and Ynzal. As a result, Filipino animators gain access to high-quality tools of the trade.

Driven by its mission, ACPI aims to be a central force in the country’s animation community. It has grown to include more than 15 animation studios under its banner. So it serves as a bridge between Filipino animators and the strong global demand for their work. Animation is now one of many creative roles outsourced to the Philippines.

First animation conference: Animahenasyon

Animahenasyon is the country’s first and leading animation conference and festival. It launched in 2006 as a platform to celebrate Filipino skill. In short, it honors both animation and storytelling through animation.

Moreover, the festival aims to encourage animators to explore chances at home and abroad. In addition, it offers a place to swap ideas and business openings for groups and individuals.

In line with its focus on learning, ACPI made Animahenasyon a venue for growth. For example, it hosts forums, workshops, talks from local and global names, and contests.

Beyond knowledge, the event keeps animators current. So it shares the latest on animation tools, trends, copyright, and other key topics.

In November 2017, ACPI held the 11th edition of Animahenasyon. The event drew more than 2,500 people. They came from the academe, local firms, global professionals, and independent artists.

Technology moves fast, and a younger workforce is on the rise. As a result, the conference explored topics like virtual reality. It also looked at how to build a culture that fits creative younger workers. Many of these creatives grow into roles like the multimedia designer.

The future of the Philippine animation industry

Each year, ACPI brings new experiences to Animahenasyon. In its 11th outing, it ran its annual animation contest, which drew close to 100 entries. It also screened a host of animated films. According to the organizers, they hoped these would inspire local artists to reach global standards.

Among the films shown were the acclaimed Japanese film Kimi no Na wa (Your Name). The French films Aya of Yop City, My Mommy is in America and She Met Buffalo Bill, and The Girl Without Hands were also screened.

ACPI has since widened its partnerships. For example, it now works with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and the Department of Trade and Industry. The goal is to make animators skilled in both craft and basic business. This matters for freelancers and independent artists, who juggle art and money alike.

In the years ahead, ACPI hopes no artist, animator or otherwise, will have to undersell their skills. The group has also promised to support the goals in the IT-BPM roadmap.

Outsourcing still drives much of the growth in Philippine animation. However, demand for original content keeps rising too. So it is vital to see how these two sides work together to move the industry forward. Many local outsourcing success stories show what is possible.

With these in mind, ACPI asks a big question: “What is the Filipino brand of animation?” The country has long been a hub for animation work. Still, it has yet to build a clear identity on the global stage.

With help from Animahenasyon and its other efforts, ACPI has a clear aim. It wants the Philippines to be more than a pool of skilled talent. In the end, it hopes the country becomes a source of high-quality original animation too.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Animation Council of the Philippines founded?

ACPI was formed in 2000. Since then, it has worked to promote Filipino animation talent and services both at home and abroad.

What is Animahenasyon?

Animahenasyon is the country’s leading animation conference and festival. First, it launched in 2006. Today, it offers talks, workshops, and contests for animators.

Who can join ACPI?

In general, members include animation companies, schools, and technology providers. As a result, the group brings together many parts of the local animation industry.

Why is the Philippines known for animation?

For one, Filipino animators have worked on many famous films and games. Moreover, the country offers skilled, cost-effective talent. So it remains a strong hub for animation work.

Key takeaways

• ACPI is a non-profit group that promotes Filipino animation talent and services.
• It was founded in 2000 and now includes more than 15 studios.
• Its members cover animation companies, schools, and technology providers.
• Animahenasyon, launched in 2006, is the country’s top animation event.
• ACPI aims to build a clear Filipino brand of original animation.