Toon Boom, Canada and China are signing a big deal in Ottawa this week

Toon Boom Animation and its parent company, Corus Entertainment, will be in Ottawa this week representing Canada’s animation interests as the country signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China. The high-profile “Canada-China Joint Committee on Culture” event will be hosted by Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly and China’s Minister of Culture, Luo Shugang, at the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel on Friday, February 02, with a cocktail party the evening before.

As an international animation industry developer, Toon Boom recently played an integral role in fostering a creative collaboration between the two the nations through an IP incubation competition in partnership with Nelvana (Canada) and WeKids (China). The Montreal-based company will be signing the MOU alongside WeKids, cementing the role its technology will play as the bridge between Chinese studios and Western animation productions.

This continues Toon Boom’s legacy of leadership in animation — marked by greater global connection, collaboration and cooperation. For nearly 25 years, it has worked tirelessly with governing bodies, educational institutions and studios to build an international network that not only benefits the industry, but creative communities at both the national and local level.

“With China’s rich history of storytelling, Toon Boom looks forward to partnering with schools and studios to develop the industry there today — and set the stage for international coproductions and IP development tomorrow,” says Francois Lalonde, VP Sales and Marketing. “By signing this Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese animation industry, we are enshrining our creative collaboration and committing to power the potential of studios in one of the world’s fastest growing markets.”

China’s animation output was about $20 billion in 2016, though that is expected to rise to over $36 billion by 2021. Long overshadowed by competition in the United States, Japan and Europe, a groundswell of homegrown artistic talent and superior software could propel the nation forward in the 21st Century. By signing this MOU with Canada and Toon Boom, it is helping to ensure ‘Made in China’ will be a seal of premium quality animation for years to come.

What excites you about the Chinese animation industry? Let us know in the comments below!