Emerging Talent in Anime: Global Internship Opportunities for Japanese Creatives
Posted on November 23, 2024, by Ken Iikura-Gross
Introduction to the Global Anime Challenge
On November 15, the Global Anime Challenge (GAC) unveiled its selection of eleven promising candidates who will embark on an international internship program. This initiative aims to foster new talent within the anime industry and includes three animators, three producers, and five directors.
!GAC Candidates
Image via Global Anime Challenge PR
Meet the Selected Candidates
The GAC has introduced a diverse group of individuals poised to make their mark in animation:
- Yuki Ito (Animator)
- Makoto Kimura (Producer)
- Mana Kudo (Animator)
- Takushi Koide (Director)
- Keiichiro Saito (Director)
- Fumi Kō (Producer)
- Keisuke Shinohara (Director)
- Kaoru Tanimoto (Animator)
- Takafumi Nakame (Producer)
For more details about each candidate’s background and aspirations, you can visit the official GAC website.
A Vision for Future Animators
The GAC is a collaborative effort initiated by Japan’s government alongside several animation studios with a mission to cultivate future generations of animators. The project officially commenced in July with a press conference outlining its ambitious two-year plan.
As part of this roadmap, participants will engage in an extensive eight-month preparatory program that encompasses lectures, hands-on workshops, and English language training. Following this foundational phase, candidates will have the opportunity to intern at various animation studios across the globe.
Goals and Aspirations of the Program
One of the primary objectives of this initiative is for interns to create concept trailers intended for presentation at prestigious global animation festivals such as France’s Annecy International Film Festival and Anime Expo scheduled for 2026. This exposure not only enhances their skills but also provides invaluable networking opportunities within international circles.
According to recent statistics from industry reports published by Animation Magazine in early 2024, there has been a significant increase—over 30%—in demand for skilled animators worldwide over just two years. Programs like GAC are crucial in addressing this growing need while simultaneously promoting Japanese culture through anime.
initiatives like the Global Anime Challenge represent vital steps toward nurturing talent within Japan’s vibrant anime sector while fostering cross-cultural exchanges that enrich both local artists and global audiences alike.
Intern at SMK University