SEOUL SESSIONS: Korean Animation Production Memoirs #3

“ALL IN THE FAMILY?”

Can you name some original Korean-animated feature that rocked the world of animation?

Maybe a popular tv show created by an all-Korean animation house that blew your mind?

Many ask why isn’t Korea creating their own Korean-cultured content, not just for the world to see, but for their own kids to watch and enjoy on a more consistent basis like Japan and America? Living here and doing a little research ( and talking to my co-workers ), one of the major issues is ” lack of Market. ”

The uninformed love to assume Korea just doesn’t have the skill. I find that highly offensive and just untrue. It really is a matter of lack of fiscal opportunity to do so. In fact, One of the Korean Government’s important policies is to generate a Quota for domestic and newly produced domestic animation in South Korea.

However, unlike the quota for domestic animation, the quota for NEWLY PRODUCED ANIMATION isn’t very common here. The purpose of this new Quota policy would be to provide opportunities to promote newly produced domestic animations. 2005’s “Korean Broadcasting Act” was created for just that. However, it’s easier said than done i’m learning.

Normally, Korean animation companies rely heavily on broadcasting when they recoup the production expenses because comparatively, they have little to no market to begin with. What’s one of the solutions to this problem?

Government funding.

See, unlike America, who enjoys the splendor of open market for animation & the tried and true fiscal effectiveness of animation as a revenue generator ( thanks in part to Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs ), Korea has to turn to it’s government to help finance their shows.

Lack of Investment in Korean Animation industry is another ( HUGE ) issue. Unlike movies and games, Animation has a longer cycle of recouping the investments. Until now, animation hasn’t been a very attractive investment subject for venture capitalists here in South Korea. As a result of the situation, The governments financial assistance schemes are necessary to sustain a creative animation industry here.

Regardless, looking at the long-term, direct assistance provided by Korea’s government is not desirable as of late.

In my personal opinion, living and working here for almost 8 months, i realize the key to generating a market in Korean animation is through small steps like, for example, a foreign investor ( ie; Co-Production of feature/ TV-Series). By creating a new source of revenue through co investment/ production, resulting in that money coming back into the market generating enough guap for Korea to finance and produce more of their own culture-oriented productions to put out there in the game.

Most notably letting the animation world landscape know that ” WONDERFUL DAYS,” “Aachi & Ssipak ” and ” YOBI: The 5TAILED Fox” aren’t just hi-quality flukes

To be cont in SEOUL SESSIONS: Korean Prodution Memoirs Pt.4