20-01-15
Press Release:
Announcing Establishment of “Animation College Rotorua”… Founder Barry Pearce
A bullet point introduction to Animation College Rotorua;
1) I have included a copy of the prospects prepared for the Rotorua Campus as an attachment, so I
will concentrate on highlighting the salient points here.
2) How long has the school been operating? Animation College was established as a school in 2003,
as a result of the directors of the animation studio “Freelance Animators Ltd” not being able to
source enough skilled animators within New Zealand to work on production shows for international
companies i.e. Warner Bros. and Disney.
3) What are the possible qualifications?
a) Freelance Diploma in Applied Animation level 6. In 2D or 3D..
b) Freelance Diploma in Digital Media (Animation Focussed) level 7. In 2D or 3D.
c) Batchelor of Animation level 7.
d) Batchelor of Animation with Honours level 8.
Within the two programmes, C and D a candidate can major in:
Storyboard and Character, World building and visual effects, Interactive and Games.
4) It is intended that the two-year Freelance Diploma in Applied Animation 2D will be taught in the
first two years at Animation College Rotorua Then in the third year, pathway into higher education
will lead to the Freelance Diploma in Digital Medial Level 7 2D (Animation Focused) Further higher
learning
5) Why are we starting a college in Rotorua? To create a visual media education facility in Rotorua
offering people, especially second chance learners, an educational option specifically designed for
people whose natural learning gifts are more artistic than academic. Animation College Rotorua will
enrich the technical skill base available to Rotorua employers and create to employment
opportunities for Rotorua’s youth. Note: Animation College has had a high success rate with their
Maori students in Auckland Region.
Establishment of the Animation College Rotorua was proposed at a meeting on the 22nd of
July 2014 by:
 Dame Iritana Founder of Kohanga Reo N.Z.
 Dr Clarke Raymond of the Waiariki Polytech
 Tom Walters, Maori Research Institute Charitable Trust, Chair.
 Alexandra Walters, Maori Research Institute Charitable Trust, Trustee.
 Leith Comer, Excel Rotorua
 Barry Pearce (Of the Te Arawa Poihipi family) founder of New Zealand’s Animation College
Queen Street Auckland.
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It was endorsed by Mayor Steve Chadwick, and she has directed that every effort should be
made to have an Animation College established in the Rotorua District by Animation College
Auckland, as soon as conceivably possible.
First proposed a start date is 23rd February, 2015.
Second proposed date is 23rd March, 2015.
The decision will be based on the completion of registration and both dates will give would
also give enough time for the first year curriculum to be completed.
6) Our Preliminary Research into the Animation Industry shows
 The film entertainment industry sector is predicted to grow globally at a compound annual
growth of 3.6%, generating revenues of more than US$106 billion by 2017.
 New Zealand’s Game Art development has increased by 64% each year for the past 4
years.
 The animation industry is set to grow as studios create much higher profits from animated and
or animated/live action movies.
 The animation industry is a US$222.8 billion industry with an additional US$500 billion in
animated related income.
 The sector is the 6th largest industry in the US, and the 3rd largest in Japan.
 China’s animation industry has grown 24.9% at RMD 32.1 Billion and it is still in its infancy.
 Globally there are several technological trends which will create demand for the skills that
Animation College students have and will need to have over time.
 The societal move towards digital mobile devices and a more unique user experience,
supported by Cloud based storage for individuals and companies, will see a quantum leap for
content.
 Growth in the Gaming Market and App development markets, brings increasing demand for
infographics and emerging technologies.
7) Outcomes and Job Opportunities
Who could do well in a career in animation?
 People who love to draw / paint/spray paint/doodle
 People who love to create using their imagination
 People who love story telling.
Maori Outcomes in the college this year (over the past three years of study)
a) Of the 14 Maori Students enrolled 100% completed the level 6 Qualification
b) 95% went on to complete their level 7 Qualification.
Job Opportunities:
Studying character animation can open up a wide range of career options. The skills learnt at
Animation College have allowed our students to not only work in a wide range of animation rolls, but
also in a variety of creative fields that utilize the same skills.
After studying with Animation College you may find your niche in any of these fields.
Animator
3D Modellers
Illustrator
Previs Artist
Directors of animation
Script Writers
Editors
Art Directors
Lighting artists
Motion capture Technicians
Visual Graders
Interactive Narrative Designers
Mobile content designers
Story boarder
Layout
Concept Artist
Character Designers
Narrative Designers
Visual Cinematographers
World Builders
Environment Designers
Texture Artist
Compositors
Game designers
Interface Designer
App Designers
Riggers
Matte Painter
Comic Artist
Character Animators
Screenplay Writers
Animatic Artist
Scenographers
3D Artists
Technical Artist
VFX Artist
Level Designers
Indie Game developers
Digital Media Designers
Please feel free to forward this information to anyone interested in a career in animation or
anyone who would be able to assist in bringing this awesome opportunity to Rotorua.
Looking forward to hearing and working with you, happy to meet at any arranged time.
Regards
Barry Pearce
Director
Attached is the Rotorua Animation College Prospectus.