Weta Workshop jobs go to Singaporeans

Wellington's Weta Workshop has started "importing" animators from overseas to work on a new television series.

Weta has set up five Singaporean animators in New Zealand to work on a 26-episode, 3D animated series it is producing with Canadian entertainment company Nelvana, the Channelnewsasia website reports.

The animation series, Jane and the Dragon, stars 12-year old Jane, a headstrong knight in the King's Guard, and a 300-year old dragon for company. It will be broadcast in Australasia, North America and Europe early next year.

"We were looking for people who could work side by side with people doing work at the absolute top of their field," said Mike McNeil, a Weta Workshop producer.

"So the young Singaporeans that have now joined the project are working literally side by side with multiple Oscar winners and all that, and playing at the very top of the game".

He said it had been "quite a process" to find the right fit but the company was pleased to have found the people it wanted.

The five were chosen from two Singaporean media companies - Lingan Mill and IV Lab.

IV Lab manager Cosmas Lee, said: "Even with good staff, you need to provide the right exposure. Strategic partnerships are necessary for us to develop our staff and be able to compete in the international arena to enhance their potential.

"Because of the skillsets of our animators, two of our animators have been invited ... to be involved in the production phase of Jane and the Dragon".

Singapore's Media Development Authority said involvement in the project strengthened the foundation for future international co-productions. A co-production agreement treaty was signed between the Singapore government and the New Zealand Government in July last year.

The Media Development Authority has a scheme - Media 21 vision - which seeks to increase the GDP contribution of Singapore's media cluster from the current 1.56 per cent to 3 per cent in 10 years and create over 10,000 new jobs for Singaporeans.

- NZPA