Who: David
Huebner, US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa
Dan
Wang, Director, Oktobor Animation
Mike
Usmar, CEO Computer Clubhouse Trust
What: Launch
of Clubhouse 274 Youth Animation Studio and “Bright Stars”
When: Monday 13 February, 2.30 pm – 4 pm
Where: Clubhouse
274, 51 Othello Drive, Manukau City 2023
Disney, Pixar, Nickelodeon, Oktobor….Clubhouse
274!
Animation and
digital production is really big business.
Globally, the industry’s projected value for this year will be around NZ$111
billion.
Clubhouse 274
in association with Oktobor Animation are working to ensure that young people
in Otara and other underserved communities have a sustainable stake in the
present and future of this global industry. In an industry that thrives on
creativity and innovation--skills that Clubhouse youth have in abundance--these
young New Zealanders are poised to succeed.
The Animation
Studio is made possible by a grant from the US Department of State with the
support of Mr David Huebner, Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.
Ambassador Huebner
is a great supporter of youth initiatives in the United States, and now in New
Zealand and Samoa. “Giving young people opportunities and seeing them excel and
work collaboratively on exciting, creative
projects assures me that they will make a positive difference in our
world” he said.
“Creativity
is the new currency for today’s world and these young people have the talent, and
now the opportunity, to join the global band of dreamers and creators in the
fast growing industry of animation and digital production” says Mike Usmar, CEO
of Computer Clubhouse Trust.
Auckland-based
Oktobor Animation is providing support through its “Bright Stars” program.
Co-founder,
Mr Dan Wang says “This is a great platform that will help strengthen relationships
between educators, our industry, and the community. Most importantly, “Bright Stars” helps create
viable pathways to future success for underserved youth.”
The program focuses
on young people who demonstrate talent, interest and potential in animation and
digital production. The team at Oktobor
will mentor and work with members to build technical and business skills, and
professional contacts around the industry.
ENDS
For
more information, contact:
Mike
Usmar, CEO, Computer Clubhouse NZ +64 21 111 5376
Filemoni
Timoteo, COO, Computer Clubhouse NZ +64
21 376 377
www.computerclubhouse.org.nz
The
Computer Clubhouse Trust is a member of the Intel Computer Clubhouse
Network. The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is a program of the Museum
of Science, Boston with support from MIT Media Laboratory.
About
the Animation Studio
The Clubhouse 274 Youth Animation Studio is a learning environment that
harnesses and encourages creativity, innovation, exploration, and connectedness
through animation and digital productions.
Young learners will:
·
develop
animation industry skills using a variety of software tools and equipment
including: Microsoft, Adobe and Autodesk, animation tablets, stop motion
cameras, etc
·
gain
practical experience in the high tech industry through shadow programs and
internships with partner companies
·
eventually
collaborate and produce commercial and community projects
·
increase
their capability to earn and secure opportunities for employment
·
develop
skills in business operations and entrepreneurship.
About Oktobor Animation
Oktobor
Animation is a computer generated (CG) animation business based in Auckland
since May 2010 with a staff of 140, many under the age of 25. The company services the world famous
Nickelodeon Studios, creating multiple CG animated television series including
"Penguins of Madagascar" and “Kung Fu Panda” enjoyed by over 450
million children and parents worldwide. Oktobor Animation provides competitive
animated production services to the global market with support from the New
Zealand Government PDV Grant scheme.
For further information,
please contact:
Dan Wang
Oktobor Animation
dwang@oktobor.com
