In early February 2014, Film Animation Digital Studios Inc. (FADS), based Bridgetown, Barbados, have signed a partnership agreement with Atlanta-based Magic N Colors, with offices in USA and Hyderabad Inc. to embark on th
eir first major animation project titled Blu and Mo, a twenty-six eleven-minute episode series using the Toon Boom pipeline. Acquired worldwide by Los Angeles-based Marvista Entertainment, Blu and Mo is planned for worldwide launch in August 2015.
Founded in 2009, Magic N Colors produces quality entertainment in the form of animated feature films, television series, and television specials that appeal to audiences of all ages. Along with its operations in Atlanta, USA and Hyderabad, India Magic N Colors is branching out in Barbados, making FADS its main outlet for animation production. “We are thrilled to contribute to the emergence of the animation industry in Barbados with this first project. Setting up a cost-effective model and relying on a growing talent pool, as well as leading-edge technology make it the perfect opportunity for both Magic N Colors and FADS to start and develop our relationship,” stated Sanjay Kommera, Chairman and CEO at Magic N Colors.
David Shorey, Chairman at FADS, along with Dale Miller, Studio Director, shared this proud moment with Toon Boom on the signing day. “Not only will this project create 50 jobs, it will also enable us to position Barbados as an outsourcing and co-production destination,” commented David.
- L-R: Dale Miller, Karina Bessoudo, David Shorey, Sanjay Kommera, AJ Cote.
The team at FADS is gearing up to start production with A.J. Cote acting as Production Director. Edgar Larrazabal, Animation Director of SpongeBob SquarePants, is directing the show. Magic N Colors animation team, headed by Neel Lukkani, will also join the studio to ramp up the team and start working on the first 13 episodes due to be delivered in December 2014 and the balance in August 2015.
Magic N Colors already has another project in the works that could keep FADS even busier. The talent in Barbados is certainly capable of meeting international quality standards. Thanks to the tremendous support of the Barbados Industrial Development Corporation, all local players, including educational institutions, such as Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP), University of the West Indies – Cave Hill Campus (EBCCI), and Barbados Community College are dedicated to making this new animation endeavour a very successful venture.