Abstract:

The Irish animation industry is currently experiencing huge expansion and is worth an estimated €110m. However, ongoing talent shortages and pressure from cheaper animation providers overseas are threatening the industry’s growth and future viability. The purpose of this research study is to examine talent gasp in the Irish animation industry and explore possible reasons for this vacuum as well as identify potential solutions.

The research sought to address gasps identified in the literature in relation to the availability of talent in the animation industry in Ireland. A review of the existing literature was undertaken to give a context to the research and provide a conceptual framework. A qualitative semi-structured interview approach was then taken, collecting data from animation industry professionals and education providers within the animation space.

The findings suggest that creative talent is considered a vital resource by the animation industry, that there is a war for talent within animation in Ireland and that animation graduates are leaving college without the necessary skills to join the workforce. The findings also show that Irish animation studios have no option but to examine options such as outsourcing and hiring from abroad and that the long term consequences of continuing talent gaps could lead to the loss of Irish animation jobs and stifle animation industry growth.

The findings conclude that enhanced collaboration between the Irish third level colleges and the animation industry is the key to solving the graduate skills shortage but that the animation industry itself must achieve better retention of existing staff through talent development. The research concludes by considering the implications of the findings for the Irish animation industry, the Irish government, education providers and future researchers.

Keywords:

Higher Education, Talent Gap, Graduate Skillsets, Animation, Vocational Training.