About Us

What are the aims of SAN?

COMMERCIAL to promote new business and encourage investment in the Scottish animation industry.
NETWORKING to provide a hub for meeting and the exchange of ideas within the Scottish animation sector
PROMOTION to have a national and international presence at festivals and events, and draw attention to the wealth of animation talent in Scotland.
EDUCATION to enable access to the industry for those in education.

 

I am a professional in the Industry. Can I join SAN?

The Scottish Animation Network is open to individuals working within the industry. If you would like to join our mailing list please get in touch with your contact details.

I am not a professional in the Industry, but I really like animation. Can I join SAN?

We welcome you to keep up to date with the latest events on our News Blog or by following us on Facebook. Our membership is targeted primarily at professionals currently practicing in the animation sector in Scotland.

 

Why did SAN form?

By the turn of the new millennium, Scotland’s small animation sector was growing in size and in confidence. We were all involved in exciting projects across the country, but there was no channel through which we could communicate with each other and with the outside world.

How was SAN initially developed?

In 2001 the first Projector festival was held in Glasgow, showcasing animation and providing a rare opportunity for animators, producers, students and educators to get together and share their experiences. The festival was sold out. The following year, a paper was prepared promoting a Scottish Animation Forum, and circulated to PACT, Scottish Screen, Scottish Enterprise and other bodies. In London the PACT Animation Group was already transforming itself into a formidable lobby on behalf of animation producers, playing a part in the establishment of the Skillset Animation Forum.

Tell me more about the history of SAN.

Inspired by the increased dynamism of Scotland’s animation industry, PACT Scotland started an Animation Group in 2003, which met regularly to discuss issues, share information, and invite speakers to address the group informally on topics of interest. The group was chaired by Ken Anderson (Red Kite). Over the past few years, public bodies have taken a close interest in the burgeoning animation sector, and networking events have been organised by Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise, MEDIA, Skillset, Scottish Screen and PACT. The Projector festival has continued to grow, establishing itself as a vital date in the Scottish animation calendar. In 2004 the chair of the PACT Scotland Animation Group passed to Catrìona Black (Am Bocsa). Within a few months, PACT was restructured, its Scottish section merging into PACT Nations and Regions. Keen to retain our Scottish profile, the animation group chose to continue on an independent basis.

What has SAN been doing in 2010-2011?

Although we were previously called the Scottish Animation Group, we are now called the Scottish Animation Network (SAN). We took the opportunity to broaden our membership to include a wide range of practitioners, students and educators from across Scotland, as well as representatives from public institutions. Though operating without a budget, our meetings have been generously supported by PACT and by Scottish Enterprise. In March 2011, animation director Julia McLean was elected as fifth convener of the Scottish Animation Network, and the long-awaited SAN website was given a redesign by member Nikki Godley.

Does SAN receive funding from any public bodies?

No. We are currently a voluntary organisation and rely soley on fundraising and support from our members to maintain the website and organise events that champion talent in the Scottish Animation Industry.

 

We hope you find the website useful, and if you have any comments or questions, we would be delighted to hear from you. Just Get in Touch.