Introduction Talk - Business Leadership in Animation

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP IN ANIMATION

We are planning to hold the talk to gauge the interest level. 

Its this Sat 13th Apr. 2pm. At e2i

For those who are interested, please register yourself with admin@cgprotege.com and under subject put "BUSINESS LEADERSHIP IN ANIMATION" Leave down your name, contact number, qualification and experience. So that we will send you the details of the talk later.

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We are exploring to launch a program to help individual start their animation company. The program has an in depth strategic plan to help grow our industry.

As this is a pilot program. We plan to select ONLY the best 5 candidates from a pool of applicants for the program.

The nature of the program is like a Master Chef Program. Each of the 5 candidates will register a company. Then an experience mentor who has experience in running an MNC and a Local Company here will attach to these 5 candidates for a year. During the year, each will be given a budget to hire a team of artists to work with them to develop a IP and a teaser (Hence creating jobs for the rest as well). And eventually we hope to take them to Cannes MIPCOM for exposures to meet global players. They will pitch to govt, investors, broadcasters and distributors. Hopefully at the end of the program, they will secure a distribution deal, co production deal or investment deal after a year.

During the year, each candidate will gain experience in

1) Budgeting

2) Hiring and managing production

3) Financial, Business and strategic planning

4) What to look out for in contracts

5) Understanding of the animation film and TV market

6) Pitching process

7) Distribution, Licensing and merchandising market

8) How to protect your IP etc and many more.

The program is not an academic program. It is more practical base. With the objective to help creative people gain business leadership skill for the animation industry which is very much lacking here. The candidates will be exposed to real contacts in the global industry. And they should make use of the year to build relations. We will share trade survival skills. And during the year. We will invite entrepreneurs in this field to share their experience in starting up their own company and investment gate keepers to explain what they are looking for.

We hope through this program. We can help to create more entrepreneurs in the animation industry like in Korea, HK and Taiwan. Only you can control your own destiny.

Those who wants to venture into this. Must be prepared to fail and take risk.

The program is opened to PR and Singaporeans only. Applicants must have strong creative and story development skills. As our focus is preparing you in business skills. Not art skill.

At the end of the course, you will have your own company, an IP / Teaser. And a comprehensive set of business skills to get yourself started. By the end of the program, you are ready to continue your journey or work for others as an assistant executive producer.

The signing of the MOU with Mendaki Sense

The signing of the MOU with Mendaki Sense marks the beginning of a new relationship between the 2 organisations.

In our society, those who do not excel in academic studies are often left behind with lower income in their careers. Fortunately, the CG Industry is one that rewards and recognises workers based on talent and skills rather than paper-qualifications and academic results.

We hope that through the joint assistance of Mendaki Sense and the training expertise and efforts of CG Protege,  we can reach out to those who have more potential for creative excellence than academic ones.

By equipping and upgrading their skills in Visual Effects, Games and Animation, we can give them a second chance, to bring their careers to a higher level and thus enabling them to strive for a better living in Singapore.

Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim with David Kwok. Founder of CG Protege.

Official Opening of Sense East in conjunction with MOU Signing Ceremony

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim opening address

Minister Dr Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and our outstanding graduate Haji Hasnadi Hassan who is currently working with DoubleNegative. Previously with Lucasfilm's Jedi Master Program for 6 months, Haji now has the opportunity to work on many hollywood blockbusters including Ironman 2.

Haji with the journalist

WDA Director and Assistant Director Creative and Professional Services Division, CG Protege Industrial Relations Manager,Founder CG Protege and our outstanding graudate Haji Hasnadi Hassan

Check out more photographs on our Facebook page here

Interview with one of the CG Protege Alumni

From Singapore Navy to becoming an Animator, and eventually getting a chance to work on Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens, a Telefeature for Cartoon Network that has been shown worldwide.

Click here for the interview.

CG Protege at Career Fair 2008

CG Protege is proud to be at the career fair 2008 at Suntec Singapore, Level 6 Halls 601 to offer animation programs for higher education seekers looking to join the animation and visual effects industry. 

The exhibition provides free education advice and career guidance for students and job seekers alike. Supported by the Ministry of Education, the CAREER series is Singapore's key marketing platform for the education and recruitment sector.

Interview with our CEO - David Kwok, AnimationXpress

by AMRITA VALECHA



Could you explain to us about the Training Philosophy of CG Protege?

The key focus of our training program is that of the partnership between the trainer and the trainee, with the shared goal of keeping Singapore competitive in the global CG industry by raising the standard of work done here. 

As the work of our previous trainees will testify, the rapid progresses they make in learning and improving their show reels over the course of the part-time program are due to the high levels of dedication and commitment shown by both trainers and trainees. We strive to set the principles for motivation within our trainees and encourage them to apply the same hunger towards achieving their goals and excelling in their respective fields.

The teaching of software techniques alone is not enough. The mastering of traditional art skills and an awareness of commercial aesthetics also equips trainees with skills integral to success in the industry. These are skills that must be constantly honed in the rapidly progressing international CG industry.

What is the kind of approach of teaching at CG Protege?

Our course fills up an important gap from between the classroom knowledge and the workplace. Through being focused, and guiding students to choose a single area that they want to specialise in, the course has helped many students develop their first professional specialised skill, achieving a standard that meets employers' expectations.

Whether we will open a class for each specialisation will depend on the projected market response and demand for graduates. With feedback from our network of CG companies, we match market projections of employers' demands with our training program. Our focus is to ensure that the talents are able to find work in the CG industry.

Secondly, the course strives to instill an artistic sense required by the industry and try to sharpen and improve that art sense. Other academic courses prepare the individual by teaching techniques alone, but very few courses also help to impart the aesthetic sense, exposing the students to what is aesthetically pleasing, and equips the individual with the necessary directions to continue to strive for aesthetic excellence on his own, after the course.

Thirdly, it teaches the students to understand the problem solving process. The trainers will explain the rationale behind guidelines and principles. This equips the students with the knowledge and skills to tackle future problems in a logical and systematic manner, while not compromising on aesthetic requirements.

Lastly and very importantly, all mentors / instructors for the program are working professionals in the CG industry who have between 2 to 7 years production experience each. Many of them are head of departments or lead artists. As they are working on international productions every day, they keep the students up to date with the latest techniques used in the industry. Besides the mentors and instructors, our course advisors are Singaporeans currently working in the US. Two are from Blizzard and one from Bluesky Studios. So that the students are keeping track of the industry needs both locally and internationally. As they have worked their way up from Singapore to US, they can better associate themselves with the challenges the students are facing.

Could you tell us about the different courses you offer?

All our programs are accredited by the Workforce Development Agency of Singapore (WDA) and the trainees are awarded Workforce Skills Qualification Certifications upon graduation.

There are 4 main group of courses we are running.

A) SHORT FOUNDATION COURSES

These are the programmes that prepare candidates with a foundation to enter into the advance certification level.

B) UPGRADING COURSES

We have upgrading classes / Masterclasses that enhance and update the skills of 3d artists who are already working in the industry.
And these courses are taught by head of departments from various computer games, animation and visual effects companies.

C) ADVANCE CERTIFICATION

Upon graduation, every trainee will be awarded a WSQ Advance Certificate in Animation. There are 5 areas of specialisation for the program - in Character Animation, 3D Modelling & Texturing, 3D Modelling & Rigging, Lighting & Texturing, and Digital Visual Effects.

The focus of the program is to prepare the trainees with a professional specialised skill to enter the industry.
It helps trainees develop their first professional demo reel, achieving a standard that meets employers' expectations.

D) CG PROTEGE DIPLOMA/APPRENTICE PROGRAM

The CG Protege Diploma/Apprentice program is designed to help skilled but less experienced artists address potential employers' concerns so as to obtain full employment and gain valuable working experience on international projects.

EMPLOYER CONCERN #1:

If you lack working experience, some companies are concerned that you will slow down their production if they were to put you on the front-line.

The CG Protege Diploma / Apprentice program will provide you with a training stipend of $1000 a month for a period of 12 months. This support comes from WDA. On our part, we will also encourage our partnering companies to give you another $700 allowance once you begin On-The-Job Training. (We are selective towards companies we work with as we are concerned about our students' wellbeing and will ensure the apprenticeship has value towards their career.)
Out of the full entry starting salary of $1700, the company is only paying you $700. Hence hiring an apprentice through our program reduces the company's risk of hiring a less experienced employee. As $1700 is an apprentice's pay, and not an intern's pay, you will need to have basic specialised production skills and ability in order for the company to put you in the frontline as an apprentice.

EMPLOYER CONCERN #2:

Some companies are reluctant to take in a fresh artist as they do not have the time and resources to look after "someone with zero experience".

Our program addresses this concern by continued upgrading of the apprentice through night-classes at CG Protege during the apprenticeship period. Our trainers work with the employers to create structured training to match their specific needs. The companies we are partnering with, including Double Negative, Ubisoft, One Animation etc. have responded positively to our tailored training plans. We are also talking to 2 major overseas companies to send our apprentices overseas for training.

Hence the CG Protege Diploma / Apprentice program reduces the financial risk of a company taking in a fresh candidate and in return, you will be employed and paid full entry level salary during this economic downturn, gaining valuable experience. With good on-the-job performance after a year, the companies are also most likely to extend your employment. With this effort, we hope that we can raise the standard of Singapore's pool of talents as well as help them pull through this tough time. When the economy picks up, we will then have a stronger and more ready pool of talents for new challenges ahead.

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE STUDYING AT CG PROTEGE AND HOW MANY HAVE PASSED OUT TILL DATE?

We have trained close to 200 artists since the last quarter of 2006. The program has been well received and we've expanded programs and training facilities. The objective is to create a strong pool of production-ready talent to be deployed in the growing computer graphics (CG) industry. The programs are supported by both the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) and the Workforce Development Agency of Singapore (WDA).

HOW IS THE COMPLETE ADMISSION PROCEDURE FOR THE STUDENT LIKE? 

All potential trainees will attend an industry and career talk, followed by a selection interview before they can be admitted into the programs. We need to be sure that they have put in effort in self-training or learning about the CG industry. Their prior training need not be in 3D. We can accept trainees based on their art skills. The most important criteria is that we need to see that they have the passion and determination to work hard to reach their dream.

HOW IS CG PROTEGE AS A TRAINING CENTRE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS?

CG Protege is a quality provider of WSQ accredited training programmes recognised by the Workforce Development Agency of Singapore. Training is administered by Tiny Island Productions (an Animation Production Studio) and a team of industry veterans and trainers who have a successful track record in grooming and preparing artists to join the pool of production-ready talents. Students can gain assistance from the full range of production expertise from Tiny Island Productions which is located just next to CG Protege.

The various head of departments from Tiny Island Productions as well as experienced leading artists from other international studios provide the training. And many passionate artists from Tiny Island Productions mentor the students. As many of the mentors have gone through the same route as the students, they understand the students' problems and needs. Together, both companies form an incubator for nurturing talents. This has been an very effective model as our past graduates have found positions working on television and film projects for both local and international animation and visual effects studios, like Big Communications, Lights & Shadows, Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, Mikoishi Studios, Real U Singapore, Sparky Animation, ST Electronics (Digital Media), Double Negative Visual Effects, Weta Productions etc

WHAT IS THE FEE STRUCTURE AND DURATION OF THE COURSES LIKE?

They two major programs we offer - the WSQ Advance Certificate in Animation and WSQ Diploma/Apprentice program in Animation costs only S$800 and S$1500 after government subsidies. The updated information for all other programs can be found on our websitewww.cgprotege.com

WHAT KIND OF INTERNATIONAL GUESTS AND INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONALS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO CG PROTEGE?

Recently we have worked with one of the best animation school in the world - Gobelins Paris on a Character Animation Master Class in Singapore. At the training, we had Jean-Claude Tran (2D and 3D Animator, formerly at Walt Disney Feature Animation in Paris, France and in Florida, USA, and currently at Pixar Animation Studios), Michelle Meeker (3D Animator, Animation Mentor instructor, formerly Weta Digital; PDI/Dreamworks; Pixar Animation Studios) and Robert Bennett from GOBELINS Paris (he has worked around Europe and in the USA presenting a course in " Corporeal Acting " for different animation schools and studios, including Walt Disney Feature Film France, Warner Brothers Feature Film USA and A-Studio in Copenhagen. He has also given classes for Richard Williams' Workshop.)

We also launched a Hans Bacher Master Class Design and Art Workshop for Animation Production. Hans Bacher has been working in the animation film business for the last 30 years. First in Germany in his own studio, later on major disney movies like who framed roger rabbit, beauty and the beast, lion king, aladdin, hercules, fantasia 2000 and mulan, as well as spielberg's balto. He has won several awards for his design work, amongst them the annie-award for mulan.

On top of that, we do have regular industry speakers from companies like Lucasfilm, Ubisoft, Double Negative, RealU etc to share their experience and information on the kind of job requirements for each role in the company.

ARE YOU AFFILIATED TO ANY STUDIOS WHERE YOUR STUDENTS WOULD BE EMPLOYED AFTER TRAINING FROM CG PROTEGE?

We work closely with the graduates to help them to locate jobs upon graduation. However the demand for the CG industry here fluctuates from time to time. Hiring peak periods normally begin at the initial stage of a project (Feature Film, TV Series, Games). During hiring slumps, we work with Tiny Island Productions to employ those who are unable to locate jobs to sustain them during the downturn. So that the students can continue to apply what they learn in school and gained working experience.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AT CG PROTEGE?

We are in the process of putting together an advance diploma program taught by a pioneering artist at Disney. So far the feedback from supporting agencies have been very positive. We are definitely very excited about this opportunity.

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Skilled Local Talents in Animation and Visual Effects for Growing Digital Media Sector

Singaporeans will now have another entry point into the exciting digital media sector with the introduction of the first Creative Industries Workforce Skills Qualification (CI WSQ) Advanced Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) programme.

This programme is jointly developed by the Singapore Workforce Development (WDA), Media Development Authority (MDA) and CG Protégé, to equip individuals with highly specialised skills in areas, such as 3D animation, modelling, rigging, lighting, texturing and visual effects, through industry-relevant and competency-based training.

The digital media sector is entering new and exciting frontiers with significant increase in activities such as 3D animated film and TV production, gaming, and interactive media. Globally, the animation industry is set to experience a stellar growth of US$32.7 billion by 2009.

Said Mr Ong Ye Kung, Chief Executive of WDA: “Singapore is fast establishing itself as a media hub, with a rapidly growing digital animation and visual effects industry. WDA wants to help more local creative talents be part of it, by making structured, skills-based training available to our workers who have the aptitude and ability to do well in the industry. It is another avenue to help workers advance in their careers through skills training and upgrading.”

Upon completion of the Advanced Certificate programme, trainees will be ready to take on roles such as animators, lighting artists, modellers, VFX artists, texture artists, rigger and compositors.

CG Protégé is the first Continuing Education and Training (CET) Centre for the digital media sector and to offer the Advanced Certificate programme.

Said Mr David Kwok, Managing Director of CG Protégé, “The six-month classroom and practical training programme does not teach students software techniques only. It teaches students to master traditional art skills, raises their awareness of commercial aesthetics, and equip them with necessary skills so that they can perform and deliver quality work for their employers.”

More than 60 participants have graduated from training at CG Protégé, with another 180 expected to be trained in the next three years. Some of the graduates are now working for both local and international animation and visual effects studios such as Lucasfilm Animation, Double Negative, Mikoishi Studios, Real U Singapore, Weta Productions, Big Communications, Lights and Shadow, Sparky Animation and ST Electronics (Digital Media).

Given the broad spectrum of sectors under the Creative Industries, WDA expects to establish more CET centres offering specialized and niche training in the arts & culture, media and communications, and design sub-sectors. Specifically for the area of digital media, WDA will be appointing more training providers to augment existing training capacity so that more Singaporeans can benefit from the training.

For more information on the Creative Industries Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ), please visit 

For more information on the Creative Industries Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Advanced Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) programme, please visit

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CG Protege transforms glass artist to animation artist

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Singapore Government had made lifelong learning a priority. It has set up a Lifelong Learning Fund and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

The latter partnered the labour movement, tertiary institutes and industry groups to set up specialised institutions to prepare workers for jobs in the new growth sectors.

Giving workers this assurance, the Prime Minister said: 'We will equip Singaporeans with the relevant skills, we will deliver courses, give the workers national certification, qualifications, make them more employable.'

He also highlighted the efforts of Mr Max Chan, 36, who worked as a glass artist for 10 years but decided to upgrade his skills when the industry went into decline.

Despite being weak in English, he got a Diploma in Multimedia Production and attended a 3D animation course run by the WDA and the Media Development Authority under CG Protege Animation School

He now works at a 3D animation production house. 

Said Mr Chan, in Mandarin: 'I have always been interested in animation and when I saw WDA offering it, I went for it immediately. Now I am more confident about my abilities, despite just having N-levels.'

Straits Times - Prime Minister's Speech at May Day Rally: Highlights

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Singapore Government had made lifelong learning a priority. It has set up a Lifelong Learning Fund and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

The latter partnered the labour movement, tertiary institutes and industry groups to set up specialised institutions to prepare workers for jobs in the new growth sectors.