The inaugural Quirino Lab has officially launched in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, marking a significant step in the growth of the animation sector throughout Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. This four-day training program commenced on November 19, 2024, and aims to foster co-production and collaboration while enhancing the skill sets of industry professionals. Running until November 22, the initiative is organized by Quirino, in partnership with the Tenerife Council, Tenerife Tourism, and the Tenerife Film Commission.
The animation industry in Tenerife has shown promising growth, generating approximately €19 million (around $21.9 million) in revenue in 2024, which constitutes 32% of the island’s total audiovisual turnover. According to Dimple Melwani, head of Turismo de Tenerife, the aim is to solidify the island’s position as a leading hub for animation production.
Participation and Focus Areas
The first Quirino Lab has attracted a diverse group of 17 animation executive producers from countries including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, and Mexico. Notable participants include executives from local companies such as 3Doubles Producciones, known for titles like “Inspector Sun and the Curse of the Black Widow,” and Tinglado Films, which recently gained recognition for its climate change trilogy “Black Butterflies.”
Internationally, the event features representatives from Sultana Films in Mexico, a producer involved in “Sultana’s Dream,” and Mono Productions from Brazil, which has been part of projects such as the award-winning animation “Pipas.”
The program emphasizes five critical issues affecting the animation industry today. These include new market trends, advanced organizational methodologies, financial development, intellectual property development, and the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Program Highlights and Educational Focus
The Quirino Lab combines intensive professional development with a strategic overview of the animation sector. The objective is twofold: to enhance individual careers and to promote a qualitative leap in animation production across the region. Sessions will address topics such as “New Market Trends and Targets,” focusing on redefining target audiences and exploring innovative business models.
Prominent speakers include Francisco Menéndez, a Spanish lawyer from Welaw Consulting, who will discuss financial development, including co-production strategies and business plan creation. Another highlight is a module led by Zofia Ścisłowska from Laniakea Pictures, which aims to explore intellectual property development and connections with other sectors, such as video games.
One of the most anticipated sessions will focus on the role of artificial intelligence in animation. Led by industry experts including Alby Ojeda from Wells Agency, the discussions will cover the use of AI in various production stages, from pre-production to audience identification.
Additionally, the program will feature a case study of the game “Blasphemous” from The Game Kitchen, which reached one million players by 2021. The Futures Lab, developed in collaboration with the Ortega-Marañón Foundation, aims to establish new agreements for the future of Ibero-American animation.
During the event, a networking breakfast will highlight the attractive tax incentives available in Tenerife, further promoting the island as a prime location for animation production.
Dimple Melwani expressed pride in the Quirino ecosystem, stating that since its inception in 2018, it has significantly contributed to building a robust industry that not only creates jobs and stimulates economic growth but also drives innovation and creativity.
