On 9 February 2015, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles, together with the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, organized a workshop on animation at Naradhip Auditorium and Vithes Samosorn Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Workshop was attended by Mr. Songsak Saicheua, Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Mr. Jesda Katavekin, Consul-General in Los Angeles, Mrs. Pattrawan Vechasart, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, along with more than 250 animated instructors and students from over 20 universities and academic institutes.

            The workshop was an effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help promote the Thai animation industry through educating animation teachers and students in Thailand on world class animation and to develop a network of animators between Thailand and the U.S. The Workshop featured two Thai professional animators from Hollywood animation studios, Mr. Natt Mintrasak, a technical director and digital artist at Walt Disney Animation Studio, and Mr. Arut Tantasirin, a lead animator at Nickelodeon Animation Studio. Both speakers have a long experience in working with Hollywood production teams in creating several world-class movies and animations, including Big Hero 6, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Iron Man 3, Transformers 3, Ninja Turtles, and Monsters vs. Aliens.

The workshop was divided into 2 parts; the first was a presentation of speakers’ backgrounds, their career path and inspirations, including some examples of their works and work process. The second part was an in-depth workshop, which allowed participants to choose the workshop groups in accordance with their interests. The first group was Character Creation/Storytelling session by Mr. Arut. And the Second group was a Visual Effects session conducted by Mr. Natt, both of which allowed participants to get first-hand experience as well as hands-on experience on animation.

The workshop was a great success, not only because it offered an opportunity for participants to develop skills on characters creation, storytelling, and visual effects, but it also offered a great inspiration for those who want to pursue a career in animation. During the workshop, both animators also talked about the possibilities and opportunities for Thai students to take part in internships/apprenticeships and to work in the U.S.

On 10 February 2015, Mr. Natt and Mr. Arut paid a visit to relevant government agencies and private animation studios in order to discuss ways to promote Thailand’s creative industry including giving assurances that they will convey Thailand to the entertainment industry in the U.S. Furthermore, the two animators were guest speakers at the workshop with Thai animated entrepreneurs at the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC). This was a collaborative project between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thai Animation and Computer Graphics Association (TACGA).

            The event was part of the Ministry’s effort to support Thailand’s animation industry, which has the highest potential among Thailand’s creative industry. The project was also in line with the government’s policy to promote Digital Economy, as well as Thailand’s capability and competitiveness in the global market and nation branding of Thailand.