The People’s Republic of Animation Case Study
With a focus on cinematic storytelling, The People’s Republic of Animation (PRA) specialises in providing stylised character animation to the world's leading console game developers, publishers and advertising agencies.
Forming in 2003, after earlier experimenting as teens with a super 8 camera, PRA later went on to produce music videos for Australian bands including The Hilltop Hoods, TV commercials for Mitsubishi and Adelaide’s Rundle Mall as well a repertoire of award winning short films.
With a team of five directors, led by Managing Director Sam White and employing around 10 staff, PRA has recently been working with US and UK video game publishers including Sony Computer Entertainment and THQ Inc – a great result for the South Australian company.
Key issue
Preparing for dealings in the US
PRA was looking to build their brand and company presence in the USA and was seeking support, advice and mentoring as to the steps needed for success on the international stage.
They were also seeking entrepreneurial skill development programs to ensure that when they did enter the US market, they were well prepared to make the most of access to contacts and client meetings.
As a creative entrepreneurial company, PRA faced the challenging task of maintaining everyday running of their studio, whilst wanting to enter a growth phase that would see them secure contracts with some of the gaming industry’s global heavyweights.
PRA also wanted to build on their portfolio and at the same time secure funding and venture capital for their projects.
Key outcomes
Building an internationally recognised company
PRA took part in Innovate SA’s Growing Global Companies Program undertaking specialised training and mentoring to ensure they put their best foot forward in their business dealings in the United States gaming market.
Innovate SA and the Department of Economic Development have also provided assistance to get PRA to the annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco - providing an opportunity to meet face to face with international clients resulting in securing several contracts.
Innovate SA has provided access to specialised mentoring with expert business advisors and mentors to help them grow their business and support their growth.
Feedback
"The support of Innovate SA and the Growing Global Companies Program has made a big impact on our business.
“Innovate SA has allowed us to access training, mentoring and advice which has helped our business to go from a local animation studio to a company that is working with international clients.
“Assistance in getting to the GDC has also been a great ‘step up.’ Without it – we wouldn’t have been able to network with some of the companies we are now working with including Sony Computer Entertainment America and THQ Inc."Attending this year’s GDC is a great chance for us to build on existing relationships and meet with some of the largest video game developers and publishers around.”Sam White, Managing Director of PRA.