Screenplay has a great write up about local visual effects and animation company, Animal Logic, and their decision to create a game studio in Los Angeles rather than right here in Australia. We were a bit puzzled for various reasons on the news, but Jason Hill from Screenplay decided to chat to Animal Logic Chief Executive Officer, Zareh Nalbandian, on why they looked elsewhere to expand their business. Unfortunately, Animal Logic's reason to choose L.A can be summed up with two points. L.A offered the talent they needed, and there is no competitive advantage in doing it in Australia. Ouch. From Screenplay...
(Zareh) "I want to make a point that what we're doing in Los Angeles is still an Australian business, it's still an Australian enterprise with a front end that is based in LA. Animal Logic's philosophy is we're an Australian company but we work to global audiences and global markets."To do that we'll do whatever is necessary to be one, competitive, and two, that we are working with the most talented people."
The Games Developer Association of Australia also expressed their disappointment on Animal Logic's choice to base their game studio overseas to Screenplay, reiterating the need for a fair tax rebate for the local games development industry. Tom Crago, GDAA President, said to Screenplay...
"Yes, it's disappointing that they're not setting up in Australia, and I do wonder if their decision might have been different if game developers in Australia received a fair deal from the Federal Government.
For the full write up, head on over to Screenplay...