Latin America is now a key area for U.S. and European firms in animation and video games. The pandemic and nearshoring have fueled this trend.
Big names like Cartoon Network are actively seeking local talent.
José Iniesta, co-founder of Pixelatl Festival, says the pandemic sped up industry growth. Many production lines moved from Asia to Latin America in 2020.
This made work more efficient and boosted animation output for global studios.
Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning “Pinochio” is a standout example. Major players like Disney and Netflix also pour money into the region.
Yet, much of the talent leaves instead of growing the local industry.
Iniesta stresses the need for local, original content. Only 2% of Mexico’s full-length films in 2021 were animated.
He urges creators to stay and develop projects that reflect local culture.
A report from the Inter-American Development Bank shows animation contributed $156 billion globally in 2020.
Pixelatl’s second event in Guadalajara drew about 3,500 people and 130 international guests.
Upcoming films like “Batman Azteca” got previewed at the event.
Arturo Ambriz, co-creator of “Frankelda,” thinks being near the U.S. helps show the quality of Latin American work.
Mario Carballo Sama, of A Mano Games, sees rising interest in Mexican video game projects.
He advises local creators to upskill to meet brands like Nintendo and Xbox’s standards. As more creators get involved, the industry and community strengthen.
Background
This surge in Latin America’s creative sectors isn’t just luck; it’s a blend of talent, timing, and tech advances.
The nearshoring trend also reveals how global networks can adapt quickly. This flexibility could serve as a model for other industries.
As the region gains more attention, the focus should also be on retaining local talent to build a sustainable industry.
Overall, Latin America’s rise in animation and video games seems like a win-win, opening doors for both local creators and international firms.
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