Creative Spark Ignites Thailand’s Digital Advance

As CEO of M2, a global animation company that counts major brands such as LEGO, Disney, and Games Workshop among its clients, Jakobsen also oversees a studio in Bangkok’s upscale Thonglor district. M2’s Torsten Jacobsen One of Thailand’s top facilities, M2 Animation Studio specializes in everything from storytelling, design, and modeling, to texturing, camera layout, animation, and effects. Its 200-strong family is a melting pot of experience from North America, Europe, and Asia. “Operated with North American standards and Scandinavian sensibilities, we have the upper hand when it comes to our state-of-the-art equipment and modern data security,” said Jakobsen. “And with our informal international atmosphere and a healthy dose of Thai food and culture, it’s an easy task to attract top talent here from around the globe.” Despite its relatively small size, Jakobsen was emphatic about Thailand’s animation industry measuring up with the world’s best – and that local talent is a major reason for this. Thais have a natural creativity shaped by their country’s rich cultural heritage. Art and craft are an integral part of the national identity, from the vibrancy of traditional painting and sculpture to the lustrous gilding on temples. And these skills and techniques are being passed down to the next generation and blended with contemporary methods such as digital graphic design. “There’s an enormous respect for craftsmanship here,” Jakobsen explained. “It’s ingrained in the culture and influences of young people going to into the art schools. ”With the country’s burgeoning digital economy, Thais are also more connected than ever and influenced by global trends and culture. “They are so well oriented in western movies, in western culture,” Jakobsen said. “So, you don’t have to explain a lot of things. What we’re doing with content is for international clients. It’s for Lego, it’s for Warhammer. But they understand the nuance, humor, and drama.” Game On Animation and gaming have seen real growth in Thailand in r