The Future of Jamaica's Animation Industry in the Age of AI.
Traveller.
Chevonnese Chevers Whyte, President, Jamaica Animation Nation Network.
The Future of Jamaica's Animation Industry in the Age of AI.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the biggest topics of conversation among artists, particularly animators; established professionals wonder whether they will eventually be replaced, while younger creatives question the environmental impact of AI and the way many AI models have been trained.
Whatever our individual views, the reality is that AI is here to stay. The challenge for Jamaica is not whether to ignore it, but how to embrace it responsibly, ethically and creatively so it strengthens our animation industry rather than weakens it.
As a Xennial, I have watched new technologies arrive with a mixture of excitement and fear. When personal computers became widely available, many people asked the same question being asked today: "Will I lose my job?" Over time, computers became an essential part of everyday life.
The same happened with the internet. It was promoted as a tool that would transform business and create new opportunities, yet many people remained sceptical. Today, it is almost impossible to imagine modern business without it.
History shows that resistance to new technology is nothing new. Factories, food canning, motor vehicles, computer-generated imagery and digital animation all faced criticism before becoming accepted. New ideas almost always create uncertainty before becoming part of everyday life.
Some of these technologies have also had unintended environmental consequences. Fossil fuels, for example, continue to affect the planet despite widespread awareness of their impact. Yet society continues to rely on them because of the benefits they provide. AI is likely to follow a similar path. It will reshape jobs; influence the way creative work is produced and raise important ethical questions. Rather than being left behind, Jamaicans should understand how AI works, where it can add value and how it can support our creative industries.
Kevin Jackson, former President of the Jamaica Animation Nation Network (JANN), Robert Patmore, the current Vice President, and I, the current President, are collaborating on research exploring how AI can support Jamaica's animation sector while maintaining ethical standards.
Our early findings suggest AI has significant value during concept development and pre-production. It can help generate ideas, explore visual directions, speed up research and reduce repetitive tasks, giving artists more time to focus on creativity. We strongly recommend, however, that the production of animated films remains in human hands. This protects originality and gives creators the best opportunity to secure copyright, which remains essential for earning a living from creative work. At present, fully AI-generated productions generally cannot receive the same copyright protection.
We also encourage creators to use closed AI models that are not connected to the wider internet. This reduces the risk of drawing from other people's work and allows artists greater control over the material they create. Our research continues to examine how these systems can be trained responsibly while respecting creators and maintaining ethical practice. We hope to share more findings with Jamaica's creative community as the work progresses.
Ultimately, my advice is simple: explore AI before dismissing it. Learn the difference between Generative AI and Assisted AI. Read the terms and conditions of the tools you use. Support legislation that protects artists, encourages responsible innovation and creates opportunities for Caribbean-centred AI models that reflect our own stories, cultures and values.
Jamaica's animation industry will continue to grow with or without AI. Used wisely, however, AI could help our studios compete with much larger economies, create more ambitious productions and perhaps even support the creation of Jamaica's first feature-length animated film to receive an Oscar. We have remarkable stories to tell. AI may become one of the tools that helps us share them with the world while ensuring Jamaican creativity remains at the heart of every production.
Chevonnese Chevers Whyte, President, Jamaica Animation Nation Network
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Chevonnese Chevers Whyte’s article forms part of our August Guest Editor series, Voices Shaping Jamaica’s Future, where leading visionaries share ideas to inspire conversation, innovation and opportunity for Jamaica’s next generation.
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