Seeing a lack of African representation in animation and children's cartoons in West Africa, filmmaker, media producer, and founder and CEO of Studio 6 Honoré Essoh is applying his animation skills and business acumen to broaden representation. He received a $25,000 start-up one-year grant from USADF in 2016 to pilot an animation training program. He used the funds to purchase computer hardware, procure animation and editing software and licenses, hire and develop a workforce of local illustrators, and market the enterprises' services.
Through Honoré’s efforts and USADF’s seed capital, Studio 6 has produced and sold animated films and cartoon series that have aired in West Africa and premiered at local film festivals. He has also garnered clients in East Africa and is providing high-quality animation and creating African characters there, too.