Success of Irish animators hailed

THE Irish animation sector has exploded over the past decade with hundreds of people employed in the multi-million euro industry.

Irish Film Board chief executive Simon Perry said Irish animation was highly regarded on the international circuit with major productions such as The Ugly Duckling And Me being selected for the prestigious International Toronto Film Festival.

The animated film will open in cinemas later this year but has already been sold in 23 countries in Europe and South America.