Mayor Bowser, Pigmental Studios and Gallaudet University to Hold Press Conference on Animation Studio Coming to DC
Event Date: Thursday, May 28 at 10:15 a.m.
LOCATION: Gallaudet University campus (Appleby Building) | 800 Florida Avenue, NE | *Closest Metro: NOMA Metro Station
Pigmental Studios today announced that the location for its new studio in Washington, D.C., will be on the Gallaudet University campus. Pigmental will start work on a new animated feature film and an animated TV series there this fall.
At a press conference, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor Brian Kenner joined Pigmental CEO and co-founder Marina Martins and Gallaudet University Provost Carol J. Erting in announcing the unique partnership. Pigmental Studios produces animated programming for film, television, gaming, commercials and the web.
“We look forward to working with Pigmental and Gallaudet to support their efforts to grow the District’s innovation economy,” said Mayor Bowser. “By leveraging the District’s position as a hub for innovation and creativity, and by working with companies like Pigmental, we can improve the lives of District residents and build a sustainable innovation economy.”
The first animated feature that will be produced in the District will be announced as a co-production with the creator of Despicable Me, Sergio Pablos.
“The District is a unique and ideal location for us to expand our business,” said Martins. “We are excited to be a part of the innovation economy here and to inspire the community’s youth to embrace the STEM disciplines through the art of animation, as well as provide opportunities for new jobs in the District. We are especially pleased to be sharing space with Gallaudet University, and we believe our partnership will enhance the already dynamic revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood.”
The announcement of Pigmental’s new Washington, D.C. studio rounds out Mayor Bowser’s month-long “innoMAYtion” initiative to highlight innovation economy programs that engage residents and result in new jobs, while also positioning the District as a hub of innovative activity.
Pigmental will renovate and move into what is now known as the Appleby Building on the Gallaudet campus at the corner of 6th Street, NE, and Florida Avenue. In support of the university’s drive to increase job opportunities for its students, Pigmental will create and deliver an academic program in animation design and programming for Gallaudet students as well as offer internship and training opportunities.
“This partnership brings our students limitless possibilities in the emerging area of digital media, which is a rapidly growing field,” said Gallaudet’s Erting. “The addition, this academic partnership allows our students to develop the innovative skills and first-hand experience to help them land jobs in this dynamic industry.”
“We look forward to working with Pigmental and Gallaudet to support their efforts to grow the District’s innovation economy,” said Mayor Bowser. “By leveraging the District’s position as a hub for innovation and creativity, and by working with companies like Pigmental, we can improve the lives of District residents and build a sustainable innovation economy.”
Working with JBG, the global real estate development firm, Pigmental Studios will serve as an anchor for new development. The goal is to establish a cluster of creative and innovative entrepreneurs and companies in a prospective development on and adjacent to the Gallaudet campus.
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The first animated feature that will be produced in the District to be announced is in co-production with the creator of Despicable Me, Sergio Pablos.
“Today’s announcement shows the District’s commitment to attracting innovative companies to increase jobs and workforce development,” said Brian Kenner, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. “By offering new skills training for Gallaudet students and local residents, Pigmental will help us further diversify our economy.”
With an office in Los Angeles, Pigmental Studios is home to a corps of renowned animation artists and technologists who produce groundbreaking work in cooperation with international production partners. Contact: Sarah Kellogg, 202-277-8859.
