The fruit of the toil of three brothers who persevered for nine years to finally realize their dreams, Ox Animation is a one-of-a-kind venture in the business market in Syria. Amer Abdul Ghani (General Manager), Waseem (Creative Director), and Naser (Lead Animator), share with us their success story and give advice for young entrepreneurs who think they have what it takes to embark on the business scene as entrepreneurs.

When did you start your project?
Nine years ago Waseem started his first 3D animation short film, and after seeing the end result we decided to invest in it, and turn it to a full movie series. We worked hard on it and after a year we produced our first demo, it was promising and was met with a lot of enthusiasm.

A while after, the ICT manger Amer Turkimani advertised the incubator via seminars in colleges and universities; and the news reached us. After inquiring we presented this project to the deputy manager and were met with a lot of enthusiasm and motivation, which in turn resulted in the submission of the project proposal, which was evaluated by the chairman of the SEYA with two professors and an advisor. The result was fascinating; they saw potential in the project and decided to invest in it directly.

What are you working on currently?
Our biggest project will be released in a few months, where we will create all the artwork for a regional kids show. Additionally, in two months we will commence our comic book line and social media games.

Haven’t you suffered from the lack of interest in this field in Syria?
Yes we did, we had to teach ourselves animation through practice and online resources, and then teach our friends and train them. Yet, times are different now, and there a few promising animators present in Syria as a result of the new interest in this field.

Unfortunately, there is no animation scene in Syria, there were two animation companies but they went bankrupt and were shut down, they relied only on contracts, but we try other sources as well and work on expanding our production lines.

What do you advise for new start ups?
Never be afraid of partnering up with capable seasoned investors even if you don’t need to, partnership teaches you business. Without others’ faith in our abilities and investment in our talents we wouldn’t have had a chance.

What is your secret for success?
The presence of three brothers; you should look at people that are close to you and try to match your ideas with theirs. Never let go of your ideas, nor of your closed ones, because they will lift you up and boost you forward when you feel like quitting.

Where do you hope to be in the future?
We don’t think about the future anymore, whenever we start talking about it our investors start demanding us to expand.

Your most favorite animations?
Toy Story, Horton, Rataoullie.

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• Sam Dalla: Was the Chinese model that good?

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• Sam Dalla: Was the Chinese model that good?