Animation boom exposes talent gap in latin america
The animation industry is experiencing one of the strongest growth periods in its history.
But as the sector expands, countries such as Colombia and Mexico face a growing challenge: developing the specialized talent required by an increasingly complex industry.
The animation industry is experiencing one of the strongest growth periods in its history. However, the sector’s rapid expansion is exposing a new challenge for countries such as Colombia and Mexico: developing the specialized workforce needed to support an increasingly sophisticated industry.
Latin America’s animation market was valued at an estimated USD 30.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to surpass USD 67.4 billion by 2034, driven by the expansion of streaming platforms, video games, digital advertising and audiovisual production for international markets, according to IMARC Group.
The industry’s momentum is also evident in Colombia and Mexico. The 2025 Ibero-American Audiovisual Panorama, published by EGEDA and FIPCA, reports that Mexico remains the world’s fourth-largest cinema market by ticket sales, while Colombia continues to expand its audiovisual industry through stronger international co-productions and the development of new studios and specialized companies.
In Colombia, the sector’s growth is also reflected in rising investment. According to the Colombia Film Commission at Proimágenes Colombia, the Audiovisual Investment Certificate (CINA) has attracted more than COP 3.4 trillion in investment since its launch, generated more than 130,000 direct jobs and, in 2025 alone, approved post-production and animation projects that reinforce the country’s position as a competitive hub for high-value audiovisual services.
The talent challenge.
According to Fernando Hernández, Director of UDIT’s Bachelor’s Degree in Animation, the industry’s main challenge is no longer simply producing more content but developing professionals capable of meeting the technical and creative demands of a rapidly expanding market.
”Animation no longer requires only animators. Today, a single production brings together specialists in storyboarding, 3D modeling, visual effects, compositing, lighting, character design, executive production, sound and many other disciplines. The real challenge for countries such as Colombia and Mexico is preparing professionals who can work under the technological and production standards required by major international films and series.”
An industry on the rise.
The expansion of streaming platforms has reshaped the audiovisual industry. Adult animated series, adaptations of video games, manga and comic books, along with original productions for digital platforms, have expanded career opportunities and established animation as one of the fastest-growing segments of the creative economy.
At the same time, Latin America is strengthening its position in the global market through new storytelling, the international expansion of its studios and increasing participation in co-productions with Europe and North America.
”Technology has made many processes more efficient, but it does not replace creativity. Even with the rise of artificial intelligence, the real competitive advantage will remain with people who can create, lead projects and adapt to an industry that is constantly evolving. AI will enhance creative work, not replace it,” Hernández said.
More than animators.
The sector’s expansion is also broadening demand for professional profiles. Beyond drawing and animation, a single production may require specialists in directing, screenwriting, storyboarding, 3D modeling, 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, rendering, compositing, sound design, music, voice acting, executive production and distribution.
The industry is also seeing growing demand for producers and production managers capable of overseeing international projects involving complex technology-driven workflows.
International training.
In response to these industry changes, UDIT has developed an academic model designed to replicate the day-to-day operations of a professional animation studio. Beginning in the second year of its Bachelor’s Degree in Animation, students work on collaborative productions in which they assume different production roles, create short films, build professional portfolios and complete mandatory industry internships.
The program also includes Animafest UDIT, masterclasses led by industry professionals and participation in international festivals such as Annecy, Animac and Animayo, giving students first-hand exposure to the trends shaping the future of animation.
Studying in Madrid also places students near one of Europe’s leading audiovisual hubs, home to internationally recognized studios and production companies, providing ongoing exposure to a fast-growing industry.
”Our goal is for students to enter the job market with real production experience. Beyond technical expertise, we aim to prepare professionals who can join international teams from day one, lead collaborative projects and meet the needs of a global animation industry that continues to expand,” Hernández concluded.
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