"The Philippines used to do big share in hand-drawn animation all over the world but it was overtaken by China and Vietnam. However, the country is a hub for world-class animators," said Gary Forbes, Cebu Animators Society for Talent (Cast) mentor and producer.

Forbes, an American engineer based in Cebu, said he foresees project outsourcing, such as animation, three-dimensional (3D) animation in particular, to be an "absolute" trend in Cebu, especially since the province is now adapting new technologies in computer-added designs.

He said the movie industry is now shifting towards the creation of 3D animations that aims to prevent audiences with a "virtual reality" of any given object.

Forbes said 3D modeling is ‘textures on objects defined by math equations" and where every minor detail is mathematically computer for accuracy.

"3D animation today is at the point where I create a virtual image of yourself, put you in a movie, and you become an instant celebrity," Forbes said.

He said though Cebu has not yet fully embraced the new technology, he is optimistic that Cebuano engineers can easily grasp the concept.

"Animation is a science, not an art, therefore it’s easy to teach engineers to be artists than vice versa,’ said Forbes.

He said Cebuano engineers are sure to spur interest in 3D animation talents, encourages self-study and cooperative learning to promote homegrown, hand drawn and 3D animation movies.

Cast, a Cebu-based cooperative society that aims to develop animation talents, encourages self-study and cooperative learning to promote homegrown, had drawn and 3D animation movies.

The group has recently competed its latest project "Cebu Heritage Tour," which is a 20-minute 3D video showcasing Cebu’s historical landmarks.

Apart from well-known destinations like Fort San Pedro, Plaza Independencia, Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, the video includes new sites such as the Cebu city hall and Park, Pilgrim center, Colon street marker, Heritage Square, Plaza Humabon, North and south portions of Osmena Blvd., Fuente Osmena, Cebu Provincial Capitol, Cebu Provincial Hall of Justice and the Malacanang sa Sugbo.

The documentary, which took six months to produce, uses open source software and an animation software called the Art of Illusion.

Forbes said the video hopes to attract tourists, particularly the Koreans and Japanese.

About 1,000 copies of the 3D heritage tour are currently in production while the group is working on presenting the video to foreign journalists during the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit this month, he said.

"We are hoping to distribute free copies to the foreign press during the summit," Forbes said. (PNA)