Whatcom County office helps this Canadian business serve Seattle-area tech market
A Canadian animation school has opened its first U.S. office in Whatcom County.
Vancouver Animation School and Fame recently opened up an office in Birch Bay Square. The animation school offers a variety of classes for careers in a variety of fields including video games and film, said CEO Mario Pochat in a telephone interview. The company also operates Fame, which provides digital entertainment educational material to a variety of organizations, including high schools.
The arrival of the school could signal more Canadian firms interested in entering the U.S. market following the easing of COVID-19 border restrictions. John Michener, economic development manager for the Port of Bellingham, said interest in Whatcom County has been high for Canadian firms even during the more restrictive days of the pandemic.
“Serious business owners looking to expand were able to get the paperwork that allowed them to cross the border as they needed and get things going here,” Michener said in an email. “Things may pick up if firms that have opened a branch here are successful and the word spreads to other folks in B.C.”
Vancouver Animation School decided to enter the U.S., after finding success connecting with the Vancouver, B.C., market, by setting up operations around the Seattle high-tech market. Having an office in Whatcom County makes for an easier midway point for travel.
The animation school is geared toward those out of high school, generally in the 18-34 demographic, although the school sometimes see older students looking to change careers, Pochat said. Students need to demonstrate some ability through a portfolio, depending on which field they want to go into.
Examples of programs include video games, concept art and visual effects programs. The video game program includes esports as well as virtual reality design classes.
Students can do much of the coursework online, but they also regularly meet with teachers, which the school is currently hiring for in the U.S. market, Pochat said. Where those teachers are established will be based on demand.
