FINAL REPORT - USAID Macedonia

In 2009, MCP facilitated negotiations between fX3X and a major
Hollywood digital animation studio for a joint venture with the
potential to bring a multi-million dollar pipeline, and put
Macedonia on the map as a global animation and visual effects
location. The pending deal involved $15 million in investment,
and a pipeline exceeding $50 million in exports over 5 years.
MCP engaged a US-based consultant to assist fX3X to negotiate a
deal with the studio (including preparing for the studio’s due
diligence, and working with both parties to resolve issues that
arose during negotiations), and improving fX3X’s business
planning and organizational processes. These internal
improvements were necessary for fX3X to be considered a
credible partner and develop the capacity to manage the pipeline
of new animation projects. MCP staff also identified an
institutional investor interested in becoming an equity partner in
the joint venture deal and investment in Digital Media Park
upgrade.
Trained fX3X employee using digital animation
software
Although the hoped for joint venture and investment in the Digital Media Park did not occur for economic and
strategic reasons on the part of the prospective investor, MCP efforts facilitated a fruitful business relationship
between fX3X and the Hollywood studio. As part of this relationship, the studio provided fX3X with licenses to
use its own proprietary software and sent a technical manager to help fX3X integrate the software into their
visual effect activities. This software has been critical in providing fX3X the technical capabilities to move into
more challenging visual effects and digital animation projects resulting in millions of dollars in new business for
the company.
Digital Animation Developer Training using Revolving Fund
As fX3X developed new capabilities and targeted new market segments, it needed to hire new digital animators
with specific skills. In 2010, fX3X and MCP carried out a two-phase animator and visual effect training
program as a pilot for the Project’s Revolving Fund Concept (see workforce development section). Forty-five
candidates were trained, most of whom were employed. fX3X fully repaid the funds (70 percent of training
costs) “loaned” by MCP. With the expansion of the company and success of the training program, fX3X
continued training new animators for employment, reaching 105 employees at present. As it continues
discussions with the Hollywood studio, fX3X continues to make its mark on the animation and visual effect
industry, doubling its production and exports in FY2011.
Support for Ein Sof participation at European Automotive Component (EAC) Expo in Stuttgart,
Germany
MCP included Ein Sof in the delegation of automotive companies taking part in the EAC Expo from 2009-2011
(see Light Manufacturing). Ein Sof has developed a series of automotive diagnostic tools and aims to expand its
market within the automotive industry, where software plays an important (and changing) role. Prior to the
show, an MCP consultant organized a number of meetings between Ein Sof and European automotive
companies that took place at the show. These meetings, and others organized by MCP on-site resulted in a
number of business relationships that could lead to new deals. One of the outcomes of these business
relationships allowed Ein Sof to be included in BMW’s supplier list.
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