TechLahore

When I read this news item in the Business Recorder earlier today, it immediately put a huge smile on my face. Partly, because I felt really proud that a local Pakistani animation studio, Post Amazers, were recognized in such a significant way. But the real reason why I’m beaming right now, is because my old nemesis, Sponge Bob, has finally gotten what was coming to him. And that too at the hands of a local do-gooder! Mexican kids apparently love Commander Safeguard, or El XXXXX as he is known south of El Paso. Move over, Zorro, a new Gringo is in town! I’m sure the bean counters at P&G (Procter and Gamble) would be pretty pleased with this media coup and undoubtedly successes like this one are bound to get more outsourced animation business Pakistan’s way. Check it my friends, pretty cool story!

While this is certainly something to celebrate, I’m still waiting for the first, well animated, well scripted, Pakistani animation series. The ads are just evidence that there’s a lot more talent where Commander Safeguard came from, and it would be great to see more of it in play. Pakistan’s largest software company, Systems Ltd. also has a subsidiary, Anivista, in the same space.

Anyway, back to the Commander, here’s what the old Biz Rec (via APP) has to say:

“Commander Safeguard, the first animated superhero of Pakistan and the mascot of P&G’s brand Safeguard, has taken Mexico by storm. Developed by Post Amazers, the largest animation house in Pakistan and the first with a truly global clientele, the hit series started a semi-revolution amongst Pakistani kids who just could not get enough of it.

After its success in Pakistan, the series was adapted to fit the culture and lifestyle of kids in Mexico. Going by the name ‘EI XXXXX’, the commander has succeeded in breaking all records to date, coming even ahead of ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’, currently the most popular character world-wide, with a rating of 6.2 as compared to SpongeBob’s 5.5.“

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