ANIMATION THROUGH A TE ĀO MĀORI LENS
KO WAI MĀTOU?
WHO ARE WE?
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"Hapaitia te ara tika pumau ai te rangatiratanga mo nga uri whakatipu."
Ama Digital is named after the "ama" (the outrigger) of a waka ama (outrigger canoe). The ama of any waka keeps it balanced, upright and on the right path. This is our commitment to our clients and mahi (work) - we will support, guide, manaaki (sustain), awhi (nurture), tautoko (support), and if need be, help direct your project on track.
Ama Digital Studios is an extension of the Ama Training - Digital Visual Arts and Design programmes. The programme was born out of the need for an industry specific animation course that produces graduates equiped with the skills and readiness for the jump into a professional animation studio.
Graduates of the program intergrate into our studio and become part of our team. Ama Digital's founding principals are based on Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), utilising kawa and tikanga to guide our approach to training and in business.
We are a production studio that is deeply committed to sharing Māori & Pasifika stories, and traditions to a global audience.
NGĀ TIKANGA O AMA DIGITAL
OUR VALUES
Tika
We are fair and just, and we know to do the right things.
Pono
We show integrity and honesty, we have trust and believe in what we do.
Aroha
We show love, compassion and respect for others and ourselves.
TŌ MĀTOU ROOPU
OUR TEAM
The AMA team is a collective mix of highly experienced industry veterans, and young exciting animation talent.
The old school animators have extensive experience in various areas of animation, writing, producing, directing and designing.
Our talented rangatahi come from a diverse range of backgrounds; they're young, talented and creatively fearless. Many of our young Māori artists are well versed in traditional toi (Māori arts) and knowledgable in Te Ao Māori (Māori world view).
Our leadership team are well known in their respective fields and are committed to Ama Digital Studios producing tangible outcomes focused on Maori and Pasifika whānau.
Mike & Eileen Murray
Co-founders/CEO & CFO
Ama is managed by husband and wife team, Mike and Eileen Murray. Both were highly respected educators before establishing several highly successful businesses, including AMA Training. Mike and Eileen bring with them a vast amount of experience in senior leadership roles, specialising in Indigenous Leadership Frameworks and epistomologies. Mike also provides a rich source of knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori (the values and practices of Māori).
Stan Fong
Co-founder/Studio Head/Creative Director
Stan is an animation professional with over thirty years of experience, and has been involved in every aspect in the industry, beginning as an animator on many recognisable productions for Disney, Warner Brothers and other marquee studios. Stan's long career has spanned the globe, from Europe, Asia, and North America, where he has assumed a range of roles, including Animation supervisor, Director and Producer. In 2006 he developed a production pipeline for a leading Chinese studio, and later assisted in the company's IPO listing and partnership with the Walt Disney Company.
Dean Trembath
Head Tutor/Director
Before becoming a highly recognised tutor in the animation arts, Dean worked in the industry on many well know Disney projects. Before working full time for AMA, Dean was the head foundation tutor at New Zealand’s largest private tertiary art & design institute. Dean is a highly recognised artist in his own right, and was a finalist in the 2022 The Adam Portraiture Award.
NGĀ RĀTONGA KAITAUTOKO
OUR PARTNERS
Ā MĀTOU MAHI
OUR WORK
ORIGINAL CONTENT
We strive to develop and produce original content showcasing Māori and Pasifika stories, culture and language.
FEATURE FILM
Major Announcement Coming Soon!
Series
Major Announcement Coming Soon!
SERVICES
SHOWREEL
All Videos
All Videos
AMA Design Reel
AMA Animation Reel
AMA Illustration Reel
Contact
Have Design or Animation Needs? Contact us, we'd love to help.
Level 4 Waitakere Campus
7 Ratanui Street, Henderson
AUCKLAND 0612