Tim Westcott / Published - 12 Jan 10

The easily exportable nature of animation, the longevity of some properties (Mickey Mouse, created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1937, remains a mainstay of the world's largest media company), and the massive potential upside of ancillary revenue streams, makes it one of the most attractive genres of content for investors. But the inherent risks of the global animation market equally mean it's a difficult and challenging one for companies which do not have the scale, stability and presence at all stages of the value chain of the major US studios.