It's often said that Ireland is a nation of storytellers. If you needed any proof, just look at the calibre of the creative companies that descended on the City of Angels flanked by Irish Government officials.

Leading Irish companies involved in animation, video effects, gaming, virtual reality and other creative endeavors recently flocked to the entertainment capital of the world. 

The premise of the visit was to forge links between the abundance of talent working prolifically in Ireland and household name entertainment brands in the US.

Just ten years ago, there were only 70 Irish people working in animation and related fields. In a mere decade, that number has grown to over 2,000 in full-time employment in the same industries. Many of these creatives need no introduction, thanks to the plethora of Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and international recognitions their work has received.

Check out this fantastic showreel featuring some of the Irish #DigitalEntertainment companies on our trade mission here in LA this week. Their innovation & talents can be seen in everything from children's TV shows & movies to binge-worthy fantasy dramas! #IrishAdvantage pic.twitter.com/ARy35Sslo4

— EI theUSA (@EI_theUSA) June 20, 2018

This past week, a delegation comprised of representatives from 15 of Ireland's highly-esteemed creative companies were flown to Los Angeles, where they were joined by Business, Innovation, and Enterprise Minister Heather Humphreys, Enterprise Ireland CEO Julie Sinnamon, Consul General of Ireland to the Western US Robert O'Driscoll and Deputy CEO of the Irish Film Board Teresa McGrane.

As part of the Government of Ireland-led Trade Mission, the representatives were personally introduced to top ranking staff at major companies including Netflix, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and Disney.

Well done to our delegation of homegrown companies who did a great job showcasing Ireland’s huge talent in digital entertainment at @DisneyStudios& @DisneyAnimation - they’re doing our country proud on this trade mission ☘️🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/gT8GJwIaNf

— Heather Humphreys (@HHumphreysFG) June 22, 2018

Speaking to IrishCentral, Julie Sinnamon said, "the creativity of Irish companies marks them apart and storytelling is in everything they do. They've come to this US market with a proven track record: they're steeped in the arts and have the dynamism and ambition to succeed."

“There are very strong links between Ireland and America. We believe that there’s a synergy and these people can work very well together," she added.

100 million children in 120+ countries viewing Irish #animation with over 2,000 working on award-winning content https://t.co/Tit21eA5Ks @EI_theUSA connecting Irish and US ecosystems @animationirel @WIA_animation #GlobalAmbition #CreativeIrl Ireland: Where #Creativity Happens pic.twitter.com/xYCufNNgkY

— Declan Hughes (@Declanjahughes1) June 22, 2018

Minister Humphreys said, "Ireland's creative content is fun, dynamic, growing, and making a significant impact on the global stage."

"The digital entertainment and animation and creative industry in Ireland has long been a cornerstone of our vibrant film industry. It has seen a significant growth in the last decade and it's now an integral part of our digital creative economy."

Opening a panel discussion at @Disney on women in animation with @wia_animation. While there’s still work to do, the sector in Ireland is streets ahead of others with a 43% female workforce. pic.twitter.com/uhK6o0smua

— Heather Humphreys (@HHumphreysFG) June 22, 2018

She noted that every day, millions of children all over the world are now viewing shorts and animations, playing games, and downloading mobile phone applications created by Irish people.

"The Irish government is completely committed to supporting the continual growth of this sector," Minister Humphreys confirmed.

"We believe that the quality of the companies we have is really first class. This is about opening doors of opportunity for people in the market to get to know these Irish companies, and to highlight what they can bring to the table."