JOIN USWhile the last few years have seen the rise of sectors like information technology (IT) and retail in the country, a sector that is gradually gaining ground and making its presence felt is that of animation, visual effects and gaming. Accompanied with this growth are ample opportunities for students with a flair for the creative arts and unbounded imagination.
In the words of Dinesh Damodaran, Head, Department of Animation, Jain University: “What the IT industry was 15 years ago, we are in that threshold of great things now.” The industry according to experts is starting to open up at a fast pace with the domestic scene gradually picking up. Who would have thought a franchise like Choota Bheem would become so popular on Indian television? It has now been running for nearly ten years with no sign of slowing down.
Trends such as these show the gradual acceptance of local work and creations according to Ankur Bhasin, head of Bangalore based Bhasinsoft Animation Studios. Along with this, studios in India are also starting to get a lot work from foreign shores.
“Work for a number of Hollywood movies such as XMen, Harry Potter, James Bond, Skyfall, 300 have been done in studios in Bangalore,” said Ankur. Also, the local movie and television industry is also using lot more animation and visual effects he added.
Scope of the field
Just like any creative field, the road in the beginning is tough and one needs persistence and ability to work hard. A beginner will make anywhere between Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000, however before you dismiss the idea of getting into the field merely for the low pay at the start, think again. The dividends are extremely rich as one piles up the skills and experience. “If we take a growth trajectory of say five years, I would say it is much better than a person working in IT. One can earn anywhere between Rs 75,000 to Rs 90,000 in that time,” said Ankur.
Students can also branch out into varied sub fields such as medical animation, visualising in various fields like architecture, concept artist, interactive media, phone applications etc.
Mayura A H has just passed out from Jain University and is working as a medical animatiot in city based company. She joined the company after interning with it for three months.
“The field I am in is very interesting and has a wide range of prospects. However you need is to have an interest in art and a lot of persistence as it may not look to bright in the beginning,” she said. Pawan KP, avisual artist who passed out from Manipal University feels that the field is all about practice and the thirst to learn new things everyday.
Where to study
Experts are of the opinion that aspirants who want to enter the industry should study a foundational course in fine arts. They can then proceed with specializations in animation, gaming or visual effects. Being a nascent industry, there are a very few institutions that offer a full fledged degree course in the field, however a number of institutes that offer diploma courses are existent.
Jain University, Manipal University and Arena Multimedia are some of the places where one can study degree courses. The state government itself has set up a KVAGC (Karnataka Visual Effects Gaming and Comics) policy in recognition of the sector’s high potential for growth. Creation of a fund of Rs 50 crore for the sector, setting up of Centres of AVGC Excellence with a PPP model along with incubation centres, AVGC pubblic and private parks, ABVC expert panel, conducting annual fests to encourage students, training workshops are some of the plans that have been envisaged under the plan.