<p>In India, the animation industry has been swept by a tidal technology wave of 3D, Computer Generated Imagery and Visual Effects.<br /><br />While movies like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda were largely created using CGI and live voices, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Harry Potter series used VFX techniques extensively. And it was all done right here in India.<br /><br />A lot of the work that is conducted in India focuses on Digital Live Compositing. This new trend combines both VFX and CGI. DLC involves the combining of a computer-generated image with a live environment.<br /><br />Another common technique is reference-based animation. This involves using actors to portray a character on video footage. This is then layered with computer graphics to create an animated character. The perfect example of reference-based animation is the 2009 film Avatar. Indian companies also work with stereoscopy and rotoscopy work, depending on the requirement of the project they take on.<br /><br />“There is immense scope for growth in my area of specialisation which is character animation. I’m looking forward to working for a big studio name. And that opportunity is now available in India,” says Ashank S (21), a final-year animation student. Indian studios use a wide spectrum of techniques and dynamics to create moving imagery.<br /><br />Some of the more popular ones used today are:<br />*Character animation<br />*CGI animation<br />*Multi-sketching animation<br />*Special effects animation<br />*Animatronics<br />*Digital story boards<br />*Stop motion<br />*Flash-based animation<br /><br />Key roles<br /><br />The production department of a studio is typically divided into two areas:<br />*3D department<br />*VFX team<br /><br />The 3D department works on CGI techniques which differ from company to company. The VFX department requires artists with expertise in specialised techniques such as roto-animation, frame-by-frame animation, character animation etc.<br /><br />Most studios require:<br /><br />*Storyboard artist <br />*Junior animator<br />*Senior animator<br />*Technical director/ VFX supervisor<br />*Specialised director (such as a roto artist)<br />*Compositor<br /><br />Junior and senior artists work on projects under a team leader, and work is divided between the two teams. Depending on the requirement of the client, more than two companies may work on one project.<br /><br />Specialisation is the key<br /><br />Animation in India began with 2D traditional animation. And most jobs only called for very basic skills. “Ten years ago, the industry employed animators who knew a little of everything. But that’s changing and it is now important to specialise in one or two techniques to be employed by a studio,” says Dijo Davis, (30), Incubation Trainer.<br /><br />While considering a career in animation, it is suggested that students enroll for a Bachelor’s degree in animation and follow that up with a specialisation. Most colleges in India provide special focus on software learning and 3D trends at the graduate level. The job calls for more than just a creative bent of mind. Some of the work involved in animation requires a sound base in physics and maths.<br /><br />“Classroom learning is limited to being trained in using softwares and tools. But an animator’s full creative potential can be tested only on the job,” observes Ashank.<br /><br />“According to a NASSCOM report on the animation and gaming industry in India, one out of every three international animation movies are modelled, composited and post-produced in India; one out of every five 3D game is given wings in Indian studios; and more than 150 short films and feature films are created in India,” says Vishnu <br /><br />Chakra-varthy (31), Technical Director, Technicolor India. As trends in multimedia software and techniques continue to evolve, the demand for various entertainment forms such as TV series and graphics games continues to rise. With international entertainment firms such as The Walt Disney Company, Imax Corporation, Universal Studios, Sony Pictures Corporation signing contracts with Indian animation companies, local design studios are gradually establishing their credentials overseas.<br /><br />Such studios employ close to 300-500 animators to create cartoons, TV shows, movies and short films. India now has more than 100 Indian animation companies and the list is growing. <br /><br />The NASSCOM report cites high labour costs in the US and the UK, and the growing talent pool in India as reasons for the surge in interest and demand for Indian animators. Indian production houses can accomplish the task given at one-fourth the price in other countries.<br /><br />“We have worked on some popular games and movies like Kung Fu Panda and the latest God of War series. This only goes to prove that India is the top destination for animation work,” says Vishnu.<br /><br />Most companies now adopt a co-production business model or an outsourcing model with international production houses.<br /><br />Career prospects<br /><br />While projects continue to pour into India, there are not enough hands to carry them out. Industry watchers attribute this to the fact that there are only a handful of colleges that offer specialised courses in India.<br /><br />“There are many institutes that offer short-term courses in animation. But very few colleges offer a specialisation in VFX or CGI animation,” says Dijo. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or Animation can sign up for a short-term course in any of the top ten institutes in India. An entry-level junior animator can expect a salary of Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000. The salary of technical directors or team leads is considerably higher.<br /></p>
<p>In India, the animation industry has been swept by a tidal technology wave of 3D, Computer Generated Imagery and Visual Effects.<br /><br />While movies like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda were largely created using CGI and live voices, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Harry Potter series used VFX techniques extensively. And it was all done right here in India.<br /><br />A lot of the work that is conducted in India focuses on Digital Live Compositing. This new trend combines both VFX and CGI. DLC involves the combining of a computer-generated image with a live environment.<br /><br />Another common technique is reference-based animation. This involves using actors to portray a character on video footage. This is then layered with computer graphics to create an animated character. The perfect example of reference-based animation is the 2009 film Avatar. Indian companies also work with stereoscopy and rotoscopy work, depending on the requirement of the project they take on.<br /><br />“There is immense scope for growth in my area of specialisation which is character animation. I’m looking forward to working for a big studio name. And that opportunity is now available in India,” says Ashank S (21), a final-year animation student. Indian studios use a wide spectrum of techniques and dynamics to create moving imagery.<br /><br />Some of the more popular ones used today are:<br />*Character animation<br />*CGI animation<br />*Multi-sketching animation<br />*Special effects animation<br />*Animatronics<br />*Digital story boards<br />*Stop motion<br />*Flash-based animation<br /><br />Key roles<br /><br />The production department of a studio is typically divided into two areas:<br />*3D department<br />*VFX team<br /><br />The 3D department works on CGI techniques which differ from company to company. The VFX department requires artists with expertise in specialised techniques such as roto-animation, frame-by-frame animation, character animation etc.<br /><br />Most studios require:<br /><br />*Storyboard artist <br />*Junior animator<br />*Senior animator<br />*Technical director/ VFX supervisor<br />*Specialised director (such as a roto artist)<br />*Compositor<br /><br />Junior and senior artists work on projects under a team leader, and work is divided between the two teams. Depending on the requirement of the client, more than two companies may work on one project.<br /><br />Specialisation is the key<br /><br />Animation in India began with 2D traditional animation. And most jobs only called for very basic skills. “Ten years ago, the industry employed animators who knew a little of everything. But that’s changing and it is now important to specialise in one or two techniques to be employed by a studio,” says Dijo Davis, (30), Incubation Trainer.<br /><br />While considering a career in animation, it is suggested that students enroll for a Bachelor’s degree in animation and follow that up with a specialisation. Most colleges in India provide special focus on software learning and 3D trends at the graduate level. The job calls for more than just a creative bent of mind. Some of the work involved in animation requires a sound base in physics and maths.<br /><br />“Classroom learning is limited to being trained in using softwares and tools. But an animator’s full creative potential can be tested only on the job,” observes Ashank.<br /><br />“According to a NASSCOM report on the animation and gaming industry in India, one out of every three international animation movies are modelled, composited and post-produced in India; one out of every five 3D game is given wings in Indian studios; and more than 150 short films and feature films are created in India,” says Vishnu <br /><br />Chakra-varthy (31), Technical Director, Technicolor India. As trends in multimedia software and techniques continue to evolve, the demand for various entertainment forms such as TV series and graphics games continues to rise. With international entertainment firms such as The Walt Disney Company, Imax Corporation, Universal Studios, Sony Pictures Corporation signing contracts with Indian animation companies, local design studios are gradually establishing their credentials overseas.<br /><br />Such studios employ close to 300-500 animators to create cartoons, TV shows, movies and short films. India now has more than 100 Indian animation companies and the list is growing. <br /><br />The NASSCOM report cites high labour costs in the US and the UK, and the growing talent pool in India as reasons for the surge in interest and demand for Indian animators. Indian production houses can accomplish the task given at one-fourth the price in other countries.<br /><br />“We have worked on some popular games and movies like Kung Fu Panda and the latest God of War series. This only goes to prove that India is the top destination for animation work,” says Vishnu.<br /><br />Most companies now adopt a co-production business model or an outsourcing model with international production houses.<br /><br />Career prospects<br /><br />While projects continue to pour into India, there are not enough hands to carry them out. Industry watchers attribute this to the fact that there are only a handful of colleges that offer specialised courses in India.<br /><br />“There are many institutes that offer short-term courses in animation. But very few colleges offer a specialisation in VFX or CGI animation,” says Dijo. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or Animation can sign up for a short-term course in any of the top ten institutes in India. An entry-level junior animator can expect a salary of Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000. The salary of technical directors or team leads is considerably higher.<br /></p>
