Amalgamation of art, technology

If you have the passion and imagination to create something new, then carving a successful career in animation is just a stone’s throw away, writes Ashish S K

Indians love watching films as it is considered to be the best entertainment option that every member of the family enjoys irrespective of their age. Today, when we talk about mainstream movies, we are not merely referring to bollywood movies but also animation film. In recent years, there is an increasing section of audience that has shown interest in works related to animation. 

Animation industry

The Indian animation industry pegged at $350 million is growing at a fast rate. With the box-office success of, Krishna Aur Kans, Delhi Safari, Chotta Bheem and the curse of Damayan etc, the popularity of animation movies is certainly not expected to wane.

Interestingly, Bollywood too has used animation and visual effects in movies like Bol Bachchan, ABCD, Talaash, Ek Tha Tiger, and Rowdy Rathore. The makers of these movies believe that animation or special effects contributed immensely towards the success of the movies.

Animation companies have also started focusing on building original IP (intellectual property), which they can leverage in terms of merchandising and TV broadcast revenues.

Visual effects industry

The visual effects (VFX) industry is a rapidly evolving segment in India. It involves the creation of live action imagery by using computer-generated effects. It is being increasingly used by the visual media in India; the domestic market is seeing bigger budget movies and ad campaigns, which are now open to spending more on VFX to provide an enhanced visual experience.

The VFX segment is an evolving segment, with new technologies and products becoming available. But artists in India are often found to be lacking in technical know-how on the latest developments in the VFX industry.

This requires that VFX companies in India train their employees on new technologies and equip them with the required expertise. It is obvious that trained personnel need to be created. This is where animation training institutes feature.

Scope

There is a widespread myth amongst the students/people aspiring to do a course in animation that there is a dearth of scope in terms of good career prospects or job opportunities in this field. It’s high time we break such myths. The scope after doing an animation course in India as well as abroad is quite high. Now-a-days, we see many special effects/animations are being used in movies, advertisements and daily serials. Make sure that you do the course from a well reputed institute, which also helps in the placements or can give you some leads for the jobs that you'll be looking for after the course.

According to a joint study by industry chamber Assocham and Deloitte, the Indian animation industry is expected to touch Rs 4,375 crore by 2013, from Rs 2,325 crore in 2010.

Many big studios and companies like Walt Disney, Sony Pictures & Turner Entertainment, which make animated films, TV ads and computer games, are off-shoring animation content to India. Many Indian animation studios and production houses are packed with work, be it outsourced from abroad or in-house projects for the market in India. Hence, the Indian animation industry is certainly facing a talent crunch. Trained and talented people are required to fill these job vacancies.

Becoming an animator

If you have the passion, the will to conquer and readiness to work hard, then carving a successful career in animation and film industry is just a stone’s throw away. A passion for creating something new is of course a pre-requisite. Besides, if you have good drawing skills, visualization and imagination, they will better your performance.
A good animation academy/institute will be able to instill the technical know-how in using movements and imagery to conceptualize something new and exciting. Animation is basically an amalgamation of art and technology. Constant innovation in work with a penchant for creating a visually appealing and entertaining imagery will help you to be a successful animator.

 Job prospects & career options

Animation as an industry and a career option is booming. There are plenty of job opportunities, provided you are looking at animation and computer graphics as a serious career choice and not as a trifling hobby. With ample use of technology in creating animated characters, there is enough and more jobs for a computer animator.

Today, mainstream movies, TV serials and even ad films love using special effects/animation to garner eye balls or increase sales. As per the industry standards, the starting salary of freshers is between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000 per month. With one to three years of experience in animation, a professional can draw between Rs 20,000 and 30,000 per month, whereas three to eight years of experience can fetch a remuneration of Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 per month.

Popular courses

* BSc in digital animation and film making
* CAS (Certification in Animation Specialization)
* PG diploma in 3D animation

Institutes offering courses

A few years ago, there were only a handful of institutes. However, animation training institutes have mushroomed all over the country today. While choosing an institute, ensure that they have experienced and proficient mentors available. Also ensure adequate infrastructure, industry interface and validate placement track record of alumni. Some of the leading institutes for courses in animation in India are; Reliance AIMS, FrameBoxx, Arena Animation, and Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC).

Most of the institutes offer both short term and long term courses. Short term courses are considered good for an entry level job in animation in areas like Digital Designing, 3D Modeling, Rigging, Texturing and Lighting or Compositing. Long term courses undoubtedly have better scope and job prospects.

The minimum eligibility to do any of these courses is 10th or 12th standard pass. Students are required to write an entrance exam followed by an interview. This field has immense opportunities for talented individuals in the fields of animation application that include Animated Content for International Studios, Production houses for VFX, Animated Films and Feature Films, Home Entertainment (Television Channels), Ads (Animated content in Ads), Education (e-learning), Virtual Walk-through, Internet (Web Design & Animations), Designing & Simulation, Gaming (Console, Online & Mobile Games) etc.

Though, courses on Animation is relatively new in India, it has huge potential. Considering the present needs and trends of the animation industry, reputed institutes have well designed courses with the intention to create the finest talent pool.

It’s time we expose the aspiring youth to the secrets of animation making and effective story telling so that one day they can turn into accomplished creators of animation content.

(The writer is the CEO of an animation training institute)