Animation-Facts and Tracks

Each one of us lives with millions of pictures in our minds, and how often we wish we could show them to the world in the same way but they are often lost or distorted. It is estimated that 70% of the ideas and visual imageries die before they are translated in concrete forms. But the scene is fast changing and Animation is the key to the explosive powers of expression. Animation is envisaged as a tool to bring about a cultural, social & technological revolution. Movies like Hanuman, Krishna and Cars etc. more than prove the point. All these facts put together, a career in Animation is a dream come true for our generation of creative genius.

 

The position of Indian animators in the international scenario is promising. However there are many  facts that encourage a student to look at Animation as a career :

 

* More and more American, Canadian and European companies are beginning to outsource their work to Indian animation companies.

* Globally, all eyes have turned towards India for animation outsourcing. Indian animation industry which is forecast to reach USD 869 million by 2010, representing a CAGR of 25 percent over 2006-2010, is facing a severe shortage of workforce today especially on the quality front.

* In India alone, the animation industry needs over 30,000 people, while the demand met is a mere 10 % of the requirement.

* According to the latest NASSCOM report on Animation and Gaming industry, the global animation market (demand perspective) which was estimated at USD 59 billion in 2006, is estimated to reach USD 80 billion by 2010; Global market for animated content and related services (developer’s perspective) is estimated at USD 25-26 billion and is forecast to cross USD 34 billion by 2010.

* In addition to this, India’s animators are considered to deliver world-class quality, creativity and artistry, technological proficiency, productivity and also have a good command over English.

 

Significant Corner Stones
 
Teaching of a technology as multifaceted and complexed as Animation needs an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of technology, as well as the mind set and challenges faced by the students. All these factors should ideally make the corner stones of the curriculum offered by the multimedia institutes. The institutes focus should be to make its programs an exact and relevant match with the animation industry’s demands. In sync with the evolving industry requirements, many institutes have introduced comprehensive programs in 2D and 3D animation training.

 

While selecting an institute these are the checkpoints one should look for: -

 

* A curriculum designed with the objective of making the student a complete Animation Professional.

 

* Curriculum covering every aspect of animation including both 2D and 3D animation.

 

* Equal emphasis on both 2D and 3D Animation.

 

* Pre and Post Production Techniques.

 

* Skill development from ideation to execution.

 

* Creation of Demo Reels (Project)

Though 3D animation is fast becoming popular and a successful medium for filmmaking, the importance of 2D hand drawn animation should not be underestimated and enough attention should be paid on hand-drawn animation before moving to 3D. At times without the knowledge of 2D, 3D animation creation can appear lifeless or rigid. Beginning with the basic drawing skills, the program should emphasize on teaching the students to integrate both the 2D as well as 3D animation.

 

The Futuristic Approach

 

Multimedia Industry has long recognized the fact that education is not solely about acquiring technical skills but also the acquisition of a variety of personality traits that help students transfer their academic learning seamlessly into their jobs/careers thereby making them more employable. 

 

Mr. R. Krishnan, Global Head, Arena Multimedia is of the strong belief that “Employability is the capability of our students to move self-sufficiently within the job market and realize their potential through sustainable employment.  The crux of employability is the level of knowledge, skills and attitudes of students, the way in which they use these assets and eventually present them to the prospective employers. ’’

 

Hence there should be an inclusion of activities & initiatives to empower the students with professional skills in addition to the de facto technical skills thereby making them more employable.