Animation Careers – 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.
Besides dreams, even the practical reality and the position of Indian animators in the international scenario is equally promising. Furthermore, In the Indian scenario Institutes like Arena and other Multimedia institutes deliver most dedicated and high quality professionals to the world. The NASSCOM white paper on animation lists Arena Animation Academy as one of the top two private training institutes in this area.
This positions Indian Animators in very promising position in the international scenario. However there are many other facts that encourage a student to look at Animation as a career:
Ø More and more American, Canadian and European companies are beginning to outsource their work to Indian animation companies.
Ø Globally, all eyes have turned towards India for animation The animation industry in India, which is estimated to have earned revenues of between $200 million and $300 million in the last fiscal, is facing a severe shortage of workforce today especially on the quality front.
Ø In India alone, the animation industry needs over 30,000 people, while the demand met is a mere 10 % of the requirement.
Ø The NASSCOM survey recently pegged the country’s animation and digital-media industry at $ 60 million and mentioned that it is expected to grow to $5 billion by 2008.
Ø 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: –
Ø A curriculum designed with the objective of making the student a complete Animation Professional.
Ø Curriculum covering every aspect of animation including both 2D and 3D animation.
Ø Equal emphasis on both 2D and 3D Animation.
Ø Pre and Post Production Techniques.
Ø Skill development from ideation to execution.
Ø 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.
