“We are still very much occupied with trying to entertain the world. I feel we should first be able to entertain India. The world will follow.”
One thing about the Indian animation ecosytem that causes grave concern for you? How do you plan to improve things?
There is nothing GRAVE about our animation ecosystem today. The Indian animation industry is much better than it was (maybe 5 years back), and it’s only getting better!
However there’s one point I’d like to make. We are still very much occupied with trying to entertain the world. I feel we should first be able to entertain India. The world will follow.
Sunny side up, what are the things that are really heartening about the ecosystem today?
Now there are many. To begin with, I see a growing number of people sincerely trying their best to entertain India and that’s most heartening to me! I would like to single out “Little Krishna” created by the Anirights team as one of the best Indian animation productions so far. Not many have seen it yet, but I can swear that it is efforts like these that are going to take Indian animation along with it to the very peak!
To compliment this, television channels today have opened up a huge opportunity for us to create original content. And its not just animation or kids’ channels. News channels, music channels, sports, soaps, travel shows, comedy shows, game shows, all want animation.
Interaction within the animation community has increased tremendously in the past years be it the corporates or the artists. I would like to sincerely congratulate and credit this to independent bodies like The Animation Society of India (TASI), Asifa India, ABAI, CG Tantra, FICCI, NASSCOM, Promax and of course you guys: Animation Xpress!
Today there is a wide variety to choose from when it comes to animation education or training in India: right from filmmaking, communication design to software and technical training.
Your comments on Indian animation education?
Animation education is the most vital ingredient in our industry as that�s the source for our future.
However I feel there’s too much of training and less of education today. We are devoting too much time to training students in specific software right from the beginning. I would like to see schools laying more stress on other mediums of animation including the classical 2D animation, stop motion, and subjects like fundamentals of movement, storytelling, character design, script writing, filmmaking, sound design, and art direction.
Once you are aware of the possibilities, it doesn’t matter what tool/ software you use.
We are also stressing too much on churning out “industry-ready students”. If we concentrate so hard solely on what the industry needs, we will merely end up filling up existing job vacancies. What we need is some fresh, new work to propel our industry to fresh, new heights! That is only possible when the future generation of animation filmmakers are encouraged to follow their strengths, and not just the stunted industry requirements.
Indian animation IP is finally beginning to become a reality what with so many features lined up for release. Your comments and when do we see a Vaibhav Studios feature, or a Vaibhav studios DVD or TV series? Don’t you think it’s high time?
Thanks to the many options we have today, we are not limited to only feature films or TV series to create Indian animation IP. Ever since its formation, Vaibhav Studios has been constantly creating original animation content for the Indian audiences, and that too some of the most popular ones! Whether they were ad films, social messages, channel promotions or animated shorts, we�ve had a ball so far!
However I must confess that longer format storytelling is something that�s very close to our hearts. I assure you we are working towards that and I agree it�s high time we went that way.
Let’s do some crystal gazing, where do you think Indian Animation will be in 3 years time?
A lot of big producers are backing some very ambitious animation projects. Studios are approaching original content creation in a much more mature and planned way than before. In three year’s time I hope we get to see some really good films.
If you accept to be the Guest Editor of AnimationXpress.com for one week, which are the people you would Interview?
Forget the interviews!
I feel a lot of interesting regular topics can be introduced in your portal. There could be reviews by animation film buffs of the latest animation film releases every week/ fortnight. Critics could rate new animation ads on TV or latest released games! I feel you should invite articles/ reports from every member of the animation industry: students, teachers, professionals, studio heads, marketing reps, and advertising folks.
Your continuous commitment to the cause of the community building and knowledge sharing has been inspiring to say the least. A message from you to peers and youngsters, inviting them to join the fun?
I must sincerely thank Tony Singh and Kireet Khurana for having introduced me to a beautiful platform like TASI for me to invest my energies into. I feel sharing is the fastest and most exciting way to learn more. I am extremely proud to be a part of the TASI family and would of course urge every member of the industry to be a part of it.
Additional comments?
I am very grateful to Maac for bestowing this honour (title of “Mover & Shaker”) upon me. Whatever little we have moved or have shaken is thanks to the wholehearted and sincere efforts of all our team members at Vaibhav Studios. Thanks a million to you too, Animation Xpress, for giving me this opportunity to pour my head and heart out!
This is just the beginning. There’s lots left to move and shake!