Giving a platform to established and upcoming executives in the fields of animation, gaming, VFX and comics to interact with each other and develop new skills is what the ABAI Fest and the KAVGC Summit 2015 from 6-8 February is all about. With the support of the government of Karnataka, the fest is a place to exchange ideas and progress the industry.
In its fourth year, the two entities have been merged as one this year to build a bigger brand. By dropping seminars and panel discussions, it is marching ahead with the ‘clinics’ format it introduced last year, which includes a round table with speakers and several delegates.
In conversation with AnimationXpress.com, Technicolor India country head Biren Ghose in his capacity as ABAI president highlights some key points ahead of the ABAI fest and KAVGC Summit.
What are the key takeaways from this time’s ABAI and KAVGC summit for attendees?
This is a practical summit – it has several pods that will conduct clinics across a wide vista of applications in VFX, animation, gaming and digital media/comics. It is a departure from the expert panel format. The idea is to help attendees ‘learn things’ they actually need and get amazing advice from both international and local mentors to address problems they face as artists or entrepreneurs. There are buyers, sellers, service providers besides the professionals and other stakeholders from the media, film industry etc. The ABAI fest will help expand the awareness across the sector to a wider audience.
Are the discussions only going to focus on bettering things in Karnataka or is there a national outlook as well?
Industry cannot be compartmentalised by geography. Of course the local government by definition has to promote a local agenda with companies that are based here, who need talent and business from everywhere. We have always had international and national broadcasters and in fact awarded deserving contributors from both international and local sources. The conference is an international conference. Karnataka will of course have a huge edge as it is the only state with a policy although other states have been ‘announcing’ similar schemes for some time.
There were talks of setting up a national centre of excellence in the field of AVCG, has there been any progress on that?
The conference is going to make a ‘big announcement’ (at the inauguration) which will unveil the progress which has been made in this area.
Where do you think the industry is lagging behind?
Industry has made huge strides in providing services to leading global companies. In the development of IP, it has some way to go to challenge the world. We have a huge talent base gaining amazing experience and skills on international projects but we are yet to see development and success on Asian/India projects.
What is the need of the hour to bring together the AVCGI in the country and get situations at a better level?
Mindsets are a huge impediment. Indian producers and production houses need to have an inclusive mindset.
How has the Government of Karnataka led the way in sprucing up the sector in Karnataka? What are the key roles played by the government?
The government has been an enabler trying to respond to industry requests for proposals and have funded a ‘train the trainer’ initiative as well as digital arts centres in key locations.
Is there any new initiative that is being planned by you and the government for facilitating better import and export of resources and work?
The government is engaged in a slew of incentives that will result in skills development, international marketing and promoting industry connect; even assisting in enlarging the market for business and talent through sponsorships. This positions Bangalore and the state as leaders.