‘Medium is fascinating’
Animation is the emerging industry in India as many full length animated feature films are lined up for coming months. The problem, however, is of lack of trained professionals

By Jyotsna Singh
Frameboxx organised a seminar on animation and visual effects. The panel included celebrities like Kunal Kapoor, famous actor from movies like Meenaxi, Rang De Basanti, Hattrick etc, Biju D, director, VFX and Star-Screen Award winner for film Bhoothnath, and Xavier Roig from London, UK, who was the lead artist in Hellboy 2, Harry Potter 5 and Doom. The idea of the seminar was to give an overview about the Indian animation and visual effects industry. As the seminar was primarily targeted at students, the speakers also talked about job prospects after undertaking courses in animation. The industry is already established in countries like the US, Canada and Australia. In India it is still picking up. The major problem is the lack of trained professionals in the field. The students were encouraged to take up animation as a career since the opportunities are galore in this area.

In a special session with the media the panelists spoke about the future of the industry and the upcoming animated full length movie Mahayodha Rama. Kapoor, who has given voice over to character Rama in the movie, said : “ I can’t talk about technical aspects, but animation as a medium is fascinating. There are no boundaries. You can portray what ever you can imagine. It’s only imagination that limits you.” Talking about the character he said “I was always amazed by Ramayana. After I lent my voice, I realised that there is so much more that it has to offer. Ramayana has been told in a new and latest fashion. Imagine an ancient tale being told with metal playing in the background.” The actor confessed that it was a challenge to give voice to animation. While acting it is about expressions, body movements etc. One responds to real life human being during shoot. But in animation it is only voice responding to voice and that too at different times. “Animation is actually reverse of a movie. In movie first the sets and costumes are prepared, and then acting comes. In animation, first the character is designed and then the sets etc.”

Raizada Rohit Jaising Vaid of Contiloe Pictures, the makers of Mahayodha Rama said that animation as a medium is ideal for making this movie. He said “We have portrayed giant tortoises coming up from underneath and holding rocks. This can’t be created in reality. One more thing about animation is that it needs to have an experience. Audience should be moved to cry if there is a sad episode and laugh when something funny is shown. I am demystifying animation to a great extent. From a six-year-old to a 60-year-old should be able to enjoy our product.”

Naveen Gupta, executive director & CEO, Frameboxx contended that “the purpose of the seminar was to provide interface between the students and the industry experts.” The industry seems to be desperately trying to train young minds for a new medium to India. In the times of economic slowdown, such opportunities should be welcomed by all and sundry.