Hyderabad-based seven year old Animation and Gaming Academy Creative Mentors launched its second branch ‘Creative Mentors Animation & Gaming College’ here at Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad. Mr. Ponnala Lakshmaiah, Minister for Information Technology & Communications, Government of Andhra Pradesh inaugurated the college today. The inauguration was graced by Mr. K. Basi Reddy, President, AVCGI (Animation, VFX, Comic & Gaming Industry of A.P.) Association; Film Director Boyapati Srinu; AP Film Distributors Sector Committee Chairman Mr. C. Bharat Chowdary and others. Creativ-e-Mentors, a first-of-its-kind online facility for Animation & Gaming in the state of Andhra Pradesh will enable students to attend virtual classes, write online exams, etc.
Mr. K. Basi Reddy, President, AVCGI (Animation, VFX, Comic & Gaming Industry of A.P.) Association said that according The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) there is a shortage of 3 lakh skilled workforce in the animation and gaming industry. The Animation and Gaming industry offers a lot of career options, he said. Apart from the Production facility at the GAME city, he urged the government to provide software, motion control and motion capture facilities too. Film Director Boyapati Srinu said that institutions like the newly launched Creative Mentors Animation & Gaming College are a boon to the film industry.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Suresh Kovvuri, Managing Director, Creative Mentors said that Creative Mentors Animation & Gaming College will offer BA and MA courses online while BFA course will be offered offline only. Apart from the graduation program, several short and long term courses in Animation, Visual Effect and Gaming will also be offered at the college. A one year internship program is also offered. Students should be learning at the pace of the industry. At Creative Mentors, students will get industry knowledge and intensive hands-on experience on real projects plus education and training from faculty who are real time industry professionals. A state-of-the-art 100-seater lab will be open 12 hours per day for students to learn and practice their newly acquired skills. A tie-up with a very prominent University in Andhra Pradesh is on the cards, details of which will be declared soon, he said. Student with 10+2 qualification (any stream) and passion for animation can apply for the graduation program.
Hyderabad is a hub of animation and gaming and is growing into a powerhouse said Mr. Suresh Kovvuri. People travel from different states to Hyderabad for learning animation. And with the growing talent pool, many Hyderabad-based institutions are working for international projects from companies such as Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, etc., he added.
Indian animation industry encompasses 2D and 3D animation, as well as visual effects for movies. Visual effects have a good demand in the Telugu and Tamil film industry. National award for ‘Eega’ and Oscar for ‘Life of Pi’ is testimony to the talent of Hyderabad in the animation industry. Indian animation industry’s main source of revenue is offshore animation. But, recent times have witnessed a surge in production of local animation content for television as well as production of animated movies. The Indian animation industry is estimated to be growing at 15-20% per annum. With the industry growing at such a pace, the demand for skilled professionals is also growing.
Animation and Gaming students have immense opportunities in fields like advertising, film, television, mobile applications, gaming, etc. Students can look at various career options such as 2D/3D animators, visualisers, Character Modellers, Character Riggers, 3D Modellers, VFX Artists, Game Designers and Developers, etc., informed Mr. Suresh.