Trends in Animation Training in India

Author: Nandita Basu

There has been a marked change in Animation programs available in India today as opposed to when they first made an appearance. By the late ‘90s, animation was being hailed as the next big thing. A number of centres that opened up then primarily offered training in animation software while ignoring most other important aspects of animation. It was a two dimensional approach to animation study. Often these courses were just diplomas unaffiliated to any university. The only place that gave a degree was NID, this too was a specialization program, available only to a select few.

The scenario is different now. And changing every day.

Places that teach animation/vfx are still private institutions offering decent studio infrastructure or opportunities to assist on in-house productions. Most of these still offer software modules ranging from 3-9 months (often these softwares are same as those used in international studios to produce movies), but additionally, offer a B.A. degree in animation spread over two years of full-time study.

Arena Multimedia , Toonz Animation have traditional 2d animation programs. Arena also teaches script writing. Others such as MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics), Zee Institute of Creative Arts , J.J. School of Art offer more comprehensive courses that end with a Bachelor's degree. Picasso has a tie up with Centennial College, Canada and has a UGC recognized animation program.

There are many institutes that offer specialization in gaming as well. Games use a lot of animation and the demand for animators is expanding.

Virtual Infocom (Kolkata), ADGA (Chennai), offer modules specially for people who are interested in vfx/animation for the gaming market. Some places even offer training for different platforms such as the I-phone etc.

Post Graduate courses however are fewer still, Industrial Design Centers at IIT, Mumbai and Guwhati to name some.

Another huge change in terms of animation training has been the teaching staff available. Initially, teachers were trained in teaching softwares, and were not animators themselves. So while they could tell you how to create a certain movement using a software, they had little knowledge or experience on how to make a character come to life. This is changing.

More animators/vfx artists who have worked on real-time projects and have had comprehensive animation training are available to teach today. Apart from this, international animators form the faculty of many institutes. Picasso , has names such as Philip Alexy and Dirk Pries who have worked on Star Wars and Casper, as part of their faculty.

Animation training institutes are plenty and so are the courses offered. The best part is, these are not restricted to a few.

One must, however, read the program modules carefully while choosing. Remember that learning how to work on a software is not animation. It's only a part of it. So try and chose a program which gives you a complete study. Unless ofcourse you are looking to upgrade your skills and are specializing in a particular field of animation, wherein you already have a basic knowledge of animation.

About the author: Nandita is a freelance comic book artist/ animator.

Updated Date: 17th February, 2011

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