Back to the Future
In 2004, Asia is certainly animated.

Silicon Illusion’s is working on its first full-length CG feature production, Sing to the Dawn. Their efforts at creating an efficient workflow have secured them a niche North American clientele.

Crest is all set to work on Pet Aliens, a series that incorporates extensive traditional animation techniques into the 3D realm. Back in garden city Banglore, another animation studio, Jadoo Works, is executing a 26-hour CG animation project, Higgley Town Heroes, for San Francisco-based Wild Brain Inc.

With Bionicle a huge hit, CGCG Studios hopes their work on Kiddo Q will earn them the same kind of recognition. Photo courtesy of CGCG Studios.

In addition to the Bionicle sequel, CGCG will be working on a direct-to- video CG project for a leading U.S. toy company and a 3D feature, whose title cannot be disclosed at the moment.

But the most important development is that the experience has given the company an opportunity to create its own content. Interesting that after Tenali, Toonz Animation found itself designing characters for other studios apart from gaining additional revenues from ancillary rights.

Ironically, widespread piracy of animated videos in China has in reality turned out to be a highly effective marketing channel for periphery products. Merchandise sales have actually shot up due to the popularity of pirated animated videos. A clue for others to follow?

Many companies are also expected to take advantage of co-productions to shore up revenues. India has signed co-production deals with large animation producers in Canada and Italy, and is expected to benefit immensely.

Already the benefit of outsourcing 3D animation is witnessing a rollover into the gaming industry. Last year, several gaming studios popped up all over India. Given the countries pre-eminent position as a SW power, we may soon see a merging trend between two large talent pools.

The use of foreign outsourcing helps bring high-quality productions to America. Courtesy of Crest Communications. © Mike Young Prods.

Conclusion
The highlight of 2003 is that Asian studios have consistently risen up the value chain. Interestingly, executives in India, Singapore and the Far East believe it will ultimately be higher production values and not just low cost labor that will differentiate them from competition.

Some, like India, are expected to benefit by its large English-speaking population and proficiency with technology. Others, like the Southeast Asian nations, will capitalize on their vast experience in animation.

The future may also see a battle of dimensions between 2D and 3D and the conflict of mediums between traditional and interactivity. Some may remain service providers, others may emerge as specialty studios and others may choose hybrid models.

In the meantime, artists will continuously try and weave magic on the computer canvas. A portrait, where a mouse substitutes a chisel, and a tablet replaces the brush.

Vamsi M. Ayyagari started his career at Riot Pictures, a Santa Monica-based visual effects house. As an exec producer at the overseas animation studio, he oversaw production for The Curly Tales of Piggley Winks and vfx for Koi Mil Gaya, India’s first sci-fi project. Presently, he is working as the Indian vfx producer for the Hollywood feature, A Sound of Thunder. He can be contacted via email at: vamsi_am@hotmail.com.