FICCI Forms Animation & Gaming Forum

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgFederation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has launched the first focused forum that will drive the agenda of animation and gaming industry in India. The forum aims to be the apex institution and the single point referral for anyone who is a part of the industry.

The core committee comprises of chairman Tapaas Chakravarti (md/ceo, DQ Ent.), co-chairman Ashish Kulkarni (founder/ceo, Anirights Infomedia), A K Madhavan (ceo, Crest Animation), Jaya Kumar (ceo, Toonz Animation India), Rajesh Thurakia (ceo, MEL), Jyotirmoy Saha (vp — animation, UTV), Ramesh Sharma (cmd, Moving Pictures), Munjal Shroff (coo/director, Graphiti Multimedia), Vishal Gondal (ceo, IndiaGames), Rajesh Rao (ceo, Dhruva Interactive) and Ninad Chayya (evp, Paradox Studios).

Speaking to ANIMATION 'XPRESS, Chakravarti said, "The Forum will support technology research, development & implementation of organized education and training program to boost training & development of international quality manpower to bridge the gap of more than 30,000 experts needed in the next few years. The forum will also work with NASSCOM & Government agencies to bring in dearly needed support for setting up of Centers of Excellence for Animation & Gaming Industry, Training and Development on line with IIT & IIM.”

Kulkarni said, "The forum has been formed at a very opportune time when most of the animation and gaming studios in India have gained experience in delivering projects with global standards. The forum would help build an ecosystem to consolidate the efforts in training, R&D and original content creation. The forum will also be a common focal point for integrating and addressing the needs of artists, technology experts, producers and distributors. We will make efforts in bringing the creative directors and producers from world over to present successful case studies and share a first hand technical and creative experience with all the stakeholders in the Indian animation and gaming industry. FICCI Animation & Gaming Forum will make an effort to reach out to the large traditional artist base in India and encourage them to join the industry."

FICCI senior assistant director Sumeet Gupta stated, "FICCI has been playing key role in promoting Indian Animation & Gaming sector. Identifying the potential in this very promising sector, we are focusing it as a key sector. What started as few sessions at FRAMES and small seminars has matured into full dedicated track at FRAMES. We instituted the only Animation Awards in this country FICCI BAF (Best Animated FRAMES) Awards in 2003-04. FICCI with its commitment to develop animation and gaming sector in India has launched FICCI Animation & Gaming Forum.”

“We will consolidate various stake holders in this industry. Under this Forum, we will not only drive the policy issues but also showcase the promise and potential of Indian animation and gaming industry at various International Markets, like MIPCOM, Annecy etc. The Forum by organizing convention and seminars, will discuss the problems related to the industry and help in forming a meaningful solution."

The goals and objectives of the forum are to promote continuous public and business awareness about the animation and gaming industry; to support technology research and development; to design and implement educational and training programs; to establish an Awards for acknowledging creativity in the industry; and to address any other issues deemed important by its members.

In order to showcase the promise and potential of Indian Animation & Gaming Industry, the Forum plans to take business delegations to various international markets like Annecy (France), MIPCOM (France), Game Developers Conference (USA), Ottawa Animation Festival (Canada), SICAF (Korea) etc.