Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Avenues in Animation


Avenues in animation – Approaches, preaprations and practices was the topic of our workshop which we were exploring. We learn animation but we do not to know the right path that has to be taken to be a successful Animator.

Our eminent speaker was Mr Puneet Sharma who is presently part of the Senior Technical Advisory Group at Arena Animation. He started his career in the Animation Industry as a Graphics Designer with Moving Picture Company, Delhi and has a professional experience of nearly 12 years working with TV Production houses, Web-portal Companies, Multimedia companies and leading Animation studios. He has worked on various domains of animation – web, multimedia, e-learning, architectural walkthroughs, social ad campaigns, animated ads (TVCs) & films (2D & 3D). His last assignment was with Zee Institute of Creative Arts (ZICA Studios) as Head of the Academy and Production.

Animation is used in various fields like television, movies, e learning and many more.
As Mr Puneet pointed out, that India would produce at least 2D animated films in the year 2008 -09. He pointed out that study of principles of Design and Composition is essential for becoming a successful animator. The study of posses of different creatures, their gestures, expressions and perspectives play a vital role before we start working on the software with tools.

To become an animator ones Approach and Preparation would include the principles of animation, study of stop motion animation, the story telling techniques, story boarding with the help of film language , study of acting for animation and identification of specialization and ones core strength.
One cannot become a professional animator until one does not know the correct method to practice. One must be a member of animation groups like TASI, ASIFA. Active participation in various seminars and workshop would enhance our knowledge. Reading of animation magazines and journals would give us an insight into the latest developments into the animation industry. Master classes and launches are also important.

Mr Puneet showcased various samples to explain the points for examples from certain animation films like Ice Age 2, short films from PIXAR and many more.

The workshop not only intended in just giving a presentation but it was an interactive session where the students could ask questions and could clarify their doubts, if any. For example one of them questioned about Background making in animation whereas another participant clarified their doubts on rigging for 3D.

Mr. A.D.Singh, Centre Head, Arena Animation Chowringhee stressed upon that participants should ask more and more questions because may be even a simple question can prove to be vital in future. He stressed on concepts being the most important to become an animator rather than tools of a software. Mr singh also pointed out that we wanted Arena Chowringhee students to be ‘Designers’ and not ‘Tailors’. The Arenite of the Month was Jai Shankar Singh and Best Academic Performer Award went toAstik Kumar. Special Awards for outstanding participation was given to Bivash Parbat and a Rizwanur Rahman Creative Award For 1st Semester was given to Sanjib Adhya of TTS 9-11 batch.

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