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Kolkata-based AFX Animation has become one of the top online animation providers from India. The company is now providing uninterrupted animation support to over 600 clients in around 25 countries and has completed around 1200 animation projects worldwide. Recently, the company collaborated with the National Medical College, Kolkata, to create animation movies on epilepsy and Alzheimer's diseases. BE’s Isha Chakraborty spoke to Sreemon Das, CEO, AFX Animation.

Q. How is the animation sector performing in India?

A. The global animation industry is expanding well. The Indian animation and VFX industry is expected to reach Rs. 11360 crore by 2020.

Q. What are the different types of animations that are in demand in India?

A. Animation can be produced traditionally by hand drawing or digitally, with the help of software. At present, the demand of digital animation is way higher as compared to traditional animation because of lower cost and faster turnaround. Digital animations are of two types, namely, 2D and 3D animation.

Digital 2D can be created using 2D softwares like Animate CC, Toon Boom etc. All types of animation can be created through 2D animation – from simple stick-person animation figures to entire animated stories. But digital 3D animation is very realistic and animators have to be artistically skilled to create a character. Software such as Maya and Cinema 4D are used to create 3D animation. Modelling, texturing, rigging, light, special effects, render are some of the components of 3D animation. Motion graphics animation, whiteboard animation, paper cut animation, motion capture and stop motion are some of the prevalent animation styles applicable to 3D animation. This type of animation is used in games, movies, interior designing, architectural drawing and in the medical field.

Q. How do you view yourself in the animation market?

A. AFX Animation is one of the top online animation providers in eastern India. Over the last 10 years, we have completed over 3000 international animation projects. We specialise in different types and forms of animation.

Q. Are you handling international clients?  

A.  Most of our clients are international. Over 70% of our clients are from the USA, Canada, Australia and UAE.

Q. Is there a rise in a specific trend in the animation market?

A. Demand of promotional videos, explainer videos, educational videos and medical videos is getting higher. Currently, demand of videos with content for children for different YouTube channels has increased. Requirement of 3D animation and VFX has increased in the Indian market. Use of VFX and animation in the entertainment industry has grown swiftly.

Q. What are the career prospects? 

A. Animation is one of the fastest growing career options in our country. As the animation industry is growing exponentially, the demand for skilled animators is also increasing. It may be the only field where you need no academic background to start with. On the other hand, creativity is a must. Careercourses can be for two to four years. But training must be industry oriented. Animation is 70% art and 30% technology. At present, students from every stream are joining multimedia animation courses. College students are also pursuing animation courses along with their regular studies. As multimedia is being used in every field, professionals from engineering, mass communication, IT sector, and fashion designing are also pursuing animation courses.