Image College of Arts, Animation and Technology (ICAT), a division of Chennai-based Image Infotainment Limited, will launch a three-year full-time programme in digital media, which includes animation, visual effects, game design or game development. | |
| Addressing a press conference, Philip Thomas, manager (admissions) of ICAT, said that the digital media industry across the world was in need of more fusion artists, those who combine artistic and technical skills. |
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| The digital media industry in the country has not achieved the required growth level due to shortage of qualified manpower despite good demand for outsourcing in the sector. |
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| "A major part of the production of Hollywood movies is exclusively done in South-East Asian countries, including India. But as there is a shortage of skilled professionals in the field, countries like Indonesia are garnering the major chunk of the market." |
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| India can be a hub for the digital media industry with the advantage of knowledge in English, but lack of proper training programme is the biggest handicap. |
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| According to a recent study on global media and entertainment industry estimates, global revenue will touch a staggering $ 1.7 trillion by 2008. Of this, the game industry alone is estimated at $ 55.6 billion with Asia/Pacific generating $ 23.8 billion. |
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| He said that the first batch would commence by August 2006 and admission was limited to 30 students.There would be six semesters and for each semester the course fee is Rs 30,000 plus service tax. |
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| Apart from the full-time courses, ICAT is providing corporate training and franchisee model training at 30 centres across the country. |
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| He said that the college would also facilitate campus recruitment. Many students of the PG diploma course have found placement in various institutions in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Heyderabad. |
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