Growing animation industry opens up new opportunities

The Indian animation industry is rapidly growing as a major outsourcing hub with a growth rate of 30 per cent, according to a recent study.

Joining the bandwagon, the northern region has taken the lead by having one of the fastest growing companies in southern Asia, Compact Disc India Ltd (CDIL), an integrated media and entertainment company.

Further, the region has also attracted animation training institutes to cash in on the burgeoning demand of animators.

Speaking to Business Standard, CDIL Managing Director Gautam Seengal said: "According to Nasscom, the Indian animation industry, which is now pegged at $550 million, is expected to grow over 30 per cent annually in the next couple of years and reach a level of $15 billion by 2008. India has the world's largest entertainment industry, a robust software industry and also skilled manpower, all essential ingredients for the growth of the animation industry."

He added, "While the domestic market is still very nascent, analysts predict there is tremendous growth opportunity for animated content in television and movies."

CDIL plans to set up an animation-cum-gaming studio in the northern region with an investment of Rs 50 crore spread over 1 acre. The studio will come up either in Chandigarh, Panchkula (near Chandigarh) or Mohali (Punjab).

After having acquired a Russian mobile gaming company "" Mobsoft "" for $ 7 million in April this year, the company would soon float a new company in Chandigarh.

Recently, the company has signed an MoU with the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments for setting up training-cum-animation centres.

The company has been allotted 5 acres of land in each state for the proposed project. CDIL is currently working on 2D- and 3D-animation outsourcing projects worth $41 million from major international clients. In last financial year, the turnover of the company was Rs 50 crore and this year it is hopeful of touching Rs 103 crore.

Recently, a team of management and technical evangelists launched a new animation and visual effects education centre, Frameboxx in Chandigarh. Founded by Naveen Gupta and Rajesh Turakhia, Frameboxx has been established to drive the industry's need for specialists in the field of animation and visual effects.

"India is the most favoured destination for Hollywood and entertainment industry to outsource their animation work. With the explosion of the media within the country itself, the animation training industry has the potential to grow at 35 per cent," said Naveen Gupta.

Frameboxx is starting with 11 centres with seven being in Delhi and NCR, two in Bangalore, and other two being at Chandigarh and Ludhiana, informed Turakhia. Frameboxx will soon be adding to its portfolio on-line animation training portal as well as DVD training modules, he informed.

Also, Mumabi-based Arena Multimedia has opened centres at Chandigarh and Ludhiana.

Gicko Animation has also opened its centre in Chandigarh, whereas a regional institute 'Animation live' is already functioning in the city. Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics, the academic wing of Maya Entertainment Ltd (MEL), is also planning to open new centre in Chandigarh.