IKON
Ram Mohan, often referred to as the father of Indian animation, is a pioneering animator, title designer, and educator in the Indian animation industry. He began his illustrious career in 1956 at the Cartoon Films Unit of the Films Division of India. As the Chairman and CEO of Graphiti Multimedia, a Mumbai-based animation company established in 1995, he has made significant contributions to the field. In 2006, he founded the Graphiti School of Animation to nurture future talent.
Ram Mohan’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Animation Film twice—first for You Said It (1972) and then for Fire Games (1983). In 2014, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. His animation training began under Clair Weeks of Walt Disney Studios, who was leading the Cartoon Films Unit through the US Technical Aid program. Throughout his career, Mohan has contributed to many acclaimed projects, including This Our India, Homo Saps (which won the National Award for Best Experimental Film in 1967), and Chaos (which received recognition at the Leipzig Festival of Short Films in 1968).
What is the Job all about?
Have you ever watched The Lion King and marveled at the lions talking? That’s the magic of animation—an art form that blends creativity and imagination to bring characters to life. Animation involves designing, drawing, making layouts, and creating photographic sequences integrated into multimedia and gaming products. An animator uses various computer technologies to capture still images and sequence them to create the illusion of movement.
Multimedia, on the other hand, is a combination of visual and audio materials—texts, graphic arts, sounds, animations, and videos—integrated into a single presentation. These multimedia products can be played on computers, CD-ROMs, digital video, the internet, and data projection systems. The modern entertainment industry, including film and television, relies heavily on advances in animation, graphics, and multimedia. Animation is also extensively used in television advertisements, cartoons, educational software, games, industrial and scientific research, marketing, defense, aerospace, and medicine.
Types of Animation
• Traditional Animation (Cell Animation or Hand-Drawn Animation)
• Stop Motion Animation
• Computer Animation
• 2D Animation
• 3D Animation
• Visual Effects (VFX)
Can you go for Animation?
Yes, if you possess creativity, a good sense of humor, an eye for detail, patience, and strong teamwork skills. Fine Arts students with an IT background are particularly well-suited for this field. However, even if you have an artistic or creative background and have completed your 10+2 in any stream, you can pursue a career in animation by enrolling in training programs at institutes like Arena Multimedia or Frameboxx. Developing a hobby in video and photography can also be beneficial, especially with modern software like Flash and Photoshop, which offer a wide scope for creative experimentation.
Is there a future in this field?
Absolutely. The animation and special effects industry in India is rapidly growing, thanks to advancements in the IT sector and cost advantages, which have led to many projects being outsourced to India. Chennai-based Pentamedia Graphics, for example, played a significant role in creating Sindbad, the world’s first 3D animated feature film. Whether in films, TV, industry, game design, advertising, or education, the prospects in this field are very promising if you have the talent.
Where to begin?
In Goa:
• Short Programs: Start with a short animation program during the holidays. If you enjoy it, consider pursuing a degree in the field. Arena Multimedia and Frameboxx offer starter packs for beginners, with programs ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
• After 10+2: You can join the Fine Arts College at Altinho, Panaji, and opt for Applied Arts after passing the aptitude test. Arena Multimedia, near the market in Panaji, also offers courses.
Outside Goa:
National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad – www.nid.edu
Animaster Graduate Program, Bangalore – www.animaster.com
MAAC : Maya Academy of Advance Creativity – www.maacindia.com
Zica – Mumbai – zica.org for 2D and 3D Animation
Essel World, Gorai Island, Borivali, Mumbai
Aptech, Arena Multimedia, Mumbai / Bengaluru – www.arena-multimedia.com
Ants – Animation Training School, Bengaluru
Film and Television Institute of India, Pune – www.ftii.ac.in
Zee Institute of Media Arts – ZIMA Mumbai – www.zima.co.in
NITTE Toon Skool, Bengaluru (3 Year B.Sc. in Animation) – www.toonskool.in
Employment Avenues:
Numerous companies are now involved in the animation industry, offering plenty of opportunities with attractive remuneration. Positions are available on a full-time, contract, or part-time basis. Starting your own animation unit is also a viable option, provided you learn the essentials of running a business. Fr. Agnel’s in Verna offers a short program that teaches you how to manage a business.
Salaries:
While the initial stages can be challenging, the rewards are significant once you gain experience. The financial prospects in this field are excellent, with ample opportunities for part-time work as well.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024