10/05/2014
ANIMATION INDUSTRY ON A ROLL
The animation industry is looking at hiring over 25,000 professionals each year, finds Melvyn Ternan
While animation has been around for a long time, the industry has emerged as a profitable sector only recently. Apart from film studios that utilise this unique technique where every frame is created individually, animation also plays a critical role in television adverts, computer games, smart phone applications, websites and other media platforms.
In today's times, smart phones act as a platform for anyone to experiment with animation through applications such as 'iMotion HD' for stop motion animation or 'Animation Creator' for 2D drawn animation. Basic applications like these can even help laymen develop an understanding of how animation works. If the animations created are innovative, there is a worldwide audience waiting to see it.
Uploading short animations on social networking sites gives one the ability to 'monetise' them. Students doing so can place an advertisement within the animation video. It is important for professionals to make good quality animations. Professionals with a creative eye cannot only make good money, but also brand their work globally.
Creative ideas are paramount within any industry. Understanding how to develop and portray ideas clearly and observe and communicate on basic levels through drawing or painting has always been vital for a good animator. Everything else involved in creating a video is just a tool, whether it's using a smart phone app or sophisticated computer software.
The creativity and quality of work coming from students studying animation is great. Students are now equipping themselves with core tools that are necessary to enter an international industry that is estimated to be worth INR 55 billion by 2015.
An animated feature film requires over 500 talented animators. This in turn has led to a demand supply each year with the animation industry. The industry now requires over 25,000-30,000 animators per year. Practising and developing a unique style and brand helps professionals grow in the long run.
