The AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics and Extended Reality) industry in India is joying solid expansion in the coming years. The industry experts and policy makers are of the opinion that the sector which provides employment to 2.6 lack individuals now will create 23 lack direct jobs by 2032. Also, revenues are forecast to be more than $26 billion by 2030 which is a remarkable increase from the current $3 billion. Amongst the major players from this sector is Kireet Khurana, the director of AniMela Festival, India's first international AVGC-XR festival. During the interview, Khurana shared invaluable industry trends and actionable information for the future.
AniMela , launched by Aniverse & Visual Arts Foundation (AVAF) jointly with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Annecy International Animation Festival, intends to strengthen the emerging talent in India's AVGC-XR sector. The festival features the broad sectors of animation, gaming, visual effects, comics, and extended reality to name but a few. It offers a channel for dialogue and discourse as well as the exchange of ideas among the industry’s professionals from various sectors.
Extended reality which includes augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality, has a significant place in the AVGC industry. Khurana underlines, AVGC and immersive experiences go hand-in-hand, expressing the core idea of art and technology joining forces. Thus, Animela goes ahead to accept XR as part of its universe. Integrating XR in the festival is an AniMela endeavor to showcase the eventuality of this space and the influence of this developing sector in the AVGC industry.
India's startup incubation efforts in the AVGC-XR sector are currently limited. Khurana highlights the need to institutionalize the incubation process and attract top talent to the industry. Through collaborations with global industry leaders like the Annecy Festival, AniMela aims to mentor and nurture emerging talent, making them internationally ready. IP protection for AVGC-XR content follows a similar process to the Indian film industry, with clear roadmaps available for the registration of bibles, stories, and artworks.
Technology in AVGC industry eventually bring up ethical issues including that of deep fake as well as AI in animation. With the spread of AI-based tools and technologies, the issues related to their implications emerge. Even if AI technologies increase the bar for the output expectations, they also provide new horizons for creativity and imagination. We must continue to find ways to approach these advances ethically so that technology is utilized as a tool to assist or extend artistic expression rather than a substitute for human-derived creativity.
It remains essential to navigate these advancements ethically and ensure that technology serves as a means to enhance artistic expression rather than replace human creativity.
Different from Japanese anime and American cartoons, Indian animation is in a preliminary phase. According to Khurana this can be explained by the lack of a long-run tradition and culture of watching cartoon movies in India. Nevertheless, he still has a positive outlook towards the industry's ability in becoming self sufficient and developing an animation filmmaking culture. The path is not easy, but trial and error, the Indian Animation “hallmark of identity” will be created.
Some expensive Indian films have poor visual effects due to budget limitations. Khurana highlights the fact that though Indian studios and artists are talented and can produce top-notch VFX, very low budget allocated to Indian films stops them from achieving the same standard as their international counterparts. It is the market, distribution and monetization issues that the Hindi film industry encounters that discourage investment in high- budget movies which include allocating large amounts for VFX.
To those who want to sow the seeds of an amalgamation between technology and AVGC, Khurana recommends opting for arts and creativity. Technology functions as an enabler and a tool which helps to expand the channel of creative arts, rather than being the only object. Artistic voice should be found with uniqueness and purity, thus, the dynamic surroundings of evolving technology and AVGC are navigated by individuals creating innovative and meaningful experiences.
Reflecting upon the success of the very first AniMela, Khurana felt content with the participation of the industry and the festival's influence. AniMela which was backed by the key studios and got more than 3 thousand volunteers, is still remembered. The attendees have applauded the distinct international aura of the festival, which they compare to that of the widely known Annecy Festival. Khurana acknowledges the feedback received and considers to expand the platform for emerging talent, attracting more stakeholder participation and funds to showcase Indian talent internationally. The precise dates for the second edition are yet to be set but AniMela is expected to happen next January, riding on the wave of the success of the launching edition.
Indian AVGC - XR sector is going through a transition period with initiatives like AniMe
la and that of the industry visionaries like Kireet Khurana. Combining art and technology, the merging of XR, and ethical use of AI, an explosion of new creative dimensions awaits the industry. The Indian animation industry still has the potential to develop its identity, while eventually, making its important footprint in the worldwide AVGC-XR arena. With platforms such as AniMela, the rising talent can be cultivated, coached as well as enabled to create the future of the industry. The journey may present challenges, but with the right support, India's AVGC-XR sector can thrive and make its mark on the global stage.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on the opinions and insights shared by Kireet Khurana in his interview. The views expressed are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of AniMela or any other organization.
© 2024 Promo Penny. All rights reserved
Designed & Developed by IngeniousPro Team.
