Indian Feature Animation Explodes

With the feature animation industry booming in India, Lisa Goldman reports on the opportunities and challenges presented by an immense and diverse audience.

In 2005, an animated feature called Jai Hanuman hit theaters in India and set the animated feature industry on fire. Children and families went crazy for this film and, following its record success, many Indian companies have been trying to get in on the action -- but it's not so easy. Connecting with India's billion-plus audience is a big challenge since the Indian market is so diverse. India has 28 states and seven territories, plus each state has its own language and dialects. The challenges are not only cultural; there are business hurdles to clear as well. Distribution is difficult unless you have major Bollywood stars as your voice-talent. Licensing and merchandising are in their infancy, although they show great potential. Piracy is also a concern.

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If animation is your dream...

Coming to the Capital: Toonz Animation Academy that gives training in 2D and 3D animation.

With the world’s leading entertainment majors signing up contracts with Indian animation companies, there is a growing demand for animation professionals in the country. Now one of the premier animation institutes in South Asia, Toonz Animation Academy, has opened its Delhi centre to create the next generation of animation professionals.

“The launch of the Delhi centre is only one among the major expansion plans we are undertaking. Our centre in Hyderabad will open next month and we plan to open academies elsewhere in key Indian cities,” says Toonz Animation Academy Executive Director Ramaprasad.

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'Enchanted' brings heart of animation to life

There are many things that are magical about "Enchanted," not the least of which is that it holds your attention from beginning to end.

The story begins with Giselle, the fair maiden of the enchanted — and animated — land of Andalasia, who falls in love with the handsome Prince Edward. But when the two are to wed, the wicked Queen Narissa bans Giselle to a place where "happily ever after" doesn't exist: the bustling, harsh streets of New York City.

What ensues is an extremely comical combination of every animated Disney movie ever made. The wicked queen tries to poison Giselle with an apple, and Giselle enlists the help of the local animals (which in New York includes a variety of vermin) to clean an apartment.

As Giselle waits for her prince to come rescue her, she meets the very handsome (and very cynical) lawyer, Robert, and the fair maiden is forced to face the realities of love in the real world.

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Toon Boom Releases its First Animation Software for Kids

Emmy award-winning Toon Boom Animation Inc. today announced the release of Flip Boom, a fun and creative free-form animation tool. Based on traditional animation principles, Flip Boom sets the imagination free while teaching notions of timing and motion.

Easy to use, Flip Boom is intuitive and provides a playful experience.Flip Boom is ideal for kids who want to start creating animation in seconds.

"Seeing the growing interest in animation coming from a younger age group, we decided to develop Flip Boom to cater to their creative needs. Keeping in mind the entertaining value such a tool can bring, we hope Flip Boom will appeal to kids when it comes to create animation" said Joan Vogelesang, President and Chief Executive Officer at Toon Boom.

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