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ANIMATION
BREATHING LIFE INTO A CHARACTER

Animation Course Review

Course Review Animation

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1.

Introduction03

2.

What is Animation? 

04

ANIMATION, ALONG WITH VISUAL EFFECTS IS ONE OF THE FASTEST

GROWING INDUSTRIES IN THE WORLD TODAY.

3.

Course Content

06

4.

Eligibility Norms 

08

5.

Job Prospects

09

6.

Job Profiles

11

7.

A Trainers Perspective

15

8.

Industry Talk

17

9.

Universities & Institutes Offering BA/BS

20

10. Institutes Offering Diplomas in Animation 

Project Editors
Research
Art Director
Asst. Art Director

20

Dr. Nimesh Chandra, S. Rajaram

Shiphony Pavitran Suri, Prerna Singh
Anshul Sharma
Rajesh Chawla

veryone knows Mickey Mouse, Donald

Duck, Tom and Jerry and Stuart Little.
These are some of the animated characters that always entertain us. Do you know how
these characters were born? And how the art
of drawing makes such wonders possible? The
answer is: Animation. Animation is related to
multimedia. As the name suggests, multimedia
is a field that uses more than one medium of
communication. It merges text, images, graphics, animation, audio and video to create virtual magic. Animation is just one component of
multimedia. It is also one of the fastest growing
industries today. Animation and visual effects
are among the jobs that are most in demand in
the 21st century.

Copyright Pathfinder Publishing Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Pathfinder Publishing Pvt. Ltd.
Editor: B Mahesh Sarma
Cover Design: Rajesh Chawla

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FAST FACTS
Programme: BA in Advertising
& Brand Management/BCom
(Marketing & Advertising)
Programme: BSc Animation
Eligibility: 10+2 Duration: 3 years
Popular Institutes: BIT-Mesra
(Jaipur extension centre), Arena
Multimedia & Animation, Zee
Institute of Creative Art, Whistling
Woods International Fee Rs. 3.6
lakhs (Graphic Era Hill University
and IGNOU), Rs. 13.5 lakhs
(Whistling Woods International)
Job Roles Character animators,
Modellers, 2D animators, Layout
artists, Compositing artists,
Texture artists, Rigging artists,
Editors, Compositors Earning
Potential: Rs. 8,000-12,000
(fresher). Upwards of Rs.1.5 lakh
with experience Top Recruiters:
Film, advertising, video and gaming
industries

Animation Course Review

WHAT IS ANIMATION?
ANIMATION IS THE ART OF BREATHING LIFE INTO A CHARACTER OR
OBJECT, A BLEND OF ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY.

Animation is the art of breathing life into a character or object. It is a blend

of entertainment industry and technology. It is also related to design, drawing, layout and production of graphically rich and attractive multimedia clips.
In other words, animation is all about making of movies, games or cartoons by
moving the drawings or models of animals or people with the help of computers or other electronic means.

Need for Creativity

et us take a look at the evolution of animation. The art of animation dates back to
pictures drawn on rock surfaces. A
Frenchman, Paul Roget, formally demonstrated
it in 1828. The first animated cartoon was
Humorous Phases of Funny Faces, made by J.
Stuart Blackton in 1906. Blackton made it by
drawing comical faces on a blackboard and photographing them. After that they were erased to
draw another stage of the facial expression. In
1914, the first cartoon film named Gertie, the
Dinosaur by Winsor McCay, comprising 10,000
drawings, hit the theatres. In the early twenties,
traditional animation techniques were developed, resulting in more sophisticated cartoons.
Computer animation started during the seventies and made a huge impact on this field. With
the passage of time, more and more advanced
techniques were developed.

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An animator should have an artistic bent with a lot of imaginative skills.

Creativity is the most wanted quality as animation starts with developing
an idea to a story. The art of sketching or drawing is another basic skill one
should possess. You must have a good sense of colour, proportion, size,
design, knowledge of background art and layout. Patience, discipline and
dedication to work are vital as this field involves a lot of hard work and long
hours of planning.

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Animation Course Review

COURSE CONTENT
MOST COMMON PAPERS OF ANIMATION INCLUDE FUNDAMENTALS
OF ART, DESIGN AND VISUALISATION.

ypically an institute familiarises students

with traditional and digital tools to produce stills and moving images. They also
get hands-on training to use laws of motion in
2-D and 3-D characters. The classes are taken
via lectures, seminars, practical workshops and
group work. Most common papers of animation
include fundamentals of art, design and visualisation. Computer graphics, creating illustrations,
basic 2D animation, advanced scripting, audio &
video editing are part of the curriculum. You will
also learn illustration portfolio (project), web
weaver, digital FX and games development. By
the time you complete the course, you will also
learn basics of 3D animation, advanced 3D Animation, digital filmmaking. You mostly specialise
in any one of these: modelling & texturing, lighting & rendering, rigging & animation. Other
areas of specialisation are: compositing & VFX,
and digital portfolio development.
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2 dimensional animations deal more with drawing and framing and form the
base of 3D animation. 2D animators work mostly on paper, creating frames to
define a sequence. These sequences are then moved at varying speeds to create an illusion of motion. The process first involves creating a large number
of drawings, and scanning them onto the computer. These images are then
imported into software. It is the software that helps in setting the timing and
layers for the scanned sequence of images. Toonz Harlequin, Adobe Flash,
CelAction, Anime Studio, Toon Boom Animation and Animaker are some
of the softwares used for creating 2D animation characters. 2D images look
shallow, while 3D images have depth, making them look more real.
3D animations are a series of images or objects created using computers or
any other digital media. 3D animators deal with modelling, rendering, texturing and lighting. The texture, lighting and colour of the 3D objects are modified using software programmes. Virtual cameras are used to focus, resize,
zoom and illuminate the figures. Digital animation has the power to create
effects not possible with classical animation. Film, advertising, video and
gaming are the fast growing fields for 3D animation. This technique makes
extensive use of animation software programmes like 3ds Max (Autodesk),
Softimage|XSI, Houdini and MAYA (Autodesk) etc. It also finds use in the
other areas like web graphics to create websites.

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Animation Course Review

Course Review Animation

ELIGIBILITY NORMS

JOB PROSPECTS

A PASS IN 10+2 MAKES YOU ELIGIBLE TO GO FOR BACHELORS IN

ANIMATION, BUT KNOWING HOW TO HANDLE A COMPUTER IS A MUST.

YOU SHOULD EYE OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND ANIMATION STUDIOS.

THERE IS A BIG DEMAND FOR APPLICATION-BASED ANIMATIONS.

inimum qualification for a BSc Animation is 10+2 or equivalent. Any

graduate, preferably with arts background could apply for postgraduate courses in
animation. There are also several professional
courses that focus on various styles and techniques. These courses in Traditional animation,
Stop-motion animation, Rotscoping, Computer
generated 3D and 2D animation, Claymation,
Photoshop, human anatomy, drawing etc. help
you to specialise in a particular area. You should
also know how to handle a computer.
Knowledge of programming languages (C++,
Java) will be an add-on. If you are planning to
work in computer animation, it will help you a
lot if you understand photography, lighting and
movement. You must be able to visualise how
an object will look in three dimensions and also
have the know-how to make it look real.
8

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am Warrier, Business Head of MAAC, a

leading name in animation, shares that
employment options go beyond film
animation studios. You can also explore areas
like web animation, application-based animations for sectors like medicine, defence, architecture and interior design. These sectors require
3D simulations for everything from human anatomy to building designs and defence set-ups.
Besides the most commonly used animations,
i.e. 2D and 3D, there is also puppet animation,
clay animation, sand animation, etc. Both 2D and
3D animation can be created digitally.
Animators can also gain employment in website designing, CD-Rom production, graphics
designing and 3-D product modelling. Animation is also needed in other areas like business,
sales, engineering, education and advertising. It
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Animation Course Review

has scope in fashion and interior designing and even in legal and insurance
companies for presentations and models. The gaming industry that includes
video and mobile games looks forward to good animators.

JOB PROFILES
THE NUMBER OF JOB PROFILES RUN INTO DOZENS. YOUR JOB PROFILE
DEPEND ON OUR AREA OF SPECIALISATION.

here are a number of job profiles in the

animation industry, Your specific job role
will depend on you area of specialisation.

Modellers: They make the models for animation. Must have a solid understanding of anatomy, form and volume.
Storyboard artists - Those with strong drawing
skills, who can visualize a sequence of events
from frame to frame.
Character animators - They bring characters to
life and generally have knowledge of traditional
animation, stop-motion animation as well as
Claymation
Background artists - They specialise in painting the background of the characters and setting
the background for the project.
Layout artists - They decide the lighting and
camera angles and sketch the background design
for the animation.
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Animation Course Review

2D animators - They are involved in the creation of a high volume of separate drawings that define a sequence.
In-between animators - They have to learn all the basics of animation and
are at the beginning position in the career.
Scanner operators - They scan the clean up artists drawings.
Compositing artists - Layering individual frames of animation on top of one
another to create final images.
These images are then strung together to create complete shots or mini
animated movies.
Visual effects artists - They integrate live-action footage with computergenerated imagery or other elements.
Audio and video specialists - Designing the sound for animation and also
editing the visuals with softwares such as Avid and Final Cut Pro.
Visualisers Visualize the script and create basic designs for the project.
Texture artists - Apply surface to the 3D character, object or environment.
Rigging artists - They take the modelled, textured 3D character or object
and set it up with a skeletal system or joints (if required). Without this step,
the 3D model would not be able to animate, talk or move fluidly and correctly.
Clean-up artists - They check the accuracy and consistency of the designs
and drawings. A good clean up artist should have excellent draftsman skill
with the knowledge of density, width, volume and mass.
Lighting artists - They create variations of shade, colour intensity and
shadows.

Rendering artists - They take all the data in a scene such as models, textures,
animation, lighting, etc. and output the correct combination in the form of
individual frames of animation.
3D animators - They take the sculpted, textured and rigged 3D model and
breathe life into it. By putting key frames in order it gives an appearance of
motion.
Image Editors - They assemble visual and audio components of a film into
a coherent and effective whole.
Compositors - They combine visual elements from separate sources into
single images, often to create an illusion. It involves the replacement of
selected parts of an image with other materials.
Visual effects (commonly shortened to VFX) are the various processes by
which imagery is created and/or manipulated outside the context of a live
action shoot.

Pay Packet
According to Jesh Krishna Murthy, Founder of studio Anibrain, a freshers
pay scale begins at Rs. 8,000 to 12,000 per month, depending on his or her
skills. It can go above Rs 1.5 lakhs after 8 + years of experience. Unlike the
common perception, the VFX industry requires creative skills as well as
analytical and technical skills. You need dedication, hard work and passion
to excel in this field, rounds up Jesh.

Digital ink and paint artists - They give colours to each frame.
Compositors - They bring together all the different characters and backgrounds into a single frame.
Editors - They edit the visuals with softwares like Avid and Final Cut Pro.
Key frame animators - Draw pictures of a movements beginning and end.

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Animation Course Review

A TRAINERS PERSPECTIVE
Ninad Karpe,
CEO &MD, APTECH

n an email interview, Ninad Karpe, CEO &MD, APTECH discusses the

current and future scenarios with respect to training and employment in
animation sector.

particularly in post-production and 3-D content development. Many entertainment giants, such as Walt Disney, Sony Pictures and Turner Entertainment, which make and develop television commercials and computer games,
are off-shoring animation content to India. This has resulted in substantial
increase in the number of professionals enrolling for animation courses
(compound annual growth rate at 18.2 per cent). In sum, the sector presents
a huge job opportunity for the young and talented students of this country.

Q: Does the education and training imparted in our animation colleges

match up to the global requirement?

A: The last few years have seen the industry evolve and mature to deliver high
international standard projects. These high quality projects are executed by
Indian animators, most of them trained in India. Global experience of a decade in imparting quality education has helped us also in imparting industryrelevant quality training.

Q: A lot of animation institutes have opened up in the recent past. How

should a student identify which ones provide quality education?

A: Reputation and experience are the two most critical factors. Students
should pick up an institute that has high quality trainers with in depth knowledge, industry-relevant course curriculum and good infrastructure. Students
should also verify on the placement and internship opportunities provided
by the institute.

Q: What is the scope of growth for ambitious professionals? How far

is the sector export-dependent?
A: Animation is a career, which finds favour despite the slowdown. The
animation industry has seen tremendous growth and is now becoming
mainstream in film entertainment and television. India is increasingly presenting itself as a favourable destination for the foreign animation industry,
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Animation Course Review

INDUSTRY TALK

Course Review Animation

Q. With major international animation houses (Rhythm & Hues)

Ms. Aruna Kumar,

Head of MIST & Marketing,
Maya Digital Studio

Q. What are the top qualities you expect from an animation aspirant?
A. Groom fresh talent there are a lot of these students who do courses

from various Institutes and feel that they are ready to take on any challenges
thrown at them. They are flowing with enthusiasm and confidence and have
a fresh perspective. But they lack the artistic skills, knowledge about the art
and the aesthetics required to deliver the quality as desired by the client. We
expect them firstly to Unlearn and Learn then, interest to learn, passion
for this job-work (production), patience to grow and right attitude.

Q. What is the criterion to join MIST (Maya in Studio Training)?

A. We are not teaching any courses here. Passing a basic animation test is

a prerequisite for any candidate who wants to join the MIST programme.
Once the candidate is selected he starts working on the characters of the on
going series. He is familiarised with the character traits, character personalities and character rigs and characteristics. At the same time he will have to
submit various assignments on a weekly basis. He is groomed to work on the
in-production series. After three months of training and getting acclimatised
the candidate is assigned production shots. He also gets to see his name in the
credit list of the programme. MIST is the only programme in India, which
grooms and creates studio-ready animators.

Q. Do you think diploma or graduate degree makes a difference in

animation industry?
A. No, it doesnt make a difference. But in India graduation is a must or a
minimum qualification.
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facing crises, does it make animation industry vulnerable? Especially

when it laid-off some 250 employees?
A. Despite a late start as compared to the developed Western markets, animation industry in India has registered an explosive growth since 2008: in
the four-year period till 2012 the industry has doubled from Rs. 17.5-billion
to Rs. 35.3-billion. By 2017, the industry is projected to cross Rs. 70-billion
mark. The tremendous success of Life of Pi and Prometheus has made the
West sit up and recognize the Indian animation industry, which now receives
a major chunk of animation outsourcing from the West. Animation caters to a
niche market. Animation is a part of the entertainment industry. Today every
movie (Hollywood and Bollywood) has to pass through the visual effects /
post-production desk. After the arrival of stereoscopy or 3D, producers want
to convert blockbusters into 3D and release them in theatres where the viewing experiencing is very enjoyable. Now no one can even imagine what the
future holds for us.
Good storytellers and artists could also showcase India on the global map
and earn a good exposure. Around 40 percent of sequencing work in the
Oscar award-winner Life of Pi was carried out at Rhythm Hues studios in
Hyderabad and technical work was done in Bangalore. Indias animation
industry is attractive to global animation producers for a variety of reasons
prime among them being the high-quality, skilled manpower available here.
Low costs are another attraction. India still remains a favourable destination
for outsourcing projects owing to low infrastructure cost, cheap manpower
and an English-speaking workforce. However, countries like China, Malaysia and Philippines are trying to outshine India. Around 70 percent of all
American television animation is produced in Asia to an extent. Outsourced
projects do offer a continuous work order and good pay to Indian companies.
The low-cost but talented English-speaking workforce is a definite advantage. There is abundant manpower in India to cater to increasing outsourced
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Animation Course Review

projects. There is no doubt that India is at par with leading markets as far as
animation, VFX, 3D conversion and technical efficiency is concerned. More
focus and uniform animation policies throughout the country will enable us
to offer excellent home productions, strong technically and content-wise.

Course Review Animation

Universities & Institutes offering Animation degree courses

University

Programme

Website

IGNOU-Indira Gandhi National

Open University

BA in 3D Animation
and Visual Effects

www.ignou.ac.in

BIT-Birla Institute of Technology Mesra

(Jaipur extension centre)

BSc Animation

www.bitmesra.ac.in

demand of professionals?
A. As per the FICCI-KPMG Report 2013, Indian animation and VEX
industry has grown from Rs. 31-billion in 2011 to Rs. 35.3-billion in 2012 at
a CAGR of 13.9 percent. It is projected to grow to Rs. 40.5-billion by end2013. In 2010, the animation industry grew by 10 percent to touch Rs 10-billion. According to a NASSCOM report, the industry originated only about
40-years ago whereas in the developed market of the US its origin goes back
scores of decades ago, even before the digital era arrived, which probably
explains the difference in quality and technology. Indian animation industry
came into existence just a couple of decades ago.

Graphic Era Hill University

(Dehra Dun campus)

BSc Animation

www.geu.ac.in

AMA-Arena Multimedia
and Animation

BA in VFX and Animation

www.arena-multimedia.com

Animaster Academy, Bangalore

BSc in Digital Art &

Animation

www.animaster.com

Zee Institute of Creative Art

(Lucknow, Pune, Ahmedabad

BSc in Animation &

Visual Effects

www.zica.org

Image Creative Education

(TN, Chennai, Kerala, Assam, UP, Pondicherry, Karnataka)

BSc Multimedia

www.image.edu.in

NAM Institute of Professional

Studies, Delhi

BSc Multimedia

www.namedu.net

India has amazing storytellers and talented animators and over the years
Indian audiences have become more receptive to animation films. We need to
nurture the right talent with skill-sets and advanced technology to compete
with the West. India has shown a steady growth in terms of both quality and
quantity in the last decade. There has been a steep increase in the number of
animation movies. With the coproduction model being followed by animation studios, India is certainly moving up the value-chain.

RELIANCE AIMS (Jaipur, Nagpur)

BSc in Digital Animation

Filmmaking

www.relianceaims.com

St. Angelo's Professional

Education, Mumbai

BSc in Visual Media

(Animation)

www.saintangelos.com

Q. Has animation really picked up in India? Which sector has a good

Q. Salary Expected?
A. This industry depends a lot on skill-sets, experience and the job / project
value. Freshers can begin at Rs1.20 lakhs per annum; middle level at 4 lakhs
per annum and experienced more than 4 years depending on the project can
take home 12 -14 lakhs per annum.

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Institutes*

*Programmes in tie-up with universities

Institutes offering diplomas in animation

Institute

Programme

Website

Maya Academy of Advanced

Cinematics (MAAC)

Advance Diploma in 3D
Animation EDGE

www.maacindia.com

Maya Academy of Advanced

Cinematics (MAAC)

Advance Diploma in 3D
Animation NEXT

www.maacindia.com

Toonz Academy

Advanced Diploma in
Digital Arts and Animation

www.toonzacademy.com

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