INTERVIEW OF OUR AWESOME TRAINEE @MAAC CHOWRINGHEE

Here we bring one more interview for you. Kousik De one of our ex student is today a successful Digital artist. Let’s hear from him about his experience.

Interviewer: hi kousik, how have u been?

Kousik De: hi, I have been doing well and I hope same for you too.

Interviewer: thank you. We are doing well too. So Kousik, tell us about your work life.

Kousik De: well, today I am a Visualize/Owner of Talking Canvas, a new born creative design agency.

I am a Rabindra Bharati University pass out. After which I joined Zee Bangla as an illustration artist. Then MAAC Chowringhee has changed my life to a 'Digital' Artist. I got too much help from MAAC Chowringhee to be a 3D Artist and Compositing Artist. I joined Prime Focus (Mumbai) after completing C3D2 course from MAAC Chowringhee.

I worked as a Graphic Designer/Visualize in a few companies at Kolkata for 4 years. I was not satisfied with that. I wanted to do the design works in a different way. So I left job and started to think something different. I spent 3 months as unemployed and was preparing myself to be an Independent Designer. I started my new life as a Freelancer Graphic Designer. First month was too good but the 2^nd month of my freelancer life was not so good. But I never felt hopeless. From 3rd month I revived my career as a freelancer. 2 years I was involved with a large number of clients. Then I started my small new organization named Talking Canvas (a creative Graphic Design house). New born company is running well.

Interviewer: wow! Trust me that sound really amazing.  Which course did you do in MAAC Chowringhee and in which year?

Kousik De: (laughs) thank you. I did C3D2, that is 3Ds Max, Maya, After Effects, Fusion and Shake. In the year 2010.

Interviewer: Great! Would you like to share your learning experience at MAAC Chowringhee?

Kousik De: sure. It was really awesome. I got huge help from faculties in subject, concept, and software related problems. Even from home, if I contacted with them through e-mail/phone they usually tried to solve all my queries and problems. My faculty was Mr. Siddharth Jaiswal. He was very much experienced and helpful teacher. I got huge number of creative ideas and software knowledge from him (Till now I have good relationship with him. Till now he helps me for any type of technical issues and other issues. All faculties keep good relationship).

 My experience at there was really good and positive. I always recommend MAAC Chowringhee to the new comer students (who are trying to enter in the creative industry) because I believe this is   No. 1 training institute at Kolkata.

 For other technical issues, Job related helps were nicely done by MAAC Chowringhee official authority. MAAC Chowringhee organized huge number of competition, workshop and seminar. I attended in maximum programmes at there. MAAC Chowringhee gave me and all students the opportunity to attend in Animation Film Festival at a reputed Cinema Hall free of cost. I was really enjoyed the programme. MAAC Chowringhee also gave some more opportunity to enjoy other workshops. I and my 3 mates made a short film at there by the help of our faculty (Siddharth Jaiswal) and MAAC Chowringhee studio. Camera, technical support and other equipments were supplied by MAAC Chowringhee. I am really grateful to the faculties and MAAC Chowringhee.

Interviewer: thank you for such kind words. We are grateful that we reached your expectations and could help you in all possible ways. Well, I am keen to know that as a Designer/Visualize, what the most important things to follow.

Kousik De: well this job requires visualization, space distribution, look and feel, research, value the work, maintain the unique style for each work, reject personal style, thinking, study different subjects and last but not the least the observation.

Interviewer: Tell us about a project you worked on that required heavy research work and how you do that?

Kousik De: I worked on "Marrakesh strategy conference" project of TATA TSPDL. It was a strategy conference at Marrakesh (city in morocco). I did their total theme. Started from conference logo to booklet and other materials like banner, backdrop etc. There I had to research to make the theme. I studied a lot to make it.

I had no idea about Morocco or Marrakesh. I viewed many videos and documentary films to know their culture. Studied some e-books to understand the society. Viewed a lot of photography of the city to know the people, architecture and the nature. I studied many books on the city. Then I captured all in my mind. Then I created my own idea on the project. That was an awesome experience. Though I had to spend more time to realise and create the theme.

Interviewer: what’s the most interesting project that you have worked on?

Kousik De: Most interesting project was Strawberry body (USA) brand identity and business material design. I did their designs from company launching. Worked on their logo and website. Another interesting project was TATA TSPDL project. The project title was 'Service Excellence'. I did their visuals, banners, standees, computer wallpapers for them. It was really an interesting project. The designs were based on concept.  There are many more to share.

Interviewer: What tips would you like to share with freshers?

Kousik De: Work hard. Hard working will make you successful in life. Do research on all subjects you are interested. Observation is the most important. One interesting fact: To be a professional Graphic designer you need to know the clients mind, psychology, client's profession and the city living in. Not only good work. You have to know the client first. A good work could impact badly on another person. So good or bad depends on a client's aspect. You should research on client before you start a Graphic Design (though project brief is most important).

Interviewer: thank you so much Kousik for your precious time and kind words. We all hope best for you. Wish you all the best. Keep shinning! 

Student Interview!!!

Hi all. Today we are going to share an interview of one of our students. He has shared his journey and experience with us. We hope you all will like it. Let’s get started.

Interviewer: Hi, Shekhar how have you been?

Shekhar: Hi sir, I have been doing well. And I hope same for all of you.

Interviewer: Oh yes, we all are doing well in life. Thank you. So tell us how come you decided to join maac and peruse in animation?

Shekhar: (laughs) Well sir, like any other student even I was confused what to do in life. There were so many options which further complicated the situation. One day while browsing I learned about MAAC Animation Kolkata. I did a research about animation and it kind of fascinated me. MAAC Kankurgachi was nearer so I decided to attend a counseling session followed by a in-class demo. And then what, today I am a MAAC Kankurgachi pass out. (Smiles)

Interviewer: Very well, so how was your overall experience in MAAC Kankurgachi?

Shekhar: Before joining it, I had no idea about animation, modelling or any other terms. I was blank in this field. The faculty was too good that I never had to worry about my weakness. They teach you from basics to advanced steps. They taught me so well and today I am a master mind in animation.

(Both laughs)

Interviewer: Very well, no doubt our faculty do a hard work. Now tell us about your career lift? What you doing in life?

Shekhar: If somebody passes out from MAAC Kankurgachi, the career will be at heights. Today I am working as 3D Animator in Sheltrex Studio Private Limited Kolkata. The roles and responsibilities are to produce 3D Dimensional images which create the illusion of moments.

Interviewer: Very well shekhar, that sounds interesting. We are happy to know that you being our student are happy and satisfied with the education we provided and with the job you earned. Thank you so much for giving us your precious time. 

So, this was Shekhar with us, who is now a successful animator. If you feel to be like him and planning to join a course with us please visit www.animationkolkata.com 

Thank you! 

Evolution of Indian Animation

Animation! This term has come up in market so high these days. Animation is creating once imagination and takes us on a magical journey. Indian animation industry is one of the oldest animation industries in the world.

Some of the interesting facts about Indian animation Industry:

•   Dadsaheb Phalke is the first Indian animator also known as father of Indian cinema.  
•   Clair Weeks, a Disney studio animator was invited to train animators for the first ever        animation studio in 1956.
•   The first animation film in India was in 1957, The Banyan Deer.

Current Status

Over the past 10 years India has shown immense growth in the Animation Industry. Few of the examples are:

• Roadside Romeo, O my friend Ganesha & Hanuman. These movies were produced with the help of 2d & 3d animation in 2008.
•   Arjun -The Warrior Prince was released in India & US in 2012. This movie was appreciated worldwide for its sheer quality and brilliance of animation. It unlocked new avenue for the industry.
• Indian production houses and studios have tie ups with Hollywood production houses and studios.
•   Animation institutes are doing their jobs by providing an adequate knowledge about 2d and 3d animation along with various other courses related to film making technology.

The future of the industry

Indian industry is doing well and getting renowned all over the world. But it’s always about more. It still has to go long way to gain its foothold in the international market. The following steps are needed to be taken:

•          Invest more in technology
•          Train people
•          Arrange for indoor and outdoor training methods.
•          Set up more animation institutes with the beneficial courses that could teach about film making.
•          Arranging workshops and seminars and generating awareness about the benefits of       animation.
•           Encourage beginners and allow them to experiment with their creativity.

we at MAAC Animation Kolkata provides with the best knowledge and career opportunities. To learn more visit www.animationkolkata.com.

Design the Cover photo of official Facebook page Winner Declared!!!!

MAAC Chowringhee | Kakurgachi | Rashbehari is the biggest institute of MAAC in the eastern India.

 MAAC Chowringhee | Kakurgachi | Rashbehari organizes various event for there students to grow up there skills and creativity. Apart from 24fps international animation awards they organized several in house workshops and certify there students. One of the event which is going on now that is MCC competition of the month. In this competition students have to follow the official website of MAAC Chowringhee Kakurgachi Rashbehari i.e http://www.animationkolkata.com .

 Every month there are  different competitions uploaded in there website and students have to submit there digital work online. The winning work will be displayed on the website http://www.animationkolkata.com   along withindividual photograph . Last month the topic was “Design the Cover photo of official facebook page of MAAC Chowringhee | Kakurgachi | Rashbehari .“ The result will be declared on the website .

Abhishek Chakraborty from MAAC Chowringhee won the competition this time. 

Congratulation Abhishek !!!!!!

This event helps a lot to the student to enter there work in a professional page and build up a good career. 

Animation News For you All!!!

 Some awesome news for you all remember  Balika Badhu the popular serial of Colors and who can ever forget the young cute girl “Anandi” the iconic  character now she is back as “Chhoti Anandi”, The Animated Series, with a second season on Colors. This season of “Chhoti Anandi” comes with 52 episodes, this is double and more entertaining than the last season.
The first season was runs from 17th January 2016 till 10th April 2016. For this animated series in Colors channel has decided to telecast in the prime time, which is Sunday morning 10 am to 11 am.
“Chhoti Anandi” is an adventure series, in which Anandi enjoys her childhood with her friends and family. Apart from the existing characters, we will also going to see many new characters in this series.
 Anandi just 8 year old girl belongs from a small village of Rajasthan. This wise intelligent girl Anandi is very popular among her peer group and she is wise indeed beyond her years and is known for her innovative and unique ways to solve problems of her village folks. The series will highlight her entertaining yet mischievous side as she explores innumerable escapades in the company of her friends.

Chhoti Anandi and her friends will be seen going on an adventurous joyride from Amazon Jungle, to the era of Dinosaurs, and also to the period when kings and queens reigned. Its all fun filled and too much entertaining and a must watch.

So guys, you can well understand the power of animation and visual effects, when a daily soap can be converted to animation series and being acknowledged and got award too. So there is no doubt there is immense scope for animation taken as career. You actually get to work with good production house learning and exploring new ideas.
Recently, “Chhoti Anandi” received BAF awards for New Animation Entrant.

Just don’t think much and join the Best Animation Institute in Kolkata.
visit animationkolkata.com

How to choose the best Animation Institute?

The animation job these days is gearing up in the market. It has become the most promising career for the youth. And why not this is most fascinating job right now. But to reach there you need to understand which institute can help your dream come true.

There are so many institutes that are providing animation courses from a short term course to full time diploma courses.  We are sharing with you few tips which will teach you how to locate the best institute for yourself.

Tip 1Know what to look for

Before joining any course, it’s important to understand what the institute is offering under the name of animation course, visit and take a look around the infrastructure. You should have capability to learn if the institute can help you hone your skills!!

Tip 2 Institute’s track Records

The most important aspect to find the apt institute for yourself. It’s important to do a research about the institution which will groom you further, know about the faculty.

Tip 3 What is the USP?

There are so many competitors in the market, what makes any specific animation institute standout? Know about the unique features that the institute provides. Like with Maac Kolkata we not only offer training but we give our students other opportunity to enhance there skills.

Tip 4 Experienced Faculty

All books provide the same information but explaining the same in a way is a task. The quality of education depends on the faculty members. Go for an institute that employs well educated, trained and experienced teachers in the field of Animation and VFX.  

Tip 5 Placement Record?

This is the most important factor among all. As you will be investing time, money and effort to build a successful career in the industry, you have right to know about the placement cell of the institute.  Where in which production houses s x-students are being placed. It’s always better to check there website.

Research. Think. Understand. Talk. And then take a call. Make sure you make a right choice and reach the heights of success which you have always dreamt of.

Below we have provided you our contact details for all three institutes of MAAC Kolkata. Kindly contact to your nearest one for any assistance.

Maac Chowringhee

Mobile: +91-9836321595

Email Id: chowringhee@maacmail.com

Maac Kankurgachi

Mobile: +91-9830390356

Email Id: kankurgachi@maacmail.com

Maac Rashbehari

Mobile: +91-9836321789

Email Id: rashbehari@maccmail.com

Best Animation Institute in Kolkata @Maac Chowringhee

Follow our Student Work Show Reel

Visit us @www.animationkolkata.com

Digital Photography (DP)

Photography involves capturing images with a camera. These images can be just about anything. DP is a form of photography that uses cameras containing arrays of electronic photo detectors to capture images focused by a lens, as opposed to an exposure on photographic film. The captured images are digitized and stored as a computer file ready for further digital processing, viewing, digital publishing or printing.

Photography is trending career among the youth. It’s new, fashionable and hottest trending career. Everybody clicks in their day to day life. Some do it for fun and few make it their career. 

Photography has some specific courses in which one learns in depth about a camera’s in and out. These courses help an individual to understand the language of camera even better. They are all professional courses.

One can be a fashion photographer, wildlife photographer, aerial photographer, advertising photographer, macro photographer and many more... depending on their interest.

To learn more about the DP visit www.animationkolkata.com

Or contact us   

MAAC Chowringhee

Mobile: +91-9836321595

Email Id: chowringhee@maacmail.com

MAAC Kankurgachi

Mobile:+91-9830390356

Email Id: kankurgachi@maacmail.com

MAAC Rashbehari

Mobile: +91-9836321789

Email Id: rashbehari@maacmail.com

Top Advertising Campaigns that used Animation & Vfx in India

In our last blog we talked about duties & requirements of vfx. Today we’ll discuss about few advertisement that have used vfx in its making.

 Below are top advertisements that have used a perfect combination of vfx and animation.

Vodafone zoo zoo campaign

This was launched in 2009 by Vodafone. Zoo zoo character took away many hearts. This commercial is one of the most successful commercials in India.

According to few facts, zoo zoo were not animated characters. They were real human in such costumes. Special suits were made for the actors keeping in mind the colour combination to focus on the character. Character modelling, lighting, rendering and sound effects were made in post production with maximum use of vfx. The sound effects were too great that they delivered the desired outcome without speaking a single word.

Thanks to the vfx that the entire campaign looked like animated.

Happydent city light campaign

Another brilliant example of combination of vfx and animation. This ad was on the concept ‘chewing gum for sparkling teeth.’

MTS internet baby ad campaign

This is an interesting ad about technology freak baby from the moment it is born. As the baby comes out it cuts its umbilical cord and takes a selfie with the nurse. Funny! Isn’t it? All of this is broadcasted live from a mobile camera. Baby and all its actions are created by vfx. The purpose of the ad was well served that they are the fastest provider of internet.

Animation was done so nicely that the ad looked humours and knowledgeable about service provided by the brand.

Kitkat dancing ad campaign

This ad involves babies in the hospital ward who are playing with their toys and suddenly starts dancing at the sight of kitkat chocolate. The brand delivers its massage that the chocolate is refreshing and enjoyable at the same time. Also emphasised on the importance of taking
 a break. All the babies in the commercial were real, however the dancing and giggling was computer generated.

Complan Takat Ka Bhoot ad campaign

This as was a combination of real humans and animation which is inspired by a hit film Bhootnath where Amitabh Bachapn plays a role of a friendly ghost. Is the ad the star is plays a role of takat ka bhoot. This ad shows the benefit of the health product. The main character is animated to give a bhoot character.

A Brief History of Digital Gaming

Digital gaming is nothing new; it was always around but in a different form. It came up years before and now has become an independent industry with great creativity and professional potential.

Origins (1940-1960)

The beginning of video games has its foundations in the attempt creating a world of fantacy. From the installation of first ENIAC computer to the today's powerful microprocessors; video games have always witnessed growth.

The ever first popular video game available was Nimrod, launched in 1951. Just after that IBM’s popular ‘Checkers’ game program (1950s) and William Higginbotham’s revolutionary ‘Tennis for Two’ (1958) were noticed.

Nascent stage (1960 – 1990)

In the year 1960, the first widely available game was introduced by MIT employee Steve Russell who created ‘Space war.' The very first step towards the commercialization of the digital gaming industry was taken by Nolan Bushnell founded Atari, Inc. in 1972.

In 1983 the video game market crashed and bankrupted several companies in the United States. The arcade industry reached its extreme between the years 1978-1990. ‘Space Invaders’ by Taito was such a blockbuster that it inspired scores of video game manufacturers to enter the market. This  age saw the advent of evergreen computer and arcade games such as ‘Pac-Man’ and ‘Donkey Kong’.

The golden years (1990- 2010)

The video game market brought about permanent players in the industry. In 1990 Nintendo came out with its next generation console known as ‘Super NES.'

PC gaming began to gain popularity 1991 onward . Id Software’s 1996 game ‘Quake’ pioneered online multi-player options in first-person shooters.

Nintendo released its 64-bit console, the Nintendo 64 in 1996. At the same time, Sony Corporation began to dominate the market with its popular PlayStation.

Nintendo announced the launch of its flagship product in 2002, the GameCube, which used 80mm mini-DVD discs, holding 1.4GB of data each – over 200 times the capacity of the largest N64 cartridge ROM.

Around the same time, Microsoft jumped into with the now popular Xbox. Mobile phones also entered the mainstream market during this time.

The future

Android, iPhone and Windows devices are the popular choice for digital gaming. The industry is ready to see an explosion of growth. Virtual reality and 3D gaming are soon to enter the mainstream market.

Which are your all-time favorite games? Share with us in the comment box below.

How can you find Jobs in Animation and VFX Industry?

 If you’ve had professional training in animation and VFX at Maac Kolkata. You’ve learnt all the relevant software in order to join the in-demand artists of the special effects industry. But now the question will be how to find the right job opportunity that will decide the course of your entire career forever? How to land into the best job in the market with the best studios is what you aspire? Here are the top five guidelines which will invariably help you to acquire your dream job and make a name in animation industry.

1.     One has to be focused

One of the key elements or key funda of securing a job in the industry is to know what you want to do, in a very specific manner. You may be talented in a many areas and aspect of animation but it doesn’t help to be all over the place that actually doesn’t help. Being unfocused is the best way to be shown the door in an interview and to crack it too. Whether you want to be a modeler or a rendering artist or even run a render farm, your portfolio should focus only the material that is relevant to the job category for which you are applying.

2.    You should know your goal

Keeping your goals in mind is essential for a successful career in the animation industry. Many artists graduate every year with sharp skills and impressive talent. But the ones who eventually succeed are the ones who are clear about their aim and goal. Having a deep commitment towards making a career in the 3D animation and special effects industry is crucial to differentiating yourself from the hordes of artists who join the workforce every year.

3.    You have to communicate your idea clearly to the other person

Animation artists are basically a story tellers who gradually realise there hidden talent. And the media of choice for them is imagery. Even if you not good at drawing right now that doesn’t matter, what matters is how you should be able to communicate your ideas to the team in a clear and precise manner.

4.    Build a portfolio online is very essential when you face interview

It is important to have an artistic space online which showcases your work many of the students carry their work in pendive that not a professional attitude. It may be your own website or just a blog, but putting your demo reel on the internet allows employers to share show and discuss about your work to other members in the organisation while considering you for a position. It also allows other potential recruiters to find and view your work.

5.     Keep gaining experience in whatever project you work- Keep your eye open to absorb the best you get to learn

All in all, the main attributes to develop in this field are talent, persistence, patience and absorbing skills and recognition of right opportunity. Animation studios tend to prefer artists who have experience in multiple segments of filmmaking rather than just one. Therefore, never hesitate to take up a job, even if it is not your dream job at least you are gaining experience which you never know can be used for future. As we always say it is not necessary always for you to start with a big animation studio, but recognizing an opportunity to be a part of a great works that will get you farther ahead. If you are good opportunity will come to you.

Journey of Aniket from MAAC to his Dictorial Venture...

Aniket a boy next door was one of us struggling in companies before he actually released and fulfill his dream in B-Town. He was  just a simple person like you and me who holds lots of dreams. He was not a bright student but he always carried his passion and determination to do something different and earn a name for himself. His passion to do something creative and different took him to step into the Animation Industry holding the hand of Maac Rashbehari.

During his struggle period he learnt about Maac Kolkata and its different centers and chooses MACC Rashbehari. Without wasting time he decided to step into the center for a free counselling session. There he happens to meet Mr. Naveen Choudhary, he not only encouraged him to peruse his dreams but also gave him assurance that there will be no looking back for him if he can excel in this field. His meeting was impressive enough for him to kick start and go forward to join Maac Rashbehari.

Today he can proudly stand and say that he has achieved what he always wanted to.

Keep following us to know what he did and how he did in our next story...  

Stay Tuned!