History of VFX in Indian Films

In our last post we had discussed history of Special effect in Indain cinema today we are here to discuss history of VFX in Indian cinema. If we are talking and discussing about history of Indian Films the name that comes in our mind is Dada Saheb Phalke. Now when we are talking about advent of vfx in Indian Cinema, again its Dada Saheb Phalke whose movies in silent era sites the example of use of vfx in movie Kaliamardan in the year 1919. Use of vfx at that era is actually commendable and amazing too. Gradually the Telegu cinema adapted vfx and some great work came up like Pathala Bhairavi and Maya Bazar which has actually taken the use of vfx to another height in movies.

In the year 1980 Indian VFX industry got a leap as Prasad video Digital which later transformed into Prasad EFX imported the first scanner and recorder which helped to produce digital image.

Visual effect enhance the look and feel of the movie earlier it’s been noticed vfx being used mainly in mythological film to portray larger than life effect and character so that the audience can get that feel of the movie.

Since then and now Indian cinema has seen lots of evolution era wise. Now the visual effect has become a part of each and every movie produced. Earlier the cost was high now with the advent of new technology things have changed drastically.

Our discussion simply takes our reader to encourage the opportunities one can get when it comes to entering the VFX industry. Maac Animation Kolkata offers bouquet of different courses  If you have decided to go ahead to take VFX courses to give your career a kick start this is the right time and right opportunity.

Use of VFX in serial Chakravartin Samrat Ashoka

Visual effects, popularly known as VFX is playing a key role in the daily soaps for Indian audience. One such most popular and talked about serial of these days is “Chakravartin Samrat Ashoka”, being aired in Colours Channel. Our today’s discussion will revolve round it. This serial been using vfx in enhancing the look and feel of the serial very nicely. It has been noticed in recent trends that if one is using vfx more in the serial you can actually engage more viewer and it helps in improving the TRP rating.

If we go down our memory lane it reminds us using vfx in Ramanand Sagar’s mythological show popularly known as Ramayana. It was the first tele-serial to use vfx in the show. Later on following the trend many other serials started using the technology.

A team of 12 crew members is responsible for executing VFX for Ashoka. Starting from creating set extension, crowd multiplication, 3D modelling, animation etc.The use of computer graphics contributes mostly in generating the look and feel of the serial. The team member’s doesn’t leave any stone unturned in creating a super fascinating world.

Apart from these technologies the serial also use software like after effects Eyon fusion, 3ds Maya, stop motion to bring more reality on the screen. Ashoka the historical drama  which has become more interesting because of its beautifully designed sets ,the lavish designed places, the grandeur sets which has able to create that historical era. The eye catching visual has actually pulled the audience.

 Let’s take a look at some of the before-after pictures to know how the makers are making the best use of VFX in the popular serial “Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat”. …

Our above discussion is taking us to conclude that the use of vfx is wide so as its scope apart from films, advertisement now a day’s daily soaps are also using vfx to enhance their visuals look and feel. So more will be the demand then the need and requirement of skilled professionals also increases who can handle projects. So stop thinking and join the glamour if you have the zeal in you.

Use of VFX in Games of Throne Season-VI

“If you don’t have my vivid imagination you couldn’t do my job”, says the super talented VFX supervisor of “Games of Thrones” series Joe Bauer.

VFX is a technology that brings all the components that can’t be shot in a normal course of production whether it is adding characters whether it is adding environment, whether it is completing sets, or whether it’s creating whole scene.

With the help of VFX they were able to manufacture worlds which are much larger than what could have been created on a sound stage or location. A visual effect acts as that end of the story telling which allows us to through the imagination of the writer, producer and director for eg:

1. Ship sailing on the sea reaching the kingdoms harbor

2. Daenerys riding a fire breathing dragon

3. The attack on the ice wall where they didn’t had enough space or number of people who can execute this episode sequence so a green screen of 30 feet high and 100 feet long was used to create a marvelous scene.

4. Fire breathing dragon in a arena, flame thrower of 50 feet strap to a robotic crane was put in a ring in Spain and 20 people were put on flame.

5. Shooting Wun Wun , a 14 feet tall character with huge weight and mass was actually executed by a person and was portrait gigantically with the help of visual effects.

VFX industry have become very computer reliant technology but shooting with organic element like fire breathing dragons ,fire and the interaction between the stunt players was a real  challenge for the team.

The best compliment to be received for VFX is to show the invisible, the work has to be really really great as we cannot expect the audience to miss a blink and that’s the reason the things that have been depicted in the series have got bigger and better.

The team shoots for three units before it use to shoot in two units. They had 800 shots in season three, 2000 in season 5.A team of five highly creative directors are shooting in five different continents.
 This season have introduced mammoths, skeleton coming out of the ground or special powers this season employees all of them. The VFX shots of season 6 are outlanders and outrageous in true sense.

VFX is a comprehensive course comprising of all you need to build a rocking career in visual effects for films, television, news channels etc. We at MAAC Animation Kolkata provide our students with hands on experience while working in a studio like environment.

So stop thinking and contact us :-

MAAC Chowringhee
Mobile: +91-9836321595
Email Id: chowringhee@maacmail.com

MAAC Kankurgachi
Mobile: +91-9830390356
Email Id: kakurgachi@maacmail.com

MAAC Rashbehari
Mobile: +91-9836321789
Email Id: rashbehari@maccmail.com

Use of VFX in the movie BAAHUBALI

S. S. Rajamouli Directed movie Baahubali, a Telugu action movie, was the highest grosser Indian movie. INR 120 Crore budget movie earned over INR 600 Crore and became the highest grossing telugu movie of all times. Apart from an interesting story line and strong characterization with combination of the real life and reel life effect turned  Baahubali into a  mind blowing visual effect movie of its time.. The movie had one year pre-production work where in 15000 story board sketches were created which is the highest for any Indian film till today. More than 600 VFX artists worked (which includes Makuta VFX, Prasad EFX, Firefly in Hyderabad, Tau films from Malaysia etc.) for the film to create more than 90 percent visually enhanced shots. V. Srinivas Mohan, a National Award Winner headed as the VFX supervisor. The film boast of 90 percent Computer Generated Imagery works which accounts for 2500 VFX shots. Makuta VFX was chosen as the main visual effects studio and was responsible for more than 50 percent of the CGI in the film.


This is the VFX breakdown of the Movie Baahubali- The Beginning by Makuta VFX:

In this shot Shivgami is saving the baby, the water has been enhanced by VFX generated waterfalls. This famous shot was originally shot with a bottle of mineral water in Shivgami’s hand above the water.

This heart dropping shot in which Prabhas is hanging from the rock was actually VFX generated. Originally Prabhas was lifted by crane to give a shot of rock climbing.

While we saw Prabhas hoping and jumping over the branches in the jungle on big screen, in reality Prabhas was just hoping over a giant log with green screen in the background.


Feeling very honored to say that we at, MAAC Chowringhee, MAAC Kankurgachi, MAAC Rashbehari welcomed Mr. Sanath P. C., the founder and VFX supervisor by profession of The Firefly Studios, whose special effects are also seen in the Movie “Baahubali – The Beginning”, visited our center in the month of July 2015. A grand Seminar was organized by our director, Mr. Naveen Choudhary in honour of Mr. Sanath P.C so that he can discuss and shre his experience with students of Maac Kolkata. He discussed many things with us regarding the making of Baahubali and Magadheera.

He ended his discussion with a note of appreciation saying“A big thanks for inviting me. It was wonderful to spend time with MAAC  students and the team here” – Mr, Sanath P. C. We felt  truly blessed.

Popular Animation Studios in India

As we have been always talking about the rise of animation in India, in our blogs, today we will be sharing with you some of the popular animation studios we have in India.

 MAYA DIGITAL STUDIO

 It is one of the leading animation studios in India offering competence in high quality 3D Animation, 2D Animation as well as stereoscopic 3D conversion of content. Today it is the largest original content creator of animation in India.

The adventure of Motu Patlu, Krisna, Discovery Kids and Hungama are few of the works of Maya Digital Studio.

UTV TOONS

UTV Toons is a wholly owned division of UTV software communications ltd. The company started with 2D traditional animation but gradually transformed into digital animation in 2002.

Disney’s legends of the Ring of Fire, King, and Toad Patrol are few of their 2D animation work.

MICA,  Donkey Kong Country  Return, Freej are few of their 3D animation work.

PENTAMEDIA

Pentamedia is a pioneer in software and digital media in Asia. The company has created many animated features The key responsibilities include projects, products, consultancy and training in software and digital media. Numerous animated features have been created by the company, both traditionally and computer animated.

Pentamedia’s work Pandavas: The Five Warriors received a regional award in India in 2000 and Gulliver’s Travels was released in Los Angeles and was shortlisted for an Oscar. Other  animated movies produced by the company are Alibaba,Son of Alladin, Gulliver's Travel.

      TOONS ANIMATION INDAI

It is an animation company in India located in Thriuvananthapuram the capital of Kerala. Started in 1999 by G.A.Menon and Bill Dennis, who has worked on Disney’ the little mermaid, beauty and the beast and Aladdin. It is an arm of the Singapore based Toonz Group, which is known for its diversity in production and distribution of live action features films, digital and gaming content, licensing and merchandising and media related education.

 The Adventure of Tenali Raman, Hanuman, Freefonix, Kid Krish are few of the major work done by Toonz Animated India.  

These are just the few names, there are a lot many like these. If you are dreaming seeing yourself in any of the above company then we at MAAC Kolkata are here to help you reach your dream.  

Visit www.animationkolkata.com for further enquiry. 

24 FPS VFX CHALLENGE PREPARATION !!! WE ARE READY

STUDENT EXPERIENCE OF MAAC CHOWRINGEE OVER 24FPS VFX CHALLENGE SHOOT

Every year, we arrange shooting for 24FPS VFX Challenge. This time on 14.7.16, we had arranged a place near Gateway Hotel, Ruby and started our shooting set-up process we set up the light & chroma shoot platform. It almost took around 1 hour 30 min to do the entire setup & after that we had started with the shooting. We had arranged a high end DSLR camera, with a professional cameraman, arranging track for camera movement, baby lighting, softbox etc.

Students made arrangement of all the props, costumes, makeup etc. It took full day to shoot as per our requirement. This year we also did the Chrome Ball Photography, which was a new thing to the students, and later on they will be using that data for their CG lighting purpose. One of our highly experienced faculties’ from Maac center, who had worked in Hollywood movies, came from Mumbai to guide us. It was a fun filled day with lots of learning, planning, and execution.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE OF MAAC KANKURGACHI OVER 24FPS VFX CHALLENGE SHOOT

Every year, Maac Kankurgachi takes part in the VFX Challenge of the 24FPS Competition, which is a way for students learn hands on practical training that too at par industry-level work by recreating shots from renowned films with live-action and computer-generated components. The live-action shoot for this year's VFX Challenge was successfully held on Thursday, 14th July. It was a unique experience for the team, who had chosen a sequence to shots from Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Students were provided a studio-like set-up with professional camera equipment and a chroma-ready set, props, costumes and make-up, actors with guidance from the experience faculty members of the centre. Based on the demo shoots done as practice over the past few weeks. They have now begun processing the footage and undertaking production-stage work. Now we are all waiting for the D-day when our production will be ready to launch.

Join us @ WWW.ANIMATIONKOLKATA.COM

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! 

Things to remember when joining the Animation/VFX industry

Career is one of the most important decision one takes in its lifespan. Career decides ones future. If you looking for a successful career in the field of animation and VFX, below are few important points we penned down for your better decision making.                                                                                                                                                                  
1)  Apt knowledge on 2D & 3D software

You need to know a brief knowledge about 2D and 3D animations. When you opt for Animation & VFX you need to learn much software to upgrade your understanding in these fields.

2)    Teamwork

Most important! Working with people means understanding each other. You need to listen to them and at the same time you should have capability to make them understand your point of view.

3)  Know the Path

Animation and VFX are wide. You need to understand where your interest lies. Discover your passion and follow. To understand where the interest lays one can have one on one conversation with their faculty.

4 )  Portfolio

If you planning to get into animation industry it’s the right time to build your portfolio. To build once Protfolio you need to do few researches. Contact to your seniors and take an idea how you can work on it. Once should be ready with a complimenting Portfolio after the completion of course.

 5)    Arranging the portfolio

Nobody has enough time to go through each work you have done. Show them the best you have done. Arrange your portfolio from best to normal.

6)      Patience

Time! Give yourself and your career time to reach stars. People working in this field earn a lot much but after a certain reputation has built. So give time but don’t give up.

We hope our pointers will help you to take a wise decision.

Stay tuned with www.animationkolkata.com. for more updates.

MAAC National Students Meet

MAAC keep hosting events where students get opportunities to showcase their skills & to interact with experienced animation, VFX, gaming and media & entertainment professionals.  

This time MAAC is conducting NSM in Goa on 8^th-11^th August 2016. The idea behind this event is to encourage VFX & Animation students from all over MAAC India to be a part of creative seminars, case studies, panel discussions and the fun activities. NSM provides a platform to collaborate on live projects, networks with famous and successful personalities of the animation industry and get access to real life experience & industry insights.

During the four day event MAAC students attend workshop and spend time with leading name from the film industry and get access to industry insights. It helps you do one on one conversation with them and clarify all doubts. Such opportunities should be grabbed. MAAC is providing you this golden chance.

Such events should not be missed. It’s one time opportunity to be a part of such events. Through these events one gets a clear vision in the field of VFX and animation.

For any inquiry, 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

Vfx Artist: Duties &Requirements

Visual effects artists are responsible for creating computer generated animations and special effects on screens at home and in theatres. It’s like bringing fascinating and fantasy world into life. It's necessary to gain the training to work as a visual effects artist via a degree or certificate program in a field like computer animation.

Duties

Vfx work is to create imagery that is either impractical or impossible to film. Vfx is currently done via computer. This work includes creating animations for television shows, commercials and feature films.

Vfx artists are expected to work on tight deadlines due to theatrical release dates working in the film industry. This job involves following instructions from a client and may not allow for the possibility of much personalized input.

Requirements

Students need to have understanding of standard software tools of the industry, such as Houdini, Nuke, Render Man, Adobe CS5, mental ray, and Autodesk Maya. Although a degree is not necessarily required for this job. A bachelor's degree is standard and completing a certificate or degree program can help signify qualification to work as a vfx artist. 

Animation can be used in different sector other than Media and Entertainment

When 2D animation started with paper and sketches everyone had an idea that it was restricted to only drawing creating cartoons. As the industry matured and computers are introduced, the perception started changing gradually. From cartoons there was a steady growth in other area like gaming industry, animation movies, video games etc.

 In today’s time, animation has convinced professionals from various fields that it should not be restricted to a particular skill set, but should be used as a medium of expression or communication. For example, when we use animation in education, it can used to explain theory and concepts to students in a more convincing and interesting manner.

Now –a- days, animation is used in a variety of industries away from the big screen or consoles. 3D animation is actually a very practical tool in itself with various useful applications in a variety of fields.  So guys let us take a look at some industries which use animation, but are not related to the media & entertainment sectors.

Medical Animation

Medical Animation  are  short educational film which helps the aspirants medical students to learn about different body parts , or surgical topics, to give more realistic feel by using 3D animation and graphics. Medical animation is most commonly utilized as an instructional tool for medical professionals or their patients.

Architecture Visualization

Architectural Animation is a short 3D architectural movie created with the help of computer. A computer-generated building is created along with landscaping and sometimes moving people & vehicles. This gives the feel of the project and its outcome in a real way. It helps to get good business.

Mechanical Animation

Using 3D Animation and modeling one can create virtual models of products and mechanical designs that can save companies millions by just cutting down on development costs. Working in a virtual world can let developers eliminate a lot of problems that would normally require extensive physical test models & experimentation.

Forensic Animation

Forensic animation is a animated recreation in 3D animation which are created to aid investigators & helps in solving different cases with ease.  For examples it includes the use of computer animation, stills, and other audio visual aids.

Animation in Education

Animation has recently become a popular tool in classroom teaching and learning. The ebooks, learning with Animation has actually increase interest & motivation among students. It has taken education to next level where students tend to learn things faster and can grasp in a better way. It’s most effective way of teaching in recent days.

Similarly animation is also used in various other industries. The scope of animator is immense provided you have learned it from experts.  Career after doing an animation course is therefore unlimited. With the right skill & training, one can hold a creative job in any industry today.

Why to join 3D animation course? Here are scope and benefits.

Career in animation is a new trending career for the creative people. Animation is a combination of art and technologies. Moving images are created in 2d and 3d to entertain viewers and users. Animation is all bout creating images.

It’s a specialized technique to be learnt in a proper manner from an animation college. MAAC Kolkata is one such college that offers animation course. Through this course it attempts to teach students in areas of both 3d & 2d technologies enabling them to have a comprehensive knowledge on this subject.

Scope of animation

Animation is used in various sectors like IT and entertainment industry. It has contributed much to the development of attractive multimedia & graphic images used in movies, cartoons etc. Those with drawing skills and creative thinking can build up a strong and attractive career animation. They can work as Animator, graphic designer, video editor, 3D modelers, visual effects supervisors, sound editor, character animators and layout maker.

Animation is about freedom of expression in ways of visuals. It gives you the opportunity to express your ideas in the most fascination or weird forms. Thus animation allows you to combine your creativity with technologies.

Future of animation

Animation is an integral part of entertainment. Students completing 2d & 3d animation classes successfully are in for a vast opportunity to test their skills & knowledge.

Not only entertainment, advertising is one area where animation is used extensively. Most of the attraction commercials are handiwork of brilliant animation techniques. Both 2d & 3d techniques are used in creating television or web based commercials.

We hope the above article helps you clear all your doubts about animation.

For any other assistance visit www.animationkolkata.com 

MAAC Kolkata Summer Festival

Hello summers!

As it’s said the tans will fade but the memories will last forever.  MAAC Kolkata also made its summer memory by celebrating Summer Festival on 7^th May 2016.

This festival collaborated students’ work and their unique creativity. Like making fruit art.

Not only the art creativity, also students came forward and shown talent in cultural activities. Like Rabindra sangeet, classical dance and talent show at musical instruments.  It was heart-warming view seeing students’ involvement to such an extent and their sporty enthusiasm during the festival.  

While the sun was burning like a furnace the joy of celebrating Summer Festival acted like the cool breeze.

We thank our students and Staff for making the festival a great success and hope for more festival like this to come in future.

Every summer has its own story. This is MAAC Kolkata's story, hope you like it.

Stay tuned for more inside updates. 

PROGRAMME IN GRAPHICS, WEB & 2D ANIMATION (DGWA)

Hi readers! You guys must be wondering where have MAAC lost after the last post! Well, not to worry we are always here with you boosting you with new courses all the time. Today I am going to introduce a new course with you guys. I am sure you all were waiting for it. So here it is,

PROGRAMME IN GRAPHICS, WEB & 2D ANIMATION (DGWA).

Graphic design is a part of our daily life, it could be anything a website, an app, hoarding or any packaging we want. All of them requires an attractive design that can fit the requirements. The graphic should communicate the idea of the client or company. this requires the work and talent of a graphic designer. it is the creative process which combines art & technology to communicate ideas visually. 

DGWA, a graphic & multimedia course, covers a wider genre;

Course Covers

Certified in Graphic & Print Design

Certified in Web and Intractive Design

Certified in 2D Animation

Software to Learn

Corel DRAW

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe in Design

HTML / Java script

Adobe Dreamweaver

Adobe Flash

Adobe Premiere

Adobe Audition

Story Board Pro

Adobe Flash

Toon boom Harmony

Career Options

Graphic Designer

Packaging Designer

Advertising Art Director

Web/Interactive Designer

User Interface (UI) Designer

Illustrator

DTP Operator

Layout Artist

Developer for Interactive E-Learning

Digital Storyboard Artist

2D Animator

To know this course in detail visit www.animationkolkata.com

Course Duration: 12 Months

Course Fees: INR Rs 6,25,00 +14.5% (Service Tax)

Reach 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