Animation

Introduction:

Every one knows Mickey mouse, Donald Duck, Tom and Jerry and Stuart little - some animated characters that always delight and entertain us. Do you know how these characters were born and how it is possible to create wonders with the art of drawing? And the answer is 'animation'- one of the fastest growing and most in-demand industries in the world. Multi media and Animation are among the major hunted jobs of the 21st century. Multimedia also called multiple media as the name suggests is an enormous field that uses more than one medium of communication. It is an art that merges text, images, graphics, animation, audio and video to create virtual magic. Animation is only a component of multimedia. 

The professionals in this field work in a highly dynamic and high - tech environment where they are supposed to produce multimedia designs, animations and programming applications. For all this, one needs to have great creative ability, computer skills and artistic talent in the production of innovative presentations.

The world of Animation is booming with the growth of Internet and other new technologies which offer a range of new directions for people who want to try their hands at something new and innovative.

Animation can be of two types - 2D (two dimensional) and 3D (three dimensional). While 2D animation can be cell, puppet or sand animation, clay modelling, cut - out animation or computer generated, it goes through the stages of story, boarding, character development on paper, background and layout, scanning, inking and painting, key frames and in betweens, sound - effects and editing. 

Therefore, a one hour film takes almost one year of hard work. As the name suggests, 2D animation generates characters like what we see in Cartoon Network.

The 3D animation also goes through the similar processes but uses more sophisticated gadgets and processes. Real and life like features of characters created through 3D animation can only be restricted by the creator's imagination.

Animation Courses:

Strong artistic skills and a solid familiarity with the latest trends in computer technologies are required for a career in Animation. One should have the ability to turn creative thoughts into compelling images. There is not much professional training in the field of Animation available in India. 

A degree or diploma in fine arts could prove beneficial, but course in Animation is definitely preferred. However, in recent past a few business houses have shown interest. 

The Escorts Group started its very own training program in Animation. Escotoonz training program, which is the first education venture of Escorts Group, was started to ensure that the creative skills required for this industry are available in this country. The basic objective is to properly mould these skills towards this medium. It also helps in ensuring a ready pool of talent with sharply honed skills.

It is to be noted that Escotoonz is India's first serious entry into the world of 2D Animation, multimedia, simulation CBTs and 3D action and adventure games, through Ecosoft's interactive division. 

The duration of the program is seven months. 

Further to get some proficiency one can opt for Part - Time courses in mass communication. In addition, there are institutes like Arena Multimedia, Pentamedia, Chandigarh Arts College and Delhi College of Arts which offer papers on animation.

Eligibility : 

Training is the most essential and important aspect for the creation of a skilled professional in the field of animation. To become an animator, one doesn't require any specific academic qualification. Those with a basic sketching skill and a passion for animation can enter this field. People with a degree or Diploma in animation for getting a better job prospect...

Job Prospectus and Career Options : A strong portfolio of work is an essential part of landing a job in computer animation and becoming an animator. Numerous job opportunities are available in India as well as abroad in the exciting field of animation. It opens the door to film industries such as Hollywood, which is the world of special effects and imagery for films. Specialized computer knowledge and skills are essential for various jobs in the field of animation..... 

Career in Animation - Remuneration:

A good animator with minimum two years experience can draw a minimum salary of Rs.15,000. Internationally, animators may draw a whopping salary of anywhere between $40,000 to $2,00,000 depending, of course, on skills and experience.

Animation is definitely a lucrative profession in terms of money that it offers. A skilled and trained animator could easily earn anywhere between Rs.20,000 and Rs.30,000 a month. 

Professional animators could even freelance or undertake projects under individual contracts for commercials or television.

Institution:

Many institutes in India and abroad offer Graduation and diploma courses in animation besides the online services that offer courses in animation. Many of the institutes offer placements for their students. ....

* National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (www.nid.edu) 

* Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi (www.bitmesra.ac.in) 

* Symbiosis Institute of Design,Pune (www.symbiosisdesign.ac.in) 

* MAEER MIT's Institute of Design, Pune (www.iidpune.org) 

* Film and Television Institute of India, Pune [www.ftiindia.com] 

* Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (www.cdac.in/html/nmrc/daca.asp) 

* Apeejay Institute of Design, New Delhi (www.apeejay.edu) 

* Zee Institute of Media Arts (ZIMA), Mumbai (www.zimainstitute.com) 

* Toonz Webel Academy, Kolkata (www.toonzwebelacademy.com) 

* ZICA Mumbai (www.zica.org) 

* Hindustan College of Arts & Sciences, Chennai (www.hindustancollege.edu) 

* Image College of Arts, Animation and Technology, Chennai (www.icat.ac.in) 

* Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC) (www.maacindia.com) 

* Arena Multimedia (www.arenamultimedia.com)