Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic
-Arthur C.Clake

A gigantic extinct animal taking us centuries back… an animated ice-cream screaming for attention…an action hero performing mind-blowing stunts…we have watched all these scenes, experienced the thrill they create and wondered how human imagination can be translated into such fantastic imagery.

This is the magic of animation. Be it special effects in movies, imaginative advertising, exciting virtual games or quite simply a cartoon film, animation are gaining its ground in the global entertainment industry is growing at an animated speed.

Tagged as one of the fastest growing global industries. Animation is projected to record US$ 80 billion by 2010* (US$ 55 billion, presently) with full-length animation movies contributing 28% (15% presently).

Animation is making inroads in many new directions. The next big thing on the Animation front is the Gaming industry. The global gaming industry will almost double in size, growing from an estimated US$ 19 billion (2005) to US$ 42 billion by 2010*.

This new opportunity along with the fast-growing demand for skilled animation professionals will provide professionals infinite career prospects all over the world.

A CENTURIES OLD ART

Animation is not new to mankind. An Egyptian wall decoration circa 2000 B.C. depicts, on successive panels, the actions of two wrestlers in a variety of holds. One of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous illustrations also shows the human body with the limbs in different positions.

It was in the last century that animation truly evolved into an art. Today, it is a thriving industry and employs thousands of people creating billions of dollars worth of creative work.

AN EXCITING NEW WORLD

Creativity has now acquired a new meaning. With the advent of technology, Multimedia and Animation have redefined the realms of creativity and given imagination infinite interpretations. Digital technology has changed the way the world operates, communicates, disseminates information and entertains. Be it films, advertisements, presentations, education, gaming and numerous other applications; Animation and Multimedia touch our everyday lives in more ways than we are aware.

Today's youth has grown up with concepts of virtual reality, cyber cafes, digital media, et al. The effect of technology assumes special relevance for them and the way they seek entertainment especially in Movies and Games. As a result, the Media & Entertainment sector is a significant consumer of Animation and Multimedia.

THE INDIA ADVANTAGE

With the boom in the Entertainment industry the world over, the search is always on for trained and qualified personnel. The good news is that India has emerged as a lucrative sourcing ground for talent. International entertainment giants like Walt Disney, Imax & Sony are outsourcing millions of dollars' worth of animation and multimedia projects to India. The Indian Animation industry has experienced exponential growth in the last few years. And the trend is expected to continue. More and more American, Canadian and European companies are beginning to outsource their work to Indian animation companies - One of the prime reasons for India being the new animation hub is economy.

Our large English-speaking talent pool, attractively low production and labour costs, world-class quality and out of-the box creativity have earned India its pride of place in the global market. Apart from this, there are many well-equipped animation studios across all major cities in India employing highly qualified professionals. With only 10% of the annual demand for over 30,000 skilled and trained professionals satisfied, there is a severe shortage. This is true not only of India but of the global industry. The scope therefore is tremendous and global opportunity is opening up every day.

So get in tune with the techno-trends and give your career a fantastic boost. Join in the Animation and Multimedia boom and take full advantage of it.

NEW-AGE CAREERS

Animation has reached new heights with the introduction of computers. Computer animation is one of the hottest job markets today. It has emerged as a very high paying profession with applications in the film, television, advertising, gaming industries to name a few. The Animation industry offers career opportunities in a range of activities - from technology-based jobs like scanning, composting, digital ink and paint, and game designing to creative jobs like those of visual-effects supervisors, 3D modelers and character animators.

Animation applications are varied and ever increasing. It is extensively used by animation studios, post production studios, advertising firms, dotcom companies, interactive media and multimedia concerns, etc. Jobs for skilled professionals are available in the following areas:

• Animation Films • Broadcast Design • Game Design • CD-ROM Design • Web Design • Simulations • Visual Effects for Feature Films • Characters & Props

The openings for skilled animation and multimedia professionals are many and across several levels. Check out the options available:

Visualizer, Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Multimedia Programmer, Audio, Video Editor, 20 Animator, Storyboard Artist, Multimedia Programmer, Web Designer, 3d Animator, Animation Director, Project Head, etc.

Multimedia in Animation:

Animation has brought many imaginary characters and stories to life. From Mickey Mouse's endearing antics to Lara Croft's edge-of-the-seat adventures, generations have grown up admiring this magic. In India alone, 300,000* professionals by 2008 are expected to be employed in the animation Industry. Animation Application Areas include Entertainment (Movies, Television). Business (Marketing Demos, Product Promotions), Sales (Presentations), Education (CBTs/WBTs), Tourism (Kiosks), Publishing (Graphics & Printing), Web Design, Virtual Reality for Simulations in Defense, Engineering. Advertising (Commercials, Print Ads), Interiors and Fashion Design.

Career Opportunities

Visualizers, Ink and Paint Artists, Special Effects Persons, Character Animators and Modeling Artists.

Multimedia in Entertainment

Entertainment has undergone a complete facelift with the help of Multimedia. From the fearsome dinosaurs in Jurassic Park to the nifty sound and video effects in television commercials. Multimedia has changed the way we see the world. With the growth of this industry, there is an increasing demand for multimedia professionals in India and abroad. With proper training and experience, sky is the limit for you!

Career Opportunities

Video Editor, Visual effects designer, Software Editor. Software mixer. Audio & Video Specialist, Author, Script Writer, Animator, Visual effects Professional, Cartoon Animator, Set Designer. Audio Editor, 3D Animator, Character Animator, Special Effects Manager.

Multimedia on the Web:

Emails and websites have been given an entirely new dimension by Multimedia. Internet has become the new Art of communication that has opened the gateway to the global community. Extensive knowledge of multimedia enables unimaginable growth prospects in this field.

Career Opportunities

Page Layout Artist, Layout Artist, Web Graphics Designer, Web Developer, Visualizer, Graphic Designer, Web Programmer, Web Content Developer, Web Animator, Site Manager, Art Consultant, Project Manager, Content Editor.

Multimedia in Imaging, Print and Publishing:

Computer technology has increased the potency and power of the print media, making it far more visually stunning and internationally acceptable. And the effect is visible in the obviously improved layouts, and the unprecedented quality of the print work that we see everyday. The wide acceptance and deliverability of print media makes it a lucrative field for a multimedia professional.

Career Opportunities

Creative Director, Art director, Visualizer, Graphic Designer, DTP Specialist, Cartographer, Page Layout Artist, Studio Manager, Art Consultant, Cartoonist, Editing Professional.

Multimedia in Designing:

Multimedia allows the designer to play around with colors, styles, material and tones before finalizing the product. Multimedia enables the designers to see their imagination take shape virtually. Through static 3D object modeling and scene designing through computer graphics, designers can now experiment with designs, using a range of colors, forms, textures and tones. Thus expanding their creativity beyond every conceivable barrier.

Career Opportunities

Visualizer, Fashion Designer, Interior Designer, Dress Designer, Jewelry Designer, Set Designer, Industrial Designer.

Gaming:

Multimedia has expanded the potential and opportunities in Gaming and Interactive Communication industries. From fun-filled edutainment to addictive games on the internet, Cellular Phones and personal Digital Assistants, the field holds immense promise for those looking for an exciting career in a growing industry.

Career Opportunities

CD Rom Author, Multimedia Programmer, Game Developer, Graphic Designer, Content Developer, Media Content Manager, Animator, Edutainment Specialist, Layout artist.