In what can be termed as a highly potent development for Indian Visual Effects, The FICCI Visual Effects Community (FICCI VEC) was launched on 29 August in Chennai at the Le Meridian hotel with a grand ceremony.

The ceremony included FICCI biggies like Dr. Amit Mitra (Secretary General) and Onkar S Kanwar (President);FICCI entertainment committe Chairman Yash Chopra, VES (L.A) CO Chair Tim MC Govern and the first FICCI VEC Chairman N Madhusudhanan, CO Chair Sai Prasad and Officer in Charge Sumeet Gupta.

The potential of knowledge sharing and business networking that FICCI VEC holds is tremendous and it will be interesting to track developments and initiatives of the newly formed body.

FICCI VEC Inaugural Panel (From Left to Right - Saroj Podar Sr VP FICCI, A C Mutthiah- Past President FICCI, VFX Producer George Merkert, FICCI President Onkar Kanwar, FICCI VEC Chairman N Madhusudhanan, FICCI Ent Committe Chairman Yash Chopra, VES (L.A) Co Chair Tim Mc Govern and Greengold Animation director Rajiv Chilakalpudi)

Following is a gist from the inaugural addresses

FICCI president Onkar Kanwar :"The Indian Entertainment Industry stands at over Rs. 19,700 crores (US$ 4,377 million). It is expected to grow in double digits- at 11% compounded annually over the next five years. India with its vast pool of skilled manpower and creative storytellers, is poised to keep pace with the mature markets of the West. The Industry is witnessing an increased usage of Visual Effects in Indian movies like Dhoom, Bose, The Rising, to name a few"

"The FICCI Visual Effects Community will promote continuous public and business awareness about the visual effects industry. In addition to supporting technology research and development, it will design and implement educational and training programs. In association with Visual Effects Society, Los Angeles, FICCI Visual Effects Community would look for the knowledge exchange between the two markets and of course will facilitate the work inflow into the country"

VES Co Chair Tim Mc Govern:"With Visual Effects production for many of the largest US films being carried out in many countries around the world simultaneously - no longer is distance, language or location an obstacle. The VES recognizes this. I feel great pride in stating that VES will extend all possible support to FICCI VEC. We consider the VEC our brother organization and we look forward to the exchange of information and to growing our membership from your incredible talent pool here in India.

There now exists the ties between our organizations to aid in the knowledge exchange between professionals in Hollywood and those in India. Not only knowledge but also the possibility of work flowing to India. This has happened in the past and is only going to be happening more and more.We will address both these issues under joint efforts of VES and FICCI VEC"


FICCI VEC Chairman N Madhusdhanan: "A chapter in India for Indians is very important as I see a lot more potential for the Asian Digital shops to make in-roads in wooing visual effects for films in the International market space. Most of the Asian countries are using “Cost effective solution” mantras to attract work from the global market especially from American Producers. According to me, having closely worked with them for the past three or four years, it is not just cost factor but addressing the issues of producing high quality visual effects is the top most priority. VES, which is supposed to be the Mecca of Visual Effects professionals, has come forward to help us to achieve this!

FICCI VEC Chairman N Madhusudhanan

The FICCI-Visual Effects Community will provide meaningful benefits to its members and the visual effects industry in order to have a valid purpose as per the guidance by the Visual Effects Society, LA. These benefits shall be accomplished by working together to create a responsive, timely and honorable organization focused on current and future subjects as they relate to the visual effects industry. The FICCI-Visual Effects Community will strive to develop the best programs for its members. Each program will be carefully detailed in its development and execution. The quality of the programs will always be the first priority. The FICCI-Visual Effects Community understands that the visual effects industry can only be enhanced by uniting individuals and companies into an effective organization which will honor the 'work' as an art form"

FICCI VEC Officer in Charge Sumeet Gupta: "Today a new baby ( FICCI VEC ) is born. I am thankful to Eric Roth, Executive Director, VES, LA for extending the support of VES to FICCI VEC; and of course to Tim McGovern and Geroge Merkert, who have come all the way from Los Angeles for the launch of FICCI VEC. I am sure with their able guidance and support, this new born baby will nurture into a full fledged institution. Our venture into Visual Effects is an extention of our work in Animation & Gaming and we hope to service the industry in similar manner"