Interview with Animation Filmmaker Siddharth Maskeri 29 May 2009 08:55 PM
BY CHAITRA SHETTY
Sidharth Maskeri started his career in animation back in 1999. In his nearly decade long career in this space he has been animating, conceptualizing, teaching and developing ideas amongst others at known set ups like Vaibhav Studios, Famous House of Animation, Jadooworks and Frameboxx. He established his own brand Void Films in 2007 through which he wishes to come up with new concepts and ideas. The latest to his credit is the short Yama & Moo which was developed in association with Frameboxx. AnimationXpress.com‘s Chaitra Shetty caught up with Siddharth for an insight into Yama & Moo and his journey in the field of animation.
How did you start off in animation? I have been breathing animation since I was 4. I used to bunk my craft class to watch Disney hour on Doordarshan.
My true journey as a creative conceptualizer began in 6th grade of Delia School of Canada, in Hong Kong where we were taught conceptualizing and expressing it in the form of story and visual. Then in the first year of graduation I saw Toy Story. That’s when I decided to learn animation as a medium to express my ideas. Never been to any art school. Rebelling after graduation in 1999, I convinced my parents to pay my fees for XIC‘s animation diploma. XIC and its wonderful guides gave me my first lessons at observing and understanding the cinematic language.
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Since then most of my training has been out of passion, observation, inspiration, hard work and the will to get up there with the rest. Writing stories for animation as a career in India was thought of as an over ambitious idea. But nothing ever deters me from creating my own path. Just the approach to achieving my goals changed.
The years 2000-2002 at Here-N-Now, a small partnership firm, was enriching. I was a ‘ fresher ‘ enthusiastic to learn whatever came my way. I explored the Flash as an animation tool for web and interactive presentations. After learning Maya in 2002, I have been to Jadooworks as an animator, unofficially taught many 2D animators the joys of keyframing in Maya and officially as a visiting faculty in CDAC Pune.
I‘ve had the pleasure of learning and working as Animation Director with Famous House of Animation in 2005 and then with Vaibhav Kumaresh in 2007. Vaibhav Studios was extremely challenging and fun as I had undertaken the task of training the existing team onto Maya and executing commissioned projects like Ooga Booga for Neo Sports and Cadbury Wowie TVC.
My first break as a writer came in the year 2006. The story Flying Rani was appreciated and bought by Brainwave Productions. In 2008 I established my firm Void Films which is dedicated to telling a good story and entertain audiences. My first project was with Sahara Filmy. Show packaging for "Meri Bhains Ko Anda Kyon Maara?" This project was executed in collaboration with Frameboxx Incubation, after which followed a promo for the same show.
I was appointed as a consulting creative director by Frameboxx Incubation to develop Oink- an animation project. And now for the latest buzz of the month Yama and Moo. I developed my concept of Yama and Moo into a short film along with Hormaz Baria and Balmeet Kohli and a flash based game done by Shantanu Maskeri at Frameboxx Incubation.
How did Yama & Moo happen? Rajeshji (Rajesh Turakhia) invited me to develop the film at the Incubation Center.
Initially the concept, characters of Yama and Moo and the idea of making it a series of snippets were clear in my mind. Hormaz Baria and Balmeet Kohli (production heads of Frameboxx Incubation) and I brainstormed and refined the concept further and the character of Venu Gopal was added. In the light of the recent IT crash we thought of characterizing Venu Gopal as an IT engineer who has just been given the pink slip.
The short has three main contrasting characters, Yama the god of death, Moo his companion and mode of transport and Venu Gopal a depressed IT engineer who has been hit by recession and has turned suicidal. So Yama is devising different techniques to take Venu Gopal’s soul and Venu Gopal also is trying his best to commit suicide and in this whole situation Moo is like the ray of hope who succeeds in saving Venu Gopal. We didn’t want to have any dialogues in the short since it would have limited its reach and we wanted it be universal.
We also developed a flash game around Yama & Moo with the programming expertise of Shantanu Maskeri. The Sound Design and Background Score given by Aashish Rego added another dimension to the film and the game.
So how did you go about developing the characters? For Yama we wanted to explore the character in a different light. When were were searching references for Yama, the google search results came up with illustrations of Yama in fierce forms and we didn’t want to go with that kind of feel. We wanted to add a funny hint to it and my reference for it were the characters of penguin from Madagascar.
For the character of Moo who is a buffalo my reference was the character of James Sullivan from Monsters Incorporated. We tried a lot of variation for this character, first we thought of making him stupid, but making him stupid would have made him weak, so we added the dimension of compassion to him. This trait of his is established in the opening sequence where Moo is seen playing with a butterfly.
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How was it working at Frameboxx Incubation Center? The preproduction, character designs, look and feel, art direction, storyboarding, animatics for Yama & Moo have been done by me. Japeth Bautista (preproduction head at Frameboxx Incubation) along with myself had explored the initial designs and contributed to storyboarding panels. Additional help came from my friend Vivek Ram who also enjoyed the characters and the concept.
The production for the same was entirely done at Frameboxx Incubation Centre. And looking at the quality of work that is being done there I can say it has definitely improved. I had worked there prior to this for a TV project called Meri Bhains Ko Anda Kyun Mara for Filmy Channel and seeing the work done for Yama & Moo in comparison to that, I can see a lot of improvement. It can today compete with the work being done for Indian television.
So what are the plans for Yama & Moo? The plan is to find an investor for the same and make a series of shorts or else self fund it and make one short in two to three months. The Yama & Moo game was also showcased at CGTExpo ’09. Currently we have developed just one demo level for it but plan to add 2 more main levels and other sublevels.
Tell us about Void Films I established Void Films in Jan 2008. Void is the space where all ideas exist. Currently it comprises of me and a network of freelancers/interns who associate with Void Films on project basis. I intend to keep my team size cozy and focus mainly on developing original ideas and directing them. The ideation process will continue in Void Films and it doesn’t intend to expand into a so called production house in the near future.
TurtleinMotion Studio,a group company
of the RDB Organisation which has been engaged in production and distribution
of movies and television series for over 40 years ,is in search of talented
artists in the field of 2D/3D animation for our Kolkata based office in various
department
Script Writers
Character Designers
2D B/G Artist
Storyboard Artists
Layout Artists
2D Animators
Flash Animators
3D Artists
Marketing Executives (based in Mumbai)
Freshers may apply as interns.
Interested candidates may send an e-mail with
updated resume at careers@turtleinmotion.com
along with the link to your showreel or call at 033-6616-9718.
UK-based Snipple Animation is building
up a new animation studio in Pune that is pulsating with creative energy. A
place where art, technology and sharp business acumen co-exist and complement
each other. Snipple provides 3D as well as 2D animation services for films,
TV series, advertising and related areas.
At Snipple we hire only the best of the best,
and we take pride in our relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do.
If you think you have what it takes to be a part of this world-class team, we
would like to hear from you.
We are currently recruiting for the following
positions: 1) Senior Modeler
2) Senior Surfacing Artist
3) Senior Rigging Artist
4) Senior 3D Animator
5) Senior 2D Animator
6) Production Manager
Reliance MediaWorks Limited is India`s
fastest growing film and entertainment Services Company and a member of the
Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group.
The Company has a dominant and comprehensive
presence in the Film & Media Services: Motion Picture Processing and DI; Visual
Effects; Film Restoration and image enhancement; Digital Mastering: Studios
and Equipment rentals with facilities located at US and India.
Reliance MediaWorks invites you to be a part
of India`s fastest and largest growing entertainment conglomerate. We are launching
VFX Films Division in Mumbai & Pune shortly. We are in search of talent
from the industry that meets our requirements. We are currently looking out
for:
Also send hard copies along with showreel
to:
Reliance MediaWorks Ltd. Plot No A - 62 and 63, Kodak Cinelabs Building, Behind
Tunga International Hotel, Post office Lane, MIDC, Andheri (E), Mumbai-93
Cornershop Animation Studio, A Zee Network
Company (Essel Group Enterprise) which focuses on 3D and 2D animation content
development and broadcast media has opportunities in various departments.
For our 2D Operations in Pune, we are
looking for following artists.
1. Visualiser
2. Flash Animators with 2D background
3. Storyboard Artist
4. 2D Compositor
5. 2D Classical Animators
6. Layout Artist
For our 3D Operations in Mumbai, we are
looking for following artists. 1. Art Director
2. Broadcast design and Motion Graphic Artist
3. 3D Animator
4. Lighting Artist
5. Compositing
6. Production Coordinator
Tasaa Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd (Formerly
Tasaa Netcom Pvt. Ltd) is a rapidly growing IT
corporate with focused interests in:
Packaged solutions from World renowned organizations
like: Autodesk Media and Entertainment Software, Adobe (Gold Partners), Apple,
Wacom, Corel, Microsoft (Gold Certified Partner), PTC, Sage Accpac. We are also
Authorized Training Partner for Autodesk, adobe and Corel.
We are a one step solution for all software needs
of Animation, Gaming, Visualization, Post Production and Manufacturing Industries.
Besides being a professional training and technical
resource for our clients, Tasaa is committed to providing high level support
to our customers and ensuring their success by improving competitiveness, streamlining
operations and helping them to be current on technology.
Requirement for Mumbai Programmer:
Candidate needs to know Programming: MEL and Python.
He should have relevant work experience in a
studio and must have worked on Developing Tools/
application for Autodesk products.
Please send your CV at resumes@tasaa.com
or call at +91-22-42121717.
BIG AIMS, a premier animation training institute
of BIG Animation (I) Pvt. Ltd. a part of Reliance Big Entertainment - the largest
entertainment group in India is hiring for following position for various franchisee
locations in India:
1) Centre Head: Candidate with experience
of over 7 years in heading an animation or educational institute. The candidate
should have skills in marketing and
managing day to day operations of an institute.
2) Counselor: Candidate with of over 3
years of experience in counseling students and should have good communication
and interpersonal skills.
3) Faculty: Candidate should have working
experience of minimum 3 years in a production studio and over 2 years as faculty
with a well established training institutes.
After Effects, Nuke,
Fusion ,Combustion, Boujou, Shake
Post-production (editing) faculty
Editing & sound
Premier, FCP & Editing
Interested candidates can e-mail their resumes
with the position applied in the subject line to: hr@biganimation.com or can
send a hard copy of the resume along with demo-reel to "The Human Resources
Department", BIG Animation (I) Pvt. Ltd, 3rd Floor Muttha Towers, Don Bosco
School Road, Yerawada, Pune 411006.
Sheen Animation Studio Pvt. Ltd. A Delhi
based Production Studio is looking for talents in 2D and 3D for their ongoing
and new international as well as national projects. If you have the experience
an expertise of 2-5 years in the relevant domain handling any of the following
functions, apply in confidence.
Pre-Production
1) BG Design Artists
2) Character Design Artists
3) Matte Painting Artists
4) Concept Artist
2D Animation
1) Flash Animators
2) 2D FX Artists
3) IB And Clean-up Artist
Hiring for all VFX Positions Digital Media Imaging Ltd (a Reliance Media Works Limited company) is involved
in Digital restoration of films, content processing, and 3D Stereo conversion
of filmed entertainment. We are in the process of ramping up to become the biggest
2D to 3D conversion facility in the world. As part of the phase II of our growth
plan we are hiring Compositors and 2D to 3D Stereo conversion Artists.
The required Software skills are:
1+ years experience in any of the following
software platforms
Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Combustion
Digital Fusion, Nuke, Shake
Smoke, Flame, Inferno
Silhouette Paint & compositing
3Ds Max, Maya or any other 3D software.
Traditional artists with Painting skills in
Photoshop also can apply
Besides a Quality work environment and Sophisticated
Infrastructure,
We offer you…
Specialized VFX and 3D Stereo conversion training
by an International team from Hollywood.
Opportunity to work on popular international
blockbusters.
Opportunity for tremendous internal growth
for talented Artists.
Long term association will be rewarded based
on performance
We are an employee centric organization, who
believes in touching and changing lives.
We are in a growth phase with ambitious plans
where our primary aim is to build a culture in the organization which focuses
on building careers meaningfully for each employee with a very caring & warm
working culture where everyone is approachable and believes is being proactive
to building a great organization together with a fantastic employee experience
and great results from each employee.
Be part of an exciting journey! Technicolor India (previously Paprikaas) is a premiere animation studio,
based out of a state-of-the-art centre of excellence in Bangalore, working on
international projects for marquee clients in animation, gaming and Film visual
effects.
Technicolor India is currently seeking
highly talented artists to work on international projects in animation and film
visual effects.
If you are game for tough challenges, cut out to work in high pressure situations,
and are armed with excellent credentials in any of the following disciplines: Concept Art
Matte Painting
Modeling
Texturing
Effects
Character Animation
Lighting & Compositing
Film Visual Effects (Rotoscopy, MatchMove, Paint & Prep) or Production Management
ANTS is seeking talented artists and teaching
faculties to be a part of the expansion team and work on various national and
international projects. Areas of key vacancies are: Lighting, Animation and Rigging,
Dynamics, Game Design, Texturing, Creative Art, Designer, Web Developer and Content Creator. Interested candidates can send their resumes and works to hr@antsindia.com.
URL: www.antsindia.com,
Phone Numbers: 080 - 40627000 (ext) 224
Redchillies.vfx is all ready to start
their next project - Ra.One, post the success of "My Name Is Khan".
Loads of challenging 3D and Compositing visual effects work is to be done for
the live action sci-fi superhero film starring Shah Rukh Khan as a superhero.
We are currently looking out for extremely talented
& experienced candidates to work on employment/contract basis. Key vacancies
are Lead Lighting Artist (3DS Max), Animators (3DS Max),
Lead VFX Artist(Maya), Lead Rigging Artist(Maya), Animator(Maya), Lead Match
Moving Artist, to name a few. For details on many more vacancies Click
here.
Apply on hr.vfx@redchillies.com
with your show reel OR send in your showreel at the following address: Ground
Floor, Crescent Towers,Off New Link Road, Oshiwara, Near Morya Estate, Andheri-W,
Mumbai-58.
India`s No.1 Multimedia & Animation Academy
with one of the best state of the Art infrastructure requires trainers in the
field of:
3D Animation: Experience in a 3D Production
Environment. Must have good working knowledge of Max or Maya with simulation
systems-particle, cloth, fluid, fur.
Editing & Vfx: Experienced Candidates
in Premiere, After Effect, Final Cut Pro and Nuke. Knowledge of other compositing
software will be added advantage (Apple Shake & Fusion).
Flash Animators: Experience in Flash with
advanced scripting, Toon Boom Harmony. Should have knowledge in sketching /
traditional animation skills.
Pre Production Artists: People from fine
arts background with pre production experience of animation industry.
Graphics: Candidates with Print Media
and Advertising background with sound knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel
Draw & Indesign.
Candidates with Adobe & Autodesk certification
would be preferred.
India`s largest Animation & Multimedia Training
Facility reputed for its path-breaking academic initiatives and profound
achievements requires the following talent to meet surging demand for its revolutionary
training programs and to complement its expansion plans:
CLOTH HAIR & FUR ARTIST
DYNAMICS FX ARTIST
MAYA INSTRUCTOR
3D STUDIO MAX INSTRUCTOR
Dilsukhnagar Arena is a people-friendly organization
offering enriching and rewarding careers with the emphasis on personal as well
as professional growth. You will be working with some of the most talented people
in an empowering, challenging and inspirational work-environment with ample
"Learning and Career Progression" opportunities.
Cornershop Animation Studio, A Zee Network
Company (Essel Group Enterprise) which focuses on 3D and 2D animation content
development and broadcast media has opportunities in various departments.
BIG AIMS, a premier animation training institute
of BIG Animation (I) Pvt. Ltd. a part of Reliance Big Entertainment - the largest
entertainment group in India is hiring for following position for various franchisee
locations in India:
Sheen Animation Studio Pvt. Ltd. A Delhi
based Production Studio is looking for talents in 2D and 3D for their ongoing
and new international as well as national projects. If you have the experience
an expertise of 2-5 years in the relevant domain handling any of the following
functions, apply in confidence.
Hiring for all VFX Positions
ANTS is seeking talented artists and teaching
faculties to be a part of the expansion team and work on various national and
international projects. Areas of key vacancies are: Lighting, Animation and Rigging,
Dynamics, Game Design, Texturing, Creative Art, Designer, Web Developer and Content Creator. Interested candidates can send their resumes and works to 
India`s No.1 Multimedia & Animation Academy
with one of the best state of the Art infrastructure requires trainers in the
field of:
