Besides the highlights of the NASSCOM Conclave which you spoke about in the curtain raiser, what is the one single strong and important message you wanted to give to the audience there?
Since the 2008 NASSCOM report which described Tier 1, 2 and 3 of animation studios in India. We have seen the arrival of the new ‘Super Tier’ comprising of 2 to 3 studios that have realized both a substantially higher quality and business paradigm.
The most unique feature which is ‘Breaking News’ is that India is being
accepted not only as a Back-end production partner but is being selectively
involved in “CO – CREATION” initiatives with high-end Hollywood projects.
What is your communication to several members of the Industry that did not attend this year’s Conclave?
NAGFO’s annual event has constantly been the only ‘PURE PLAY’ confluence of thought showcasing “hot &happening” developments across the digital production community from VFX, Gaming and Animation. It is the premiere national event attracting international delegation, high powered keynote speakers and over the past few years ‘mix & mingle’ after parties which provide the basis for future collaborations. This year saw an unusually high percentage of first-timers, besides the usual leaders.
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What according to you were the highlights of this year‘s event?
The conference hit several peaks, according to me these were the key
highlights:
a. Adam Valdez’s keynote was inspirational
b. Having Shivam Sai Gupta a 14year old gamer from Bihar and watch him get a standing ovation
c. Watching Technicolor, DQ, CREST and others unveil high-end trailers that are taking on the world market
d. The Rock Band and the bonhomie at the evening party
e. Having Anu Sikka from Nickelodeon and Shelley Page describe the challenges that original creators/ pitchers should address
f. Finally watching “Raju the Rickshaw” go on a “Delhi Safari” and “Chotta Bheem” not intimated by the “Ghost Station” (These being the 4 Indian IP’s presented by the local content panel) which shows the variety of local initiatives across theatrical and Television.
Any trends that you are seeing in the industry and wish to share about?
We are seeing the NAGFO break out into 6 components:
a. MATURE ANIMATION TRACK – where the past year’s successes serve as a Lighthouse for future growth & opportunity. Even though we see the usual suspects they always delight us with “unusual presentations”.
b. THE GAMING TRACK – Has evolved from a single session to one and half days and looks like it still needs elbow room given its 40 – 50% annual growth rate.
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c. THE VFX TRACK – It is not representative of what this community would like to present and attend and is looking to separate it from the Animation track into its own space over 1 whole day.
d. THE EDUCATION TRACK – Was not featured this year and is considered to be NAGFO’s most successful activity outside this conference. Hence special exhibition cum Demo needs to be included into future events.
e. THE TECHNOLOGY TRACK – The technology partners have indicated that while NASSCOM has been a strong platform for technology, the event does not provide enough opportunity for them to showcase their contribution to the development in this field.
f. THE EXHIBITION ARENA – It has been proposed by many parties that the exhibition area of the conference could be held on a larger scale and is open for attendance to others such as students, artist & technicians.