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Tag: animation

  • Animeta launches AI film studio

    Animeta launches AI film studio

    MUMBAI: Singapore-based Animeta has fired up an AI film studio in Mumbai, betting that artificial intelligence can turbo-charge content creation for brands and filmmakers hungry for rapid-fire storytelling.

    The creator-tech company’s new vertical marries human creativity with machine-generated visuals, promising to churn out everything from promotional clips to feature-length films at breakneck speed. The venture taps into Google Cloud’s start-up programme, which provides access to the tech giant’s Vertex AI Veo3 video generation model alongside copyright protection.

    “We’ve built a hybrid model where human creativity and AI technology work together seamlessly, empowering creators to tell their stories faster, smarter, and infinitely scalable,” said Animeta founder Anish Mehta who has spent two decades reimagining animation storytelling.

    The Mumbai studio aims to capitalise on India’s booming digital content market whilst addressing creators’ perpetual challenge: producing high-quality material at scale without breaking budgets or timelines. The platform allows writers and filmmakers to blend original scripts, music and voice work with AI-generated visuals.

    Animeta already boasts heavyweight clients including Amazon, Starbucks, Warner Music, L’Oréal Group, Tata Group, McDonald’s and Uber through its Brandstar platform, which corrals over 400,000 creators. The company’s tech arsenal spans computer vision, video encoding, natural language processing and large language models.

    The move signals how AI is reshaping content production as streaming platforms and brands scramble for fresh material. Traditional filmmaking’s lengthy production cycles increasingly clash with digital-first audiences’ appetite for constant content consumption.

    Google Cloud’s backing provides crucial copyright indemnity—a key concern as AI-generated content faces legal scrutiny over intellectual property rights. The partnership positions Animeta to exploit AI’s creative potential whilst shielding clients from potential litigation.

    The venture underscores Mumbai’s emergence as a hub for AI-powered media innovation, challenging Hollywood’s traditional dominance in cutting-edge production technology.

  • Indian game makers unite under new industry body

    Indian game makers unite under new industry body

    MUMBAI: India’s game publishers and developers have found a single banner. A new industry body, the Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association (IGPDA), has been launched to give the sector a unified voice and global ambition.

    The association brings together studios, publishers, training outfits, facility providers, and investors. Its brief: to champion homegrown intellectual property, showcase Indian stories, and build skills across animation, VFX, gaming, and comics.

    Nine firms are on the founding roster, from Nazara Technologies (World Cricket Championship) and Gametion (Ludo King) to nCore Games (FAU-G: Domination), Reliance Games (WWE Mayhem), SuperGaming (Indus Battle Royale), Tara Gaming (The Age of Bhaarat), underDOGS Studio (Mukti), Aeos Games (Unleash the Avatar), and Dot9 Games (Apna Games).

    “For the first time, India’s developers and publishers have a unified voice,” said NCore founder and IGPDA chairman Vishal Gondal. “This is about more than games — it’s about building iconic IP and creating a cultural legacy for India.”

    IGPDA has already pitched a partnership with the Maharashtra government to position Mumbai as a global gaming hub through policy incentives. Its first event is slated for later this year in Mumbai.

    The launch comes hard on the heels of the Online Gaming Bill, which won presidential assent on 22 August. The law bans real-money platforms — betting, gambling, lotteries, card games with cash stakes, and fantasy sports — but draws a clear line between those and what it calls “online social games.”

    The government says it will promote esports and safe online gaming as a job creator, export booster, and innovation driver.

  • Reliance Animation and dubbing platform Rian ink MoU to bridge language gaps in entertainment

    Reliance Animation and dubbing platform Rian ink MoU to bridge language gaps in entertainment

    MUMBAI: Reliance Animation, one of India’s leading animation studios, has struck a global alliance with Rian, an AI-human multilingual dubbing and localisation platform, in a deal that could reshape the way stories travel across borders.

    The partnership brings together Reliance’s strength in creating original, culturally rooted content and Rian’s cutting-edge language technology. The tie-up promises to take Indian characters—such as Reliance’s popular Little Singham—to overseas markets while bringing international titles into India with linguistic and cultural precision.

    ““This is more than a partnership, it’s a cultural gateway,” said Anand Shiralkar, founder and chief executive of Rian. “ With Reliance Animation’s storytelling legacy and Rian’s multilingual dubbing capabilities, Indian IPs can now reach audiences in every corner of the globe, while international creators can instantly connect with Reliance’s massive 6 million strong viewer base in India. Together, we’re making stories travel further, faster, and more authentically than ever before.”

    Tejonidhi Bhandare, chief executive of Reliance Animation, said the venture would expand the reach of its “world-class content with an Indian soul”. He added, “ This is a win for creators, a win for audiences, and a bold step for the industry. ”

    The firms frame the alliance as more than a business play. By marrying storytelling with technology, they hope to foster a freer, more authentic flow of content between India and the world, laying the foundations for the next decade of global entertainment exchange.

  • Another one bites the VFX dust: Jellyfish Pictures ceases operations

    Another one bites the VFX dust: Jellyfish Pictures ceases operations

    MUMBAI: In a shocking turn of events, UK-based VFX and animation powerhouse, Jellyfish Pictures, has suspended its global operations temporarily. This news comes close on the heels of the recent downfall of Technicolor group, casting uncertainty on the future of the AVGC sector at large.

    Speaking exclusively to Animation Xpress, a senior source from Jellyfish Pictures India confirmed that the company has been grappling with investor-related issues in the UK. As a result, the management has decided to halt operations temporarily rather than risk leaving employees in the dark about the company’s uncertain future. The studio has assured staff that salaries for March will be paid, with the workforce being notified promptly about the situation.   Click here to read the full news item on ours sister publication AnimationXpress.com

  • Madhya Pradesh unveils AVGC-XR policy to boost jobs and investment

    Madhya Pradesh unveils AVGC-XR policy to boost jobs and investment

    MUMBAI: Madhya Pradesh (MP) is making a power move in the world of animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR), unveiling a bold policy aimed at transforming the state into a digital media powerhouse. With the AVGC-XR sector projected to grow at 14-16 per cent annually, the state government is eyeing a significant slice of this booming industry, setting ambitious targets of Rs 10,000 crore in investments, 50,000 new jobs, and 150 start-ups by 2029.

    The Madhya Pradesh AVGC-XR Policy 2024 is designed to not only position the state as an industry leader but also to boost local talent, attract global players, and accelerate innovation. The government has earmarked Rs 500 crore in financial incentives, offering substantial reimbursements on production costs, training subsidies, and infrastructure development grants. Companies setting up AVGC-XR studios in the state can avail up to 35 per cent reimbursement on eligible production expenses, capped at Rs two crore per project, making MP one of the most attractive destinations for digital content creation in India.

    The policy also focuses on infrastructure expansion, with plans to establish two centres of excellence (CoEs) in Indore and Bhopal, dedicated AVGC-XR labs in schools and universities, and India’s first Animation Theme Park to create an immersive learning and entertainment ecosystem. The state is also investing heavily in workforce development, offering up to 50 per cent reimbursement on AVGC-XR training fees, with additional incentives for women entrepreneurs and underprivileged students entering the sector. By 2029, MP aims to train at least one lakh skilled professionals in AVGC-XR disciplines, addressing both local employment needs and global industry demand.

    Government officials are confident that the policy will be a game-changer for the state’s economy. A senior official from the Madhya Pradesh industrial development Corporation stated that the AVGC-XR policy is expected to contribute at least Rs 3,000 crore annually to the state’s GDP, with exports from the sector projected to reach Rs 2,500 crore in the next five years. He further emphasised that the initiative is not just about entertainment but also about positioning MP as a hub for ed-tech, defence simulations, medical imaging, and virtual reality training modules, expanding the scope of AVGC-XR beyond gaming and film.

    The policy also includes provisions for international collaborations, offering financial support for MP-based companies participating in global trade fairs and co-productions. By integrating global best practices and fostering partnerships with leading AVGC-XR firms, the state hopes to bring Rs 1,500 crore in foreign investments over the next decade.

    Madhya Pradesh’s aggressive push into the AVGC-XR space comes at a time when the Indian AVGC sector is projected to be worth Rs three lakh crore by 2030. By laying the groundwork for a thriving digital ecosystem, MP is positioning itself as a leader in next-gen storytelling, immersive experiences, and high-tech content creation. With a structured policy framework, strong financial backing, and a clear vision for the future, the state is not just embracing the digital revolution, it’s setting the stage to lead it.

  • Bharat Hain Hum goes big with cross-platform promotions push on radio, satellite & OTT

    Bharat Hain Hum goes big with cross-platform promotions push on radio, satellite & OTT

    Mumbai: Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum returns, rewriting the playbook with cross-platform rollout. The celebrated animated series, which first gained immense popularity for highlighting the untold stories of India’s lesser-known freedom fighters, is set to expand its reach even further with an innovative distribution strategy.

    The ministry of information and broadcasting officially launched Season 2 of the animated series at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, with Nagarjuna gracing the occasion. This season continues the series’ mission to spotlight unsung heroes like Taji Dele and Ponge Dele from Arunachal Pradesh, Wazir Ram Singh Pathania from Himachal Pradesh, and Birsa Munda from Jharkhand, among others.

    As with the first season, Season 2 has premiered simultaneously across three major platforms—Doordarshan, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video in 12 Indian languages (including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, and Odia) and seven international languages (French, German, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Chinese, and Arabic), making it accessible to audiences in over 150 countries worldwide.

    As per the press release in a historic first for Indian animated content, the series has also extended its reach through a Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum radio series, which airs on All India Radio (AIR). The radio series, broadcast in 12 languages, is scheduled at 10:30 AM on Sundays—just 30 minutes before the animated series airs on Doordarshan at 11 AM. This synchronised scheduling ensures that the audience can easily transition from radio to television, effectively merging traditional and modern forms of media consumption.

    Additionally, a podcast featuring episodes from the animated series will be available on Spotify across 180 countries. The podcast will not only promote the series but will also encourage listeners to tune into the show on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, further amplifying its global outreach.

    “We are proud to bring Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy to the world in a way never done before in Indian content,” said Munjal Shroff, the creator of the series. “This cross-platform promotion is a first-of-its-kind strategy that will connect with audiences across generations and geographies, giving them multiple entry points to engage with the series. It’s about making the stories of our unsung heroes accessible and inspiring on every platform possible.” Shroff added.

    Graphiti Studios co-creator and director  Tilak Shetty echoed these sentiments: “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a series that resonates globally while staying true to its roots. The radio series and podcasts provide an innovative way to build excitement for the animated episodes, ensuring that audiences on all platforms can experience the magic of Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy together. It’s about breaking new boundaries for Indian animation and telling our history in ways that have never been done before.”

  • 88 Pictures launches its gaming division – 88 Games

    88 Pictures launches its gaming division – 88 Games

    Mumbai: 88 Pictures, an animation and VFX studio from India, has launched a new gaming division, 88 Games, entering the game development sector with a focus on high-quality indie games for PC and console audiences. 88 Games aims to blend visual quality with storytelling inspired by India’s rich history and culture.

    Known for its animation work on shows like Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, Gremlins: Secret of Mogwai, Transformers: The Earth Spark, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, and Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, 88 Pictures has made a mark in international markets. With 88 Games, the studio builds on its storytelling legacy to offer interactive experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire.

    Led by industry veterans Milind D Shinde and Shiben Bhattacharjee, the team includes experienced professionals from global studios, all dedicated to creating games that showcase India’s cultural heritage.

    88 Games founder & CEO Milind D Shinde said, “88 Games represents the next step in our journey at 88 Pictures. Our team is dedicated to producing premium games that are not only visually stunning but also deeply rooted in our cultural identity. India, being one of the oldest civilizations in the world, has legends, stories, cultures, and art that have existed for thousands of years, forming a unique kaleidoscope that needs to be showcased to the world. It is an exciting challenge to translate the heritage of India into this new medium, with our mission to narrate stories based on this immense cultural capital through video games for the global audience.”

    88 Games plans to introduce titles that will give global gamers a unique glimpse into India’s folklore and history. Through intricately crafted art styles and immersive sound design, each game will present an authentic, engaging experience, drawing from classic Indian tales, legends, and mythological characters.

    “At 88 Games, we see storytelling as a powerful bridge between cultures. Our mission is to create games that entertain while connecting players to India’s rich history and mythology. As India’s gaming market rapidly expands, there remains a significant gap in the availability of high-quality PC and console games that showcase the country’s unique cultural identity. 88 Games aims to fill that void, by providing an exceptional gameplay experience to immerse and contribute to the growth of the video gaming industry,” stated 88 Games’ game director Shiben Bhattacharjee.

    88 Games has three games in development, with its first title—launching on Xbox and PlayStation—set for a reveal at the India Game Developers Conference (IGDC) 2024.

    According to Lumikai’s recent Levelling Up: State of India Interactive Media & Gaming Research FY’24 report, India’s Animation/VFX industry was valued at $1.6 billion in FY 24. The gaming market also grew by 23 million new players, reaching a total of 590 million gamers and projected to exceed $9.2 billion by FY 29, with a 20 per cent five-year CAGR.

    The union cabinet, under prime minister Narendra Modi, recently approved the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for AVGC-XR (animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality). PM Modi also encouraged Indian game developers to make an international impact in his Independence Day address.

    With 88 Pictures’ animation and VFX expertise, the launch of 88 Games is expected to further boost India’s role in the global AVGC-XR and gaming sectors.

  • Indian pavilion at Mipcom 24 in Cannes makes a positive impact

    Indian pavilion at Mipcom 24 in Cannes makes a positive impact

    CANNES: It’s sunny and very warm in Cannes on the French Riviera. But inside the famed Palais des Festivals the Indian pavilion put up by the Service Exports Promotion Council (SEPC) along with the ministry of information &  broadcasting (MIB) and the ministry of commerce & industry  is a hustle-bustle of activity.

    It’s almost 9:30 am in the morning and the clock is counting down the minutes as Prasar Bharti CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, Telangana special chief secretary of the industries & commerce (I&C) and information technology (IT) Jayesh Ranjan, counsel general of India in the Indian consulate in Marsielles Rupjyoti Brahma Karjee,  SEPC chairman Karan Rathore and director general Abhay Sinha are all geared up to inaugurate the pavilion which is the watering hole for many Indians who have come together to attend the  largest and most successful content trading and co-production market globally.

    Once the signal is given the four of them cut the ribbon and cheers go around celebrating India’s largest ever presence and pavilion at Mipcom. Close to 235 Indian delegates from 70 or more companies and independent creative professionals have signed up with RX – the organiser of Mipcom – to boost India’s content trade with the world.

    “We are delighted to build the platform – with the support of the two ministries –  for India’s independent animation and VFX studios, film and TV producers and distribution companies, and media and entertainment service providers at this very vibrant market,” says Sinha. “The MIB’s message is very clear: create in India and make it the content hub of the world. Our role to help achieve that goal and, If possible, crunch the time frame required to get there .”

    It is Dwivedi’s first visit to Mipcom  and he’s quite gung-ho about the opportunities it provides for the pubcaster to get connected with other public broadcasters, expose DD India, the English news channel, which provides an India view on global and Indian developments to the world. Finally, he is also looking at acquiring all genres of content from domestic Indian content owners and international producers and distributors in preparation for DD’s OTT service which is slated to start streaming next month.

    The Indian pavilion is also home to Telangana and Karnataka states. The former is promoting its image tower for the AVGC sector, inviting international companies to come and invest in the state, and to it’s annual gathering of the AVGC confab India Joy.  The latter is promoting Karnataka’s AVGC Centre of Excellence and its annual event Bangalore GAFX.

    55 other companies registered for Mipcom are also using it as a meeting place with their international clients with who they have either distribution, coproduction, or acquisition relationship.

    While the Indian presence is marked by veterans and seasoned animation studio professionals, the youngest exhibitor on the pavilion is 19 year old animation student in Paris Joyce Ahuja who has come armed with all her art work and a small teaser for her animation feature film.  

    “Mipcom is an awesome place and I am glad to have made up  my mind to attend and get feedback on my project so I can make it even more appealing globally,” she says, her eyes gleaming with excitement, despite her aching legs. She has the confidence that her project will attract the right fund providers and partners to help it get off the ground. 

  • MIP Junior 2024 draws large Indian presence

    MIP Junior 2024 draws large Indian presence

    CANNES:  It’s been a more compact MIP Junior which was flagged off on 18 October 2025 at the JW Marriot hotel in sunny Cannes, France. But most attendees appreciated the opportunities it offers for co-production, outsourcing, networking and keeping oneself updated about the developments in the kids and animation sector. MIP Junior had close to 1,000 registrants, despite the kids’ segment the world over going through its toughest and most trying times with viewer consumption moving towards streaming platforms.

    The Indian animation industry was well represented with attendees from all over the country coming in decent numbers. In fact, the Indian MIP Junior contingent is the largest in the post pandemic era.

    Among the Indian studios which were represented included: Hornbill Studios, Graphiti Multlmedia, Prayan Studios, Mesmor Studio, Studio56, Yoboho, USP Studios, Softoons Entertainment, Powerkids Entertainment, Purple Turtle and Guppy Theatre/Crossover Media & Design.

    20 Indian  representatives from various Indian studios were seen looking busy. Each one of them had their calendars packed with meetings and interactions with fellow professionals from different countries. And most of them were seen hobnobbing with others during the pre-opening party on the JW Marriot beach on 18 October and the opening one at the Majestic Hotel on 19 October. 
     

  • Union cabinet clears AVGC National Centre of Excellence

    Union cabinet clears AVGC National Centre of Excellence

    MUMBAI: The Modi-led central government is putting its might behind the AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming, comics &XR ) component of the media & entertainment sector. It has followed up its announcement a couple of weeks ago about the setting up of a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE)  in Mumbai by getting the plan cleared by the  union cabinet.

    The NCoE is planned to be set up as a section 8 company under the Companies Act 2013 with equity participation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & industry  (Ficci) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Indian government. More than  Rs 500 crore is to be pumped into the centre by the government, possibly through the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). .

    Provisionally named the Indian Institute for Immersive Creators (IIIC), the center aims to revolutionise the AVGC sector and foster innovation in immersive technologies. It is planned  to be modelled after the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) with a sharp focus on creating content for India and the world.

    A press release issued by the ministry of information &  broadcasting on 29 September said that the idea is to create “a world class talent pool in India to cater to the Indian as well as global entertainment industry and make India a global hub for AVGC.”

    With rapidly evolving technology and increasing internet penetration all across the country, coupled with one of the cheapest data rates, the usage of AVGC-XR globally is poised to grow at an exponential pace.  This is bound to create abundant opportunities, particularly through the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE).

    Some of its key objectives are:

    * Focusing on creating Indian IP
    * Leveraging India’s cultural heritage in new age
    * Create a multiplier effect in the industry
    * An industry led initiative, in partnership with state and academia
    * Integrated focus on education, skilling industry, development, innovation
    * Hub and spoke model of development to be followed
    * IIIC as the hub and several centers as its spokes dedicated innovation and research fund to promote start-up ecosystem.

    The NCoE is being planned to provide a fertile platform for immersive tech – including virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, 3D modelling, animation, comics and gaming – by offering cutting-edge training and integrate India’s rich cultural heritage with modern technology, fostering the creation of indigenous intellectual property (IP) and building the future of India’s digital creative economy.
    The target is to create an estimated 500,00 jobs,  with students gaining  practical experience through industry-driven courses, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. Those graduating will be provided with internships while start-ups will be mentored.  

    It may be recalled that union minister of finance & corporate affairs Nirmala Sitharaman had announced in the 2022-23 budget that an AVGC task force would to created. The NCoE is one of the recommendations of the task force.