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Tag: Ankur Bhasin

  • ATF 2017 attracts Indian content studios, both big and small

    ATF 2017 attracts Indian content studios, both big and small

    MUMBAI: Singapore-based Reed Exhibitions’ Asia TV Forum (ATF) is round the corner and the buzz around the event only seems to be ramping up. This year, the forum will see around 60 countries from all over the globe. From 28 November to 1 December 2017, more than 90 thought leaders will deliver fresh insights at over 24 ATF conference sessions, discussing present-day issues such as big data, movement in the over-the-top (OTT) scene, new monetisation strategies, unscripted entertainment formats and kids content.

    Indiantelevision.com founder Anil Wanvari has been working on developing opportunities for India’s animation and live action sector – whether for TV or OTT – over the past three years at ATF as its representative for the regions of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

    “We have seen the presence from south Asia grow from a small 20-30 to around 140 this year since I was given the task of working closely with the region’s content creators, buyers and distributors,” says Wanvari. “I and the team which works with me have been happy to help catalyse their presence on Asian and global stages. ATF has a strong presence of smaller buyers, producers, distributors from the region apart from the big name players from Europe and the US. It has become a must visit event for the content executive.”

    The major Indian satellite TV networks Sony Pictures Networks India, Star India, Indiacast-Viacom18, and Zee Telefilms have their syndication and licensing teams exhibiting in the Marina Bay Sands venue. Other noteworthy exhibitors include: format and content syndication company GoQuest, Swastik Productions’ One Life Studios which is hawking its mega budget Porus and homegrown formats, One Take Media which is selling its kids animation and cookery shows, film and digital content creator and distributor Rajshri Entertainment, infotainment channel EPIC TV, kids content pioneer Green Gold.

    “This is probably the highest exhibitor strength India has managed at ATF ever,” says Wanvari. “The country’s content selling industry has come a long way despite the oft repeated statement that our TV shows are not good enough to cut the international grade.”

    Among the initiatives that Wanvari and Reed Exhibitions have supported is the building up of delegations from India and south Asia. The first of these has been the one which has been growing under the umbrella of the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI). The association’s secretary Ankur Bhasin has cobbled together a delegation of 11 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) consisting of 13 delegates in the content creation and distribution spaces.

    Says Bhasin, “Fueled by improved connectivity and mobile explosion, Asia-Pacific is experiencing the fastest growth worldwide in terms of growth of time spent consuming media online – about 6.7 per cent consistently year on year compared to global average of 2.9 per cent. Although the average consumption of three plus hours per day for the Indian audience and about six hours per day for Chinese viewers is still relatively low compared to western countries, with over 60 per cent of the world population concentrated here, that is a substantial change on how media is being consumed. It is no surprise that this explosion is resulting in a growing demand for content in the APAC market.”

    Wanvari points out there are many commonalities in culture that India shares with east Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, south Korea, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. “We all share Asian sensibilities and values,” he says. “Hence, we can relate to each other’s content.”

    Bhasin believes ATF is a very important market to target Asian buyers as well as to look for co-production opportunities. “Increasingly, there has been demand from MEAI members to focus on markets in the east and this has resulted in a growing delegation to ATF from MEAI. MEAI hopes this will materialize into a pavilion next year to give a fixed presence to the delegation being put together by the association with the support of Anil and his team,” Bhasin adds.

  • Fantastic multi-movie deal signed with India’s Bhasin Studios

    Fantastic multi-movie deal signed with India’s Bhasin Studios

    MUMBAI: It’s just Fun-tastic news for the audience, especially children. Los Angeles based, Fantastic Films International (FFI), headed by Roxane Barbat and Fred deWysocki, has announced that a multi-picture worldwide distribution and co-production deal has been signed with Bhasin Studios (BS), an animation and gaming studio based out of Bangalore, India.

    Bhasin Studios and FFI have inked a deal for worldwide sales representation for SLICK RICK and a sales and co-production deal for ALLEY OF DREAMS, slated for completion in 2017. In addition, two more features, A MOUSE’S TALE and THE WINTER PRINCE (an FFI and BS co-production) are planned for delivery in the following years.

    Bhasin Studios is one of the largest original content production studios from India’s high-tech hub state of Karnataka located in southwest India. Bhasin Studios started making waves in 2015 with the announcement of Karnataka’s first stereoscopic, 3D animated feature. Holding true to its claim, Bhasin Studios is set to complete the post production of Slick Rick, a film written and directed by Ankur Bhasin, by end of 2016. Bhasin, who is also the Director of Bhasin Studios, states that he sees “Fantastic Films International as a valuable partner to help grow our company and our brand worldwide. We have taken a long time to wrap up our first feature but with a strong open source pipeline and home grown tools, we are set to start coming out with subsequent titles in shorter turnarounds”.

    Bhasin Studios, a division of Bhasinsoft India Ltd and a part of Bhasin Group of Companies, is an animation studio and a development house based in Bangalore, India. Having been established in 1998 as a design studio, Bhasin Studios has come a long way and offers a vast array of services in the animation, mobile apps, games, social media and software development verticals. A fast growing company, Bhasin Studios firmly believes in quality and timely delivery. Their vision is to be at the creative and technological forefront by continuously evolving, improving and adding value to their offerings.

    FFI co-founder Fred deWysocki states, “We are very excited to enter into this multi-picture deal with Bhasin Studios. We see great opportunity to further develop our multi-level relationship in the years ahead. There is a high demand for quality animated family films and Bhasin Studios has shown their commitment to become a leader in creating quality animation.”

    Founded in 2002, FFI is is passionately committed to developing and promoting films that encompasses their “Fantastic” brand ensuring independent excellence. FFI works directly with producers to help improve the quality and to help maximize the value of each title.

  • Fantastic multi-movie deal signed with India’s Bhasin Studios

    Fantastic multi-movie deal signed with India’s Bhasin Studios

    MUMBAI: It’s just Fun-tastic news for the audience, especially children. Los Angeles based, Fantastic Films International (FFI), headed by Roxane Barbat and Fred deWysocki, has announced that a multi-picture worldwide distribution and co-production deal has been signed with Bhasin Studios (BS), an animation and gaming studio based out of Bangalore, India.

    Bhasin Studios and FFI have inked a deal for worldwide sales representation for SLICK RICK and a sales and co-production deal for ALLEY OF DREAMS, slated for completion in 2017. In addition, two more features, A MOUSE’S TALE and THE WINTER PRINCE (an FFI and BS co-production) are planned for delivery in the following years.

    Bhasin Studios is one of the largest original content production studios from India’s high-tech hub state of Karnataka located in southwest India. Bhasin Studios started making waves in 2015 with the announcement of Karnataka’s first stereoscopic, 3D animated feature. Holding true to its claim, Bhasin Studios is set to complete the post production of Slick Rick, a film written and directed by Ankur Bhasin, by end of 2016. Bhasin, who is also the Director of Bhasin Studios, states that he sees “Fantastic Films International as a valuable partner to help grow our company and our brand worldwide. We have taken a long time to wrap up our first feature but with a strong open source pipeline and home grown tools, we are set to start coming out with subsequent titles in shorter turnarounds”.

    Bhasin Studios, a division of Bhasinsoft India Ltd and a part of Bhasin Group of Companies, is an animation studio and a development house based in Bangalore, India. Having been established in 1998 as a design studio, Bhasin Studios has come a long way and offers a vast array of services in the animation, mobile apps, games, social media and software development verticals. A fast growing company, Bhasin Studios firmly believes in quality and timely delivery. Their vision is to be at the creative and technological forefront by continuously evolving, improving and adding value to their offerings.

    FFI co-founder Fred deWysocki states, “We are very excited to enter into this multi-picture deal with Bhasin Studios. We see great opportunity to further develop our multi-level relationship in the years ahead. There is a high demand for quality animated family films and Bhasin Studios has shown their commitment to become a leader in creating quality animation.”

    Founded in 2002, FFI is is passionately committed to developing and promoting films that encompasses their “Fantastic” brand ensuring independent excellence. FFI works directly with producers to help improve the quality and to help maximize the value of each title.

  • Unique education programme in animation by veteran animators in Bengaluru

    Unique education programme in animation by veteran animators in Bengaluru

    NEW DELHI: The first-of-its-kind educational initiative in Bengaluru referred to as ‘Train the Trainers’ has been launched by the Association of Bangalore Animation Industry (ABAI), the largest non-profit association to promote animation in India.

     

    The programme commenced on 21 April but interested candidates will be enrolled during this week as well. The programme is actively supported by Department of IT, BT, S&T of the Government of Karnataka.

     

     The state government through its KAVGC policy 1.0 is aimed at improving the educational infrastructure of the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics) industry. In order to improve the quality of the trainers in the AVGC industry, and thereby improving the overall quality of education imparted, TTT programme aims at bringing together national and international trainers to facilitate the training in different modules of various stages of production.

     

     The TTT program, chaired by ABAI secretary Ankur Bhasin, CEO of Bhasinsoft, is envisaged to provide an academically challenging educational experience through effective teaching, research and service, enabling candidates to acquire understanding, knowledge and skills necessary for establishing successful career in teaching and becoming responsible trainers within the animation industry.

     

    “The TTT is an innovation on jump-starting the quality of educational initiative on the digital arts environment. It assesses the pain point of who will impart new media arts learning. It will help plug a major gap in growing a talent that needs tens of thousands of employees over the next 3 to 5 years.” ABAI country head, technicolor India and president Biren Ghose.

     

     The candidates who enroll for this programme stand to gain not only six months of high-quality training but also a chance to work on live projects in a professional studio environment. This will enable the candidates to learn teaching techniques such as creative teaching methodology, class-room management, and all other aspects of AVGC.

     

    “TTT program, in its initial offering, starts with a concentrated batch of 12 candidates per batch to ensure that there is no dilution in the quality of imparted training. A separate Executive TTT course is also offered for working faculties who prefer weekend classes” says Bhasin.

     

    He added, “In my studio, Bhasinsoft, and across the industry it is seen that a large amount of good talent comes from tier 2 and tier 3 hence TTT is also planned in a way to reward trainers in the program with cash incentive for training in these cities.”

     

     Institutes stand to benefit that the candidates will be able bring the exposure and knowledge to impart quality training to students. The teaching methodology, which is a combination of a learner-centred interactive methodology and a project-based teaching, will help bridge the gap between Institute and Industry. A better education quality is bound to improve the students’ placement record, which will further enhance the reputation of Institute.

     

     The programme will be offered in two formats.

     

    1. Standard TTT Program aims to up skill candidates who are looking to enter the AVGC industry as trainers as well as 0 – 6 month of experienced current trainers/ artist in Studio.

      Duration: 6 months (5 Days a week).

     

    2. Executive TTT Program aims to up skill candidates who have 1 or more years working experience in the AVGC industry as trainers.

     Duration: 8 months (1 Week per Month / Weekend Classes).

     

    Guest speakers from renowned studios and industry experts will train the candidates on various disciplines; profound understanding will be given of the fundamentals such as design and aesthetics, storytelling and acting. The programme will have overall technical brush up and up scaling of skills at three stages viz. Pre-production, Production, Post Production; Detailed analysis and activities to understand the industry Pipeline and Work Flow management; Practical work experience at associated Studios / Production houses; Individual project based on specialization and group project for understanding and experiencing team dynamics; and Personal Development through mock lectures and group evaluations.

     

    “Indian AVGC industry is growing at a rapid pace – not only because of larger quantity of Hollywood content being worked on in India but also because of a growing domestic market. The Animation, VFX & Post Production market has grown from Rs 35.3 billion in 2012 to Rs 39.7 billion in 2013 and is expected to add over 40,000 jobs in the coming 3-4 years. For the growth to sustain and further enhance, it is imperative that the quality of students being trained improves which in turn is a result of the quality of trainers imparting the training. Hence, TTT directly addresses the need of the hour.” Ankur emphasized.

  • ABAI looks to promote animation with its new programme

    ABAI looks to promote animation with its new programme

    MUMBAI: One of the largest non-profit association in the country, ABAI is introducing a first-of-its-kind educational initiative in Bengaluru city christened as ‘Train the Trainers’ (TTT) and is actively supported by Department of IT, BT, S&T – Government of Karnataka. The program is slated to start on 21 April 2014.

     

    The Government of Karnataka through its KAVGC policy 1.0 is aimed at improving the educational infrastructure of the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics) industry. In order to improve the quality of the trainers in the AVGC industry, and thereby improving the overall quality of education imparted, TTT program aspires to bring together national and international trainers to facilitate the training in different modules of various stages of production.

     

    TTT program, chaired by Bhasinsoft CEO and ABAI secretary Ankur Bhasin is envisaged to provide an academically challenging educational experience through effective teaching, research and service, enabling candidates to acquire understanding, knowledge and skills necessary for establishing successful career in teaching and becoming responsible trainers within the animation industry.

     

    “The TTT is an innovation on jump-starting the quality of educational initiative on the digital arts environment. It assesses the pain point of who will impart new media arts learning. It will help plug a major gap in growing a talent that needs tens of thousands of employees over the next three to five years,” said ABAI president & Technicolor India country head Biren Ghose in a press statement.

     

    The candidates who enroll for this program stand to gain not only six months of high-quality training but also a chance to work on live projects in a professional studio environment. This will enable the candidates to learn teaching techniques such as creative teaching methodology, class-room management, and all other aspects of AVGC.

     

    “TTT program, in its initial offering, starts with a concentrated batch of 12 candidates per batch to ensure that there is no dilution in the quality of imparted training. A separate Executive TTT course is also offered for working faculties who prefer weekend classes,” said Bhasin.

     

    He added; “In my studio, Bhasinsoft, and across the industry it is seen that a large amount of good talent comes from tier 2 and tier 3. Hence, TTT is also planned in a way to reward trainers in the program with cash incentive for training in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.”

     

    Institutes stand to benefit that the candidates will be able to bring the exposure and knowledge to impart quality training to students. The teaching methodology, which is a combination of a learner-centred interactive methodology and a project-based teaching, will help bridge the gap between Institute and Industry. A better education quality is bound to improve the students’ placement record, which will further enhance the reputation of Institute.

     

     “Indian AVGC industry is growing at a rapid pace – not only because of larger quantity of Hollywood content being worked on in India but also because of a growing domestic market. The animation, VFX and post production market has grown from Rs 35.3 billion in 2012 to Rs 39.7 billion in 2013 and is expected to add over 40,000 jobs in the coming three to four years. For the growth to sustain and further enhance, it is imperative that the quality of students being trained improves which in turn is a result of the quality of trainers imparting the training. Hence, TTT directly addresses the need of the hour,” emphasised Bhasin.