Animation Crash Course & VFX Pipeline Enthuse Aspiring Animators at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF)
The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) has launched its eagerly awaited Animation Crash Course & VFX Pipeline, spearheaded by Rahul Babu Kannikkara, a Senior Animator at Warner Brothers. This exclusive, five-day intensive program, organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), began on June 15, 2024, and is now unfolding with great enthusiasm at the NFDC premises in Mumbai.
A Gateway to Animation and VFX Mastery
Twenty-three aspiring animators from various parts of India and abroad have flocked to this highly technical workshop, which offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the world of animation, movies, series, and gaming. The participants range in age from 16 to 55 years old, reflecting the broad appeal and inclusive nature of the course. Utilizing Blender software, the workshop helps participants discover animation insights from scratch and unleash their creativity.
Led by an Industry Veteran
Rahul Babu Kannikkara, known for his work on iconic projects like Batman and Wonder Woman, is guiding participants through practical knowledge and industry acumen. His extensive experience, based out of Montreal, Canada, is invaluable to the participants as they craft their own animation clips and understand the nuances of movie and gaming animation pipelines. “Though most of the students are beginners in animation, their response has been very positive, and they are catching up quickly,” said Kannikkara. “The main purpose is to get the students comfortable with Blender software and provide them with basic information about the animation industry worldwide. By the end of the course, students will also gain experience with VFX and gaming pipelines.”
A Diverse Cohort
The workshop has attracted participants from a variety of backgrounds and locations. Maxine Jardiner, an aspiring animator from Australia, shared her experiences, stating, “We are learning basics like making characters scroll and jump, and placing character parts in the right positions. We are also learning about the backend of keyframes. MIFF has been a great experience for meeting new people and watching interesting films. I really enjoyed the panel discussions—they are engaging and offer insights into different filmmakers and the importance of documenting and sharing diverse stories. I look forward to seeing more movies.”
Jose Paul, a freelancer and retired polymer technologist, registered for this course to upskill himself and learn about animation. He believes it will aid his professional development. “There is a lot of scope for animators here. The basic idea of this course is to spark interest in animation so that more people will consider a career in this emerging field,” he remarked.
Practical and Career-Oriented Learning
Throughout the workshop, participants are encouraged to create a 10 to 15-second animation video, putting into practice the skills they have learned. The curriculum is designed not only to impart technical knowledge but also to provide career guidance, helping participants find animation-related job opportunities both in India and abroad. The comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-equipped to thrive in the booming animation and VFX industry.
MIFF: A Platform for Learning and Inspiration
In addition to the hands-on workshop, participants have the opportunity to experience the broader offerings of MIFF. They indulge in award-winning documentaries and animation shorts, and attend exclusive Masterclass sessions led by industry experts and luminaries. These experiences are enriching, offering insights and inspiration that extend beyond the confines of the classroom.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The workshop will conclude on June 20, 2024. By the end of this immersive program, participants will have gained foundational skills in animation and VFX, an understanding of the industry's global landscape, and practical experience that can be the stepping stone to a fulfilling career in this creative field.
The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival, through initiatives like the Animation Crash Course & VFX Pipeline, continues to foster talent and inspire the next generation of animators. This program exemplifies MIFF's commitment to nurturing creativity and providing valuable learning opportunities, ensuring that the festival remains a pivotal event for aspiring filmmakers and animators from around the world.