The Desk

Thursday, 13 July 2023

Gaming

GST on online games could threaten India's gaming industry

BBC reports on concerns that India's Goods and Services Tax on online games may damage the country's booming gaming sector. The report addresses potential industry impact from the taxation policy, highlighting risks to India's growing gaming landscape as the sector faces regulatory pressures that could affect growth and competitiveness in this strategically important segment.

via BBC

Saturday, 1 July 2023

VFX

Visual Birds Studio launches The VFX Institute to transform VFX training

ANI News reports that Visual Birds Studio has launched The VFX Institute to revolutionize the VFX industry. The institute aims to transform training and skill development within India's VFX sector, supporting talent pipeline development. The initiative reflects growing efforts by Indian studios to strengthen educational infrastructure and capacity building within the visual effects community.

via ANI News

Friday, 16 June 2023

XR

MetaStudios and AjnaLens partner to advance XR-based learning

The Times of India reports that MetaStudios and AjnaLens have partnered to develop extended reality solutions for educational applications. The collaboration aims to reinvent learning methodologies through XR technology, combining both companies' expertise in immersive digital experiences and educational innovation. This partnership strengthens India's XR sector by bringing together players focused on transforming how learners engage with educational content through immersive technologies.

via The Times of India

Wednesday, 14 June 2023

Animation

India's Creative Economy showcased at Annecy International Animation Festival

Press Information Bureau reports that India's creative economy was featured at the Annecy International Animation Festival in France. The showcase highlights India's growing presence in the global animation sector and underscores the country's position as a significant player in the international animation industry. This exhibition at Europe's premier animation event demonstrates India's capacity and contributions to the global creative landscape.

via PIB

Wednesday, 7 June 2023

Gaming

India's gaming industry booms amid abuse concerns for female gamers

NewsClick reports on India's expanding gaming sector and the challenges female gamers encounter. The article highlights growth in the industry alongside safety and harassment issues affecting women players. This underscores the need for inclusive community standards as India's gaming market continues its rapid expansion and attracts diverse player demographics.

via NewsClick

Monday, 5 June 2023

Animation

88 Pictures opens first international office in Toronto

FormatBiz reports that renowned Indian animation studio 88 Pictures has announced the opening of its first international office in Toronto. The expansion marks a significant milestone for the studio as it extends its operations beyond India into North America, strengthening its presence in the global animation industry.

via FormatBiz

Thursday, 25 May 2023

Wednesday, 24 May 2023

India to become larger player in global AVGC industry, says Assemblage's Arjun Madhavan

Adgully reports that Arjun Madhavan of Assemblage has expressed confidence in India's expanding role within the global animation, VFX, gaming, and comics sector. The statement reflects growing optimism about the country's capacity to strengthen its position in the international AVGC market, though specific details about growth drivers or timelines were not disclosed in the report.

via Adgully.com

Thursday, 18 May 2023

Animation

Top 10 best animation companies in India in 2023

Inventiva.co.in has compiled a list of the ten leading animation companies operating in India as of 2023. The ranking highlights studios that have established themselves as key players within the country's growing animation sector, showcasing the talent, technical capabilities, and market presence of major industry participants. The list serves as a reference point for understanding the landscape of professional animation production in India.

via inventiva.co.in

Thursday, 4 May 2023

VFX

Indian VFX segment grew 30% to INR 50 billion in 2023

AnimationXpress reports that according to the FICCI EY report 2023, India's VFX segment experienced significant growth, expanding 30 per cent to reach INR 50 billion. The findings underscore the sector's robust expansion and increasing global recognition of Indian VFX capabilities. This growth reflects rising demand for visual effects services both domestically and internationally, positioning India as a key player in the global VFX market.

via Animation Xpress

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Ministry of I&B holds national workshop on draft AVGC policies

The Press Information Bureau reports that India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has organised a national workshop and consultation on draft AVGC policies. The initiative aims to gather stakeholder feedback on policies governing the animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. This consultation represents a key step in developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks to support India's growing creative industries ecosystem and international competitiveness.

via PIB

Friday, 14 April 2023

VFXMaharashtra

Ghost VFX Opens New Studio in Pune

Digital Studio (via Magzter) reports that Ghost VFX, an international visual effects firm, is establishing a new studio in Pune, Maharashtra. The expansion represents continued investment in India's VFX sector, leveraging the city's growing talent pool and production infrastructure. Ghost VFX joins several major visual effects houses operating in India.

via Magzter

AnimationVFX

Jellyfish Pictures expands operations into India

Animation World Network reports that Jellyfish Pictures, a prominent animation and VFX studio, is expanding its presence into India. The expansion marks a significant move by the international studio into the Indian AVGC sector, reflecting growing interest from global creative companies in tapping India's talent pool and production capabilities. Details on specific operations and hiring plans were not disclosed in the report.

via Animation World Network

Wednesday, 12 April 2023

VFX

YFX Studios head discusses VFX industry challenges, Pathaan and Tiger 3 projects

India Today reports on an exclusive interview with YFX Studios leadership addressing the state of India's VFX sector. The discussion covers the studio's work on major Bollywood productions including Pathaan and Tiger 3, alongside examination of logistical challenges facing the industry. The conversation provides insights into production complexities and operational hurdles impacting VFX professionals in India's growing visual effects landscape.

via India Today

Wednesday, 15 March 2023

VFX

Decoding the boom in the VFX industry in India

Adgully.com examines India's expanding VFX sector, analysing the factors driving growth in the industry. The publication explores market dynamics, talent development, and emerging opportunities within India's visual effects landscape. This coverage highlights India's strengthening position in global VFX production and the sector's economic significance.

via Adgully.com

Friday, 3 March 2023

Thursday, 23 February 2023

VFXAnimation

DNEG Acquires Key Production and Post-Production Facilities in India

Animation World Network reports that DNEG, a major visual effects company, has acquired key production and post-production facilities in India. The acquisition strengthens DNEG's presence in the Indian AVGC sector, expanding its capacity for VFX and animation services. This strategic move reflects growing investment by global studios in India's robust talent pool and cost-competitive production infrastructure.

via Animation World Network

Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Tuesday, 7 February 2023

AnimationVFX

Philippe Gluckman joins DNEG Animation in senior role

DNEG has announced the appointment of Philippe Gluckman to its Animation division. The move strengthens the studio's leadership team as it continues to expand its animation capabilities across its global operations. Gluckman brings experience to the role, though specific details regarding his previous background and exact responsibilities remain limited in the announcement.

via DNEG

Monday, 6 February 2023

AnimationVFX

DNEG appoints Philippe Gluckman as Creative Director for India operations

Animation World Network reports that DNEG has named Philippe Gluckman as Creative Director for its India division. Gluckman's appointment strengthens DNEG's creative leadership in India, a key hub for the studio's animation and VFX production. The role underscores the studio's continued investment in expanding its capabilities and talent management within the Indian AVGC sector.

via Animation World Network

Friday, 3 February 2023

Gaming

PIB releases guidelines for online gaming

The Press Information Bureau has released guidelines for online gaming. The announcement addresses regulatory frameworks for the online gaming sector in India. These guidelines are expected to provide clarity to gaming studios and operators regarding compliance requirements and operational standards within the Indian gaming industry.

via PIB

Monday, 30 January 2023

Animation

History and Future of Indian Animation Presented at SCO Film Festival Masterclass

Press Information Bureau reports that a masterclass on the history and future of Indian animation was held at the SCO Film Festival. The session examined the evolution of India's animation sector and explored prospects for its development. The masterclass provided insights into the industry's trajectory and emerging opportunities within the growing Indian animation landscape.

via PIB

Animation

Indian animation ecosystem and government's role discussed at SCO Film Festival

According to PIB, discussions at the SCO Film Festival addressed the future of India's animation ecosystem and the government's role as an enabler in the sector. The festival also explored the scope of film festivals across Shanghai Cooperation Organisation countries. The event highlighted policy perspectives on supporting India's growing animation industry within the broader SCO framework.

via PIB

Saturday, 28 January 2023

Animation

Panel on animation world-building held at SCO Film Festival

A panel discussion titled 'Creating Infinite Worlds using Animation' was held at the SCO Film Festival, according to a Press Information Bureau report. The discussion explored animation techniques and approaches to crafting immersive virtual environments. The SCO Film Festival platform provided a forum for industry professionals to exchange perspectives on animation production and creative methodologies within the medium.

via PIB

Monday, 23 January 2023

Animation

Denmark's M2 Animation studio to establish operations in Mumbai

AnimationXpress reports that M2 Animation, a Danish studio, is preparing to set up operations in Mumbai as part of its expansion strategy. The move represents international interest in India's animation sector and infrastructure. Details about the scale of operations, hiring plans, and specific projects remain to be disclosed by the studio.

via Animation Xpress

Thursday, 29 December 2022

India's government backs ambitious growth plan for animation, VFX, gaming

Cartoon Brew reports that India's government is supporting an ambitious growth initiative for the animation, VFX, and video games sectors. The plan represents a significant policy commitment to strengthen India's AVGC industries. Details of specific measures, funding allocations, and implementation timelines remain central to understanding the initiative's potential impact on studio development, talent retention, and international competitiveness.

via Cartoon Brew

Tuesday, 27 December 2022

Gaming

IT Ministry appointed as nodal ministry for online gaming in India

Inc42 reports that India's IT Ministry has been designated as the nodal ministry overseeing online gaming. This policy development signals government focus on regulating and coordinating the online gaming sector, which forms part of India's broader AVGC-XR ecosystem. The appointment establishes clear administrative oversight for the industry's growth and compliance framework.

via Inc42

Monday, 26 December 2022

AVGC Task Force Report recommends National AVGC-XR Mission with dedicated budget

The AVGC Task Force has released recommendations calling for a National AVGC-XR Mission backed by budgetary allocation, according to a Press Information Bureau statement. The report underscores the government's commitment to developing India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The proposed mission aims to strengthen infrastructure, talent development, and industry competitiveness within the Indian AVGC-XR ecosystem. Details on the budgetary outlay and implementation timeline remain to be announced.

via PIB

Monday, 21 November 2022

AnimationVFX

Cinesite acquires majority stake in Indian animation and VFX studio Assemblage

Cartoon Brew reports that Cinesite has taken a majority stake in Assemblage, an Indian animation and VFX studio. The acquisition represents significant foreign investment into India's visual effects sector, strengthening Cinesite's capabilities and expanding its presence in the Indian market. Details regarding the financial terms and operational structure of the partnership remain to be disclosed.

via Cartoon Brew

VFXMaharashtra

Cinesite acquires majority stake in Mumbai VFX studio Assemblage

Deadline reports that Cinesite, a global VFX company, has acquired a majority stake in Assemblage, a Mumbai-based VFX studio. This move marks Cinesite's expansion into Asia, strengthening its presence in India's growing visual effects sector. The acquisition underscores the region's importance as a hub for VFX production and talent, attracting international investment from established players seeking to scale operations and leverage local expertise.

via Deadline

AnimationVFX

Cinesite takes majority stake in Indian animation studio Assemblage

Variety reports that VFX outfit Cinesite has acquired a majority stake in Assemblage, an Indian animation studio. The investment represents a significant development in India's growing AVGC sector, with the international VFX company strengthening its presence in the country's animation industry through the strategic acquisition of the domestic studio, signalling confidence in India's creative talent and production capabilities.

via Variety

Friday, 28 October 2022

VFXTelangana

Hyderabadi VFX studio behind Baahubali's visual effects

Quartz reports on a little-known Hyderabad-based VFX studio that played a crucial role in creating the visual spectacle of Baahubali. The studio's work on the blockbuster film showcased the capabilities of Indian visual effects talent and infrastructure. The feature highlights how regional Indian studios contribute significantly to major film productions, establishing Hyderabad as an emerging hub for high-quality VFX work in the country's audiovisual sector.

via qz.com

VFX

Indian VFX studio created dragons for Game of Thrones

Quartz reports that an Indian visual effects company contributed to the creation of Khaleesi's dragons in HBO's Game of Thrones. The story highlights India's growing capability and involvement in high-profile international television productions, demonstrating the country's VFX talent and infrastructure competing globally in premium entertainment content production.

via qz.com

Wednesday, 12 October 2022

VFXMaharashtra

ILM opens new VFX studio in Mumbai

80 Level reports that Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) has opened a new VFX studio in Mumbai. The expansion marks a significant investment by the global visual effects powerhouse in India's growing VFX sector, strengthening the country's position as a key hub for high-end visual effects production and talent development.

via 80 Level

Tuesday, 11 October 2022

AnimationVFXMaharashtra

Disney's ILM to open animation and VFX studio in Mumbai

Cartoon Brew reports that Disney's Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is establishing a new animation and VFX studio in Mumbai. This expansion marks a significant investment in India's AVGC sector, with ILM leveraging the country's skilled talent pool and production capabilities. The studio will strengthen Disney's regional presence and contribute to India's growing animation and visual effects infrastructure.

via Cartoon Brew

Monday, 10 October 2022

VFXAnimationMaharashtra

ILM Opens Mumbai Studio in India

Animation World Network reports that Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the visual effects division of Lucasfilm, has launched a studio in Mumbai. The expansion marks ILM's entry into India's growing VFX sector, positioning the company to tap into local talent and production capabilities. This development reflects the increasing globalisation of VFX production and India's strengthening position as a major hub for visual effects work.

via Animation World Network

VFXAnimationMaharashtra

ILM announces full production facility in Mumbai

Variety reports that Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is establishing a complete production facility in Mumbai. The facility will enable the VFX company to expand its operations in India and serve regional and global production needs. This development represents a significant investment in India's visual effects infrastructure and positions Mumbai as a key hub for ILM's creative work.

via Variety

Monday, 3 October 2022

VFX

South and East Asian VFX studios meet local and global demand

VFX Voice reports on how VFX studios across South and East Asia, including India, are addressing both regional and international project requirements. The report examines how studios in the region are scaling capabilities to serve growing local demand whilst maintaining competitiveness in global VFX markets, reflecting the sector's expanding role in entertainment production.

via VFX Voice -

Saturday, 24 September 2022

VFX

Indian VFX films 'Brahmastra', 'RRR', 'KGF' compared to Hollywood standards

The Times of India examines whether Indian VFX-driven films such as Brahmastra, RRR, and KGF match Hollywood production quality. The piece assesses the technical capabilities and visual effects standards of these major Indian productions against international benchmarks, exploring India's growing competency in large-scale VFX cinema and the sector's advancement in competing with global film industries.

via The Times of India

Wednesday, 7 September 2022

Gaming

Data Privacy Challenges and Solutions for India's Esports Industry

SCC Online examines the intersection of data privacy law and esports in India, outlining regulatory challenges facing the gaming sector. The article discusses how India's evolving privacy framework impacts esports operations, player data protection, and industry compliance requirements. It presents a pathway forward for stakeholders navigating these convoluted regulations whilst maintaining competitive gaming standards across the country.

via SCC Online

Friday, 26 August 2022

AnimationVFXMaharashtra

FOLKS opens new animation studio in Mumbai

Animation World Network reports that FOLKS has announced the opening of a new studio in Mumbai. The expansion marks the studio's commitment to strengthening its presence in India's animation sector. Details about the facility's capabilities and team composition were not disclosed in the announcement.

via Animation World Network

Thursday, 25 August 2022

Animation

Animation Xpress introduces Ram Mohan Award for Excellence in Animation at Ann Awards

Animation Xpress reports that its Ann Awards 2022 ceremony introduces a new honour: the Ram Mohan Award for Excellence in Animation. The award recognises outstanding contributions to the animation field. This marks the first time the accolade has been presented at the annual awards ceremony, which celebrates achievements across India's animation sector. The initiative underscores the industry's commitment to honouring creative excellence and leadership in animation.

via Animation Xpress

Wednesday, 24 August 2022

Animation

Mikros Animation to showcase Indian animation artists at KAM Summit

ThePrint reports that global creative studio Mikros Animation will display the capabilities of Indian animation artists at KAM Summit. The exhibition highlights the prowess of talent within India's animation sector, positioning the country's creative workforce on an international platform. Mikros Animation's participation underscores the growing recognition of Indian animation expertise in the global marketplace.

via ThePrint

Friday, 29 July 2022

VFX

Ghost VFX to open new studio in India

Televisual reports that Ghost VFX plans to establish a new studio in India. The expansion marks the VFX company's growing investment in the Indian market, reflecting the country's importance as a hub for visual effects production and talent in the global entertainment industry.

via Televisual

VFX

Ghost VFX to open new studio in India

80 Level reports that Ghost VFX, a visual effects company, will establish a new studio in India. The expansion marks the studio's commitment to the Indian VFX market and follows growing demand for effects services in the region. Further details regarding the studio's location, capacity, and operational timeline were not specified in the report.

via 80 Level

VFXMaharashtra

Ghost VFX Expands to Pune, India

Animation Magazine reports that Ghost VFX has expanded its operations to Pune, India. The expansion represents the VFX studio's growing presence in the Indian market, reflecting increased investment by international visual effects companies in India's thriving animation and VFX sector.

via Animation Magazine

Wednesday, 27 July 2022

XR

Indian AR artists breaking traditional boundaries in digital art

Homegrown.co.in reports on Indian augmented reality artists who are expanding conventional artistic practices through immersive technology. The publication highlights how these creators are leveraging AR tools to transcend classical art forms and explore innovative storytelling methods. Their work demonstrates India's growing capacity in the XR space, positioning the country as a hub for emerging digital art practitioners who blend traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge immersive technologies.

via homegrown.co.in

Monday, 4 July 2022

VFXTelangana

PixStone Images launches VFX studio in Hyderabad

AnimationXpress reports that PixStone Images Pvt Ltd has launched a new VFX studio in Hyderabad, expanding its operations in India's growing visual effects sector. The studio opening represents continued investment in India's animation and VFX infrastructure, particularly in Telangana, which has become a key hub for AVGC talent and production facilities.

via Animation Xpress

Wednesday, 18 May 2022

Animation

Indian animation industry showcased at Cannes Film Festival 2022

Hindustan Times reports on India's animation sector gaining prominence at the Cannes Film Festival 2022. The coverage highlights efforts to promote Indian animation studios and talent on the global stage. Cannes, a premier international film festival, provided a platform for Indian animation creators to showcase their work and establish connections with international partners, supporting the growth of India's AVGC sector.

via Hindustan Times

Monday, 2 May 2022

Animation

Six trends the Indian animation industry is witnessing

Indian Television Dot Com publishes a guest column examining major trends shaping India's animation sector in 2022. The piece identifies six key developments influencing the industry landscape, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of animation production, talent, technology adoption, and market opportunities within the Indian market. The column reflects current industry sentiment and emerging patterns in the sector.

via Indian Television Dot Com

Monday, 18 April 2022

VFX

Shilpa Shetty Kundra launches VFX studio SVS Studio

PR Newswire UK reports that actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra has launched SVS Studio Pvt. Ltd., a VFX studio currently serving Hollywood projects. The studio plans to expand its services to Indian production houses, bringing Hollywood-quality VFX capabilities to Bollywood productions. This venture marks Shetty Kundra's entry into India's growing VFX sector.

via PR Newswire UK

VFX

Shilpa Shetty Kundra launches VFX studio

The Economic Times reports that actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra has launched a VFX studio. The move marks her entry into India's visual effects sector, expanding her business interests beyond entertainment and fitness. Details regarding the studio's focus, team, and operational timeline were not specified in the report.

via The Economic Times

Tuesday, 5 April 2022

VFX

Indian VFX professional wins Oscar for Dune visual effects

BBC reports on an Indian VFX professional who contributed to the Academy Award-winning visual effects for the sci-fi epic Dune. The story highlights India's growing prominence in global VFX production and the talent emerging from the country's visual effects sector, showcasing Indian expertise on the international stage.

via BBC

Saturday, 2 April 2022

VFX

Dune visual effects Oscar sets new benchmark, says Indian winner Namit Malhotra

The Indian Express reports that Namit Malhotra, an Indian VFX professional, won an Oscar for visual effects on Dune, describing the achievement as setting a new benchmark for the industry. Malhotra's recognition underscores India's growing prominence in global visual effects production and represents a significant achievement for Indian talent in prestigious international awards. The Oscar win highlights the calibre of VFX work being produced by Indian professionals on high-profile Hollywood productions.

via The Indian Express

Monday, 28 March 2022

VFX

Namit Malhotra, Indian CEO of DNEG, wins Oscar for Dune visual effects

The Indian Express reports that Namit Malhotra, CEO of VFX studio DNEG, received an Academy Award for outstanding visual effects on the film Dune at the 2022 Oscars ceremony. DNEG, a major visual effects company with significant Indian presence and operations, was recognised for its work on the sci-fi epic. Malhotra's achievement represents a significant milestone for Indian leadership in global VFX production and the Academy's recognition of cutting-edge visual effects craftsmanship.

via The Indian Express

Thursday, 17 March 2022

Gaming

India's gaming landscape remains under-researched, says ORF study

The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) has published research highlighting gaps in understanding India's gaming industry, according to orfonline.org. The report examines the under-researched nature of India's gaming sector, suggesting substantial room for deeper analysis and documentation of the industry's dynamics, challenges, and growth opportunities across the country's diverse gaming ecosystem.

via orfonline.org