The Desk

Saturday, 29 August 2026

Animation

ANN Awards 2026 honours India's animation trailblazers

AnimationXpress reports that the ANN Awards 2026 celebrated India's animation industry, honouring veterans and emerging creators who shape the country's visual storytelling landscape. The ceremony recognised prominent figures including Ram Mohan, Arnab Chaudhuri, and Ramoji, alongside DigiCon6 Awards recipients, acknowledging their contributions to advancing animation in India.

via AnimationXpress

Animation

Astra Studios partners with Emmy-winning director Richie Mehta on animated folklore feature

AnimationXpress reports that Astra Studios, a next-generation animation, VFX, and AI-powered storytelling studio backed by Hombale Films, has announced a landmark creative collaboration with Emmy-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta. The partnership will bring an animated feature based on India's epic folklore to global audiences. Astra Studios combines animation, visual effects, and AI-driven storytelling capabilities under the Hombale Films umbrella.

via AnimationXpress

Gaming

Nazara Technologies: India's gaming giant's success story

Business Outreach Magazine profiles Nazara Technologies, examining the company's trajectory as a key player in India's gaming sector. The report outlines how Nazara has established itself as a significant contributor to the country's gaming industry, detailing its business model, market position, and growth strategy. Nazara's success reflects the broader expansion of India's gaming market and the emergence of homegrown companies in the AVGC-XR ecosystem.

via Business Outreach Magazine

Friday, 28 August 2026

AnimationVFX

Zee Entertainment pivots to sports, animation and VFX for growth

The Economic Times reports that Zee Entertainment is diversifying beyond television, strategically investing in sports, animation, and VFX sectors for future growth. The move reflects the media conglomerate's efforts to expand revenue streams and capitalise on India's growing AVGC industry. Zee's commitment to animation and VFX production underscores the sector's increasing commercial importance within the broader entertainment landscape.

via The Economic Times

Thursday, 27 August 2026

Wednesday, 26 August 2026

AnimationVFX

VES Awards Add Short-Form Category, Expand Animation Recognition

Cartoon Brew reports that the VES Awards have introduced a new short-form category and revised competition rules for animated projects. Animated series will now compete alongside features under the updated framework. The awards have also split the CG cinematography category into separate animation and photoreal divisions, broadening recognition across different animation disciplines and production types.

via Cartoon Brew

WAVES Digital Platforms expand opportunities for media and entertainment sector

The Press Information Bureau reports that WAVES Digital Platforms is expanding business, investment, and innovation opportunities for India's media and entertainment sector. The initiative aims to bolster growth across digital media verticals, supporting studios, creators, and technology providers. WAVES seeks to foster collaboration between industry stakeholders and facilitate access to capital, mentorship, and market opportunities for companies operating in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR domains.

via PIB

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Gaming

Rohit Sharma backs LightFury Games' eCricket gaming title

AnimationXpress reports that cricket icon Rohit Sharma has joined LightFury Games as an investor and licensed player for eCricket, a new cricket-themed gaming title. The former India captain's involvement marks a significant endorsement as the game prepares for its phased launch, bringing professional cricket into the interactive gaming space.

via AnimationXpress

India and France strengthen cultural ties via Desibel platform for AVGC-XR industry

MediaNews4U reports that India and France have launched the 'Desibel' platform to strengthen cultural ties and support India's AVGC-XR sector. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between the two nations in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality industries. The platform facilitates knowledge exchange, partnership opportunities, and talent mobility between Indian and French creative professionals and studios.

via MediaNews4U

Animation

AAFT Noida showcases industry-integrated animation studios

NewsX reports on AAFT Noida's animation facilities and educational infrastructure. The institute features industry-integrated studios designed to bridge the gap between academic training and professional animation production. The feature highlights AAFT's approach to combining classroom learning with hands-on studio experience for animation students in India.

via NewsX

VFX

Netflix's VFX investment signals new opportunity for India

MediaNews4U reports on Netflix's investment in VFX work through Operation Safed Sagar, presenting fresh opportunities for India's visual effects sector. The initiative underscores growing confidence in Indian VFX studios' capabilities and infrastructure. Netflix's commitment to local VFX production could strengthen India's position as a global VFX hub and create employment for skilled professionals in the animation and visual effects industry.

via MediaNews4U

VFX

VFX breakdown: Star City by DNEG

Befores & Afters publishes an in-depth VFX breakdown of Star City by DNEG. The article goes behind the scenes of the project, detailing the visual effects techniques and processes employed by the Indian VFX studio. DNEG's work on the film showcases the technical expertise and capabilities of India's VFX sector in delivering high-quality effects for major productions.

via befores & afters

Monday, 24 August 2026

Animation

Emomee launches children's series on Netflix, expanding global reach

AnimationXpress reports that Emomee, an Indian children's entertainment brand, has debuted its first show on Netflix. The launch marks a significant milestone for Emomee as it expands from a domestic brand to a global children's entertainment franchise. The series, titled 'Emomee: Big Skills for Little Ones, Minis', represents the brand's entry into the streaming platform, broadening its international footprint and distribution capabilities.

via AnimationXpress

Animation

Baahubali: The Eternal War expands into animation at AM Summit

AnimationXpress reports that the creators of the Baahubali cinematic universe are venturing into animation with Baahubali: The Eternal War. The project was discussed at Animation More Summit 2026, showcasing how India's major film franchises are expanding beyond live-action into animated content. The initiative represents significant growth in Indian animation, bringing globally recognised intellectual property to the sector and demonstrating the industry's capacity to adapt established cinematic universes for animated audiences.

via AnimationXpress

AnimationVFXComicsChandigarh

Ministry of I&B launches pilot of 'Gems of India' in Chandigarh

The Press Information Bureau reports that India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched a pilot programme called 'Gems of India' in Chandigarh. The initiative aims to promote and showcase Indian cultural and creative content. Details regarding the programme's specific focus on animation, VFX, comics, or other AVGC-XR sectors remain limited from the official announcement, though such government-backed initiatives typically support India's creative industries and talent development.

via PIB

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRTamil Nadu

GENESIS Launches Entrepreneur-in-Residence Cohort-3 at Coimbatore Startup Summit

The Press Information Bureau reports that GENESIS has launched its third Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) cohort at the GENESIS NextGen Startup Summit in Coimbatore. The initiative supports early-stage entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem. Details on specific focus areas, mentor involvement, and participant selection criteria were not provided in the announcement, though the programme represents continued institutional backing for venture creation in the region.

via PIB

Saturday, 22 August 2026

First steering committee meeting held for 57th IFFI under MoS Dr. L. Murugan

The Press Information Bureau reports that the first steering committee meeting for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held under the chairmanship of Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan. The meeting reviewed festival preparations. IFFI is India's premier cinema event and a significant platform for showcasing Indian animation, visual effects, and digital content to a global audience, making it relevant to the country's AVGC-XR sector.

via PIB

VFX

DNEG releases VFX breakdown for For All Mankind season 5

Befores & Afters reports that DNEG has released a new visual effects breakdown reel showcasing the studio's work on the fifth season of the Apple TV+ series For All Mankind. The reel highlights the VFX techniques and processes employed by the Indian-headquartered studio on the sci-fi drama series.

via befores & afters

Friday, 21 August 2026

AnimationVFX

Assemblage delivers VFX for Wolf King season 2's fantasy creatures

AnimationXpress profiles how Indian VFX studio Assemblage created werewolves, weresharks, lionlords and dark magic effects for the second season of fantasy series Wolf King. The studio tackled complex character transformations and creature design amidst shifting character loyalties. The production required sophisticated visual effects work to bring the fantastical elements to life on screen.

via AnimationXpress

Thursday, 20 August 2026

Animation

Wolf King season two showcased at AM Summit 2026 in Mumbai

AnimationXpress reports that Wolf King season two will be featured at the Animation More (AM) Summit 2026, taking place on 28 and 29 August at Mumbai's Nesco Exhibition Centre. The summit centres on the theme "India to the World: Creating Global," highlighting India's animation sector's international ambitions and capabilities on the global stage.

via AnimationXpress

Gaming

Krafton Ad Platform India launches advertising technology business

AnimationXpress reports that Krafton Ad Platform India (KADP India), the Indian subsidiary of South Korean advertising technology company Neptune, has officially launched its advertising technology business. The platform is positioned to power advertising operations for BGMI and other gaming titles. The launch marks a new ad-tech entrant in India's gaming ecosystem, expanding monetization infrastructure for mobile gaming publishers.

via AnimationXpress

VFX

Vine FX delivers 150 VFX shots for Netflix's Enola Holmes 3

AnimationXpress reports that Vine FX has contributed visual effects expertise to Netflix's Enola Holmes 3, delivering 150 shots that combine puzzle-driven sequences, action enhancements, and invisible effects to strengthen the film's Victorian-era setting. The Indian VFX studio's work spans both visible and seamless visual storytelling techniques for the streaming platform's latest period mystery adventure.

via AnimationXpress

Wednesday, 19 August 2026

IICT signs multi-State pact to boost AVGC-XR ecosystem

Indian Broadcasting World reports that the Indian Institute of Creative and Technology (IICT) has signed a multi-State pact to strengthen India's AVGC-XR ecosystem. The agreement aims to boost collaboration across multiple states, supporting the animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. Details on participating states and specific initiatives were not provided in the announcement.

via Indian Broadcasting World

AnimationVFX

The growing role of whoosh sound effects in modern animation and VFX

AnimationXpress explores how whoosh sound effects have become integral to modern animation and VFX production. The publication examines how sound design enhances the perceived quality of movement in animation, from character actions and camera motion through digital environments to logo animations. Sound effects contribute to making on-screen movement feel both convincing and visually impressive to audiences.

via AnimationXpress

Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Skyesports partners with The Giant Hunt for global anime art contest in India

AnimationXpress reports that Skyesports has partnered with The Giant Hunt to launch a global anime and manga art contest in India. The contest features a Rs 3 crore prize pool and aims for an official record attempt. The initiative brings international anime and comics community engagement to India's creative sector, positioning the country as a hub for digital art talent and competition.

via AnimationXpress

Gaming

GEPL building new playbook for India's esports economy

ET BrandEquity reports on how GEPL is shaping India's esports sector. The piece explores the company's strategic initiatives and business model for developing the country's competitive gaming landscape. GEPL's efforts underscore growing investment in India's esports infrastructure and ecosystem development, positioning the nation as an emerging hub for professional gaming.

via ET BrandEquity

Animation

PowerKids Entertainment partners with Animation & More Summit 2026

AnimationXpress reports that PowerKids Entertainment has joined the eighth edition of Animation & More Summit 2026. The summit reflects India's animation industry's ambition to move beyond back-office work and establish itself in higher-value creative roles. The partnership underscores the sector's continued growth and industry collaboration to elevate Indian animation's global standing.

via AnimationXpress

Monday, 17 August 2026

Animation

YouTube's 90-day monetization rule threatens animator revenue from Shorts

Cartoon Brew reports that YouTube's new 90-day monetization requirement—requiring 10 million views to qualify—risks making Shorts revenue unreliable for human animators. Creators warn the recurring threshold will incentivise algorithmic content over traditional animation, potentially pushing animators to alternative platforms. The policy change threatens a revenue stream many independent animators have relied upon globally, with implications for India's animation sector as creators seek more stable income sources elsewhere.

via Cartoon Brew

PM Modi identifies animation, gaming and VFX as India's soft-power engines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has identified animation, VFX, gaming, and digital content as important components of India's soft-power ambitions, according to AnimationXpress. In his Independence Day address, Modi highlighted the concert economy alongside these creative sectors as key drivers of India's cultural influence globally. The recognition underscores the government's focus on leveraging India's creative industries for international impact.

via AnimationXpress

VFX

Behind the scenes of Operation Safed Sagar

Befores & Afters reports on a new featurette showcasing the shooting locations and aerial scenes from Operation Safed Sagar. The behind-the-scenes content highlights the filmmaking process, including how aerial sequences were captured during production. The featurette provides insight into the technical execution and location work involved in bringing the project to screen.

via befores & afters

Saturday, 15 August 2026

AnimationComicsMaharashtra

Naruto director Hayato Date to headline Anime India Mumbai 2026

AnimationXpress reports that Anime India is returning to Mumbai in 2026 with renowned animator Hayato Date, director of Naruto. The event expands following strong attendance at previous editions: the 2025 Mumbai debut drew over 29,000 visitors across three days, while Kolkata exceeded 35,000. The Mumbai edition is positioned as India's largest anime gathering, promising enhanced scale and programming for anime enthusiasts and industry professionals.

via AnimationXpress

Animation

India's animation industry bets on global IPs at Animation & More Summit

AnimationXpress reports that India's animation sector is shifting focus towards building original intellectual properties with global appeal. The sector has moved beyond questioning its competitive capacity to prioritising how quickly it can develop IPs that travel internationally. This strategic pivot was central to discussions at the Animation & More Summit 2026, reflecting the industry's growing confidence and ambition in the global marketplace.

via AnimationXpress

Friday, 14 August 2026

VFX

VES announces speaker lineup for inaugural Women Who Lead Summit

Cartoon Brew reports that the Visual Effects Society has unveiled speakers for its inaugural Women Who Lead Summit in Los Angeles. The event will feature industry leaders including Bárbara Muschietti, Brit MacRae, and Pavani Boddapati, among others. The summit aims to highlight women's leadership and contributions to the visual effects industry.

via Cartoon Brew

Thursday, 13 August 2026

AnimationVFX

Cascadeur 2026.2 adds animation layers and AI integration capabilities

Animation World Network reports that Nekkis has released Cascadeur 2026.2, enhancing its physics-assisted character animation tool. The update introduces animation layers that split motion into additive components, adds easing controls for improved interpolation, and incorporates a built-in MCP server enabling integration with external AI agents. The release also supports three additional languages, expanding accessibility for global animators and VFX professionals working with character animation workflows.

via Animation World Network

Gaming

India's gaming market crosses $1 billion as players diversify

Outlook Respawn reports that India's gaming market has crossed the $1 billion milestone, reflecting growing player diversification across the sector. The report highlights expansion in the country's gaming industry, driven by increasing adoption and varied gaming preferences among Indian consumers. This growth underscores India's emerging position in the global gaming landscape and the sector's expanding economic contribution to the AVGC ecosystem.

via Outlook Respawn

AnimationVFX

Prague's All Animal creates World of Warcraft x Dungeons & Dragons crossover trailer

Animation World Network reports that Prague-based studio All Animal has created a 37-second cinematic for a crossover between World of Warcraft and Dungeons & Dragons. The piece features a 20-sided die moving through handcrafted-style dioramas of Azeroth, capturing moments from gaming history. Wizards of the Coast commissioned the work directly, and All Animal premiered it at Gen Con.

via Animation World Network

AnimationVFXComicsMaharashtra

19th Mumbai International Film Festival 2026 launches with creative powerhouse push

The Press Information Bureau reports that the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival 2026 has opened with a strategic focus on positioning India as a global creative powerhouse. The festival aims to strengthen India's standing in the international film and creative industries, emphasising the country's potential to lead in animation, VFX, and visual storytelling. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to develop India's AVGC sector competitiveness on the world stage.

via PIB

Wednesday, 12 August 2026

AnimationVFXMaharashtra

88 Pictures celebrates decade of expansion across India and globally

AnimationXpress reports that 88 Pictures has marked 10 years of operations, expanding from its foundation to establish presence across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Toronto and London. The Indian animation and VFX studio has grown its creative workforce and production capacity significantly over the past decade, strengthening its position in the AVGC sector whilst establishing international operations.

via AnimationXpress

Animation

Graphic India begins production on 'Shiva: The Adiyogi' animated feature

Animation World Network reports that Graphic India, the studio behind The Legend of Hanuman, is producing an animated feature film titled 'Shiva: The Adiyogi'. The project tells the story of how the Hindu god became the first yogi and the first guru. This marks another significant animated production from the Indian studio, continuing its focus on mythological narratives adapted for animation.

via Animation World Network

Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Animation

Nura Studios launches Rainbow Hollow, AI-generated stop-motion series using proprietary platform

Animation World Network reports that Nura Studios has debuted Rainbow Hollow, a stop-motion-styled series created using the company's Showcraft AI platform. The system handled story, layout, animation, editing and post-production finishing within a single environment. Showcraft AI is set to open to the public in early September, marking a significant development in AI-assisted animation production workflows.

via Animation World Network