Bengaluru: The three-day Bengaluru GAFX 2019 saw experts looking at Bengaluru as the Animation Capital of India. With well known companies such as Dreamworks, Technicolor, Zynga, MPC, Mr X and others investing in Bengaluru's animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC) sector, it has provided many avenues for those inclined to pursue it as a career.
Deputy CM and the Minister for ITBT Department Dr G Parameshwar said that Karnataka is one of the first states to give prominence to animation and gaming. “This has led to creation of a lot of jobs in this emerging sector,” he added. He expressed confidence that the centre of excellence for AVGC will nurture small, medium as well as independent studios to produce work of global standard. “The state government encourages students of creative arts and creators to come forward,” the Minister said.
GAFX 2019 has helped provide a global platform to talent and attract industry veterans, professionals, students, academia, technology partners, animation, VFX, games studios, production houses and generate jobs. Experts from all over the world, including Avrill Stark, Sheila de Courcy, Pete Draper, Axel Bonami, Avneet Kaur, Munjal Shroff showcased work of AVGC industry, both nationally and globally. Bengaluru GAFX 2019 and Secretary, ABAI, B.S. Srinivas, said, “With GAFX event, we have successfully brought together greatest minds of the AVGC industry and provided a platform to students and professionals alike.”
Biren Ghose, President, ABAI, applauded the enthusiasm of participants and expects a bright future for AVGC industry in Bengaluru. Gaurav Gupta, Karnataka Principal Secretary, Dept.of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology said, “Previously we have introduced the AVGC policy under the IT&BT department. This has paved the path for artist collaborations, B2B and flourishing academia. We aim to provide support in every form to take the industry ahead.” The winners of ‘GAFX Art Animathon 2019’, Asia’s biggest art and animation competition were announced at the valedictory ceremony. The premiere competition had eight categories to compete for, with a cash prize of `8 lakh.
The career expo and exhibition attracted students and professionals from all over the country and abroad. The three-day event included ‘The Sketchbook’, attended by artists handpicked for their unique abilities.
Artists Abhishek Kesarkar, Anand Radhakrishnan, Sanjana Desai and Saumin Suresh Patil took part.
