Strong fusion of film and digital arts will enchant the audiences at ABAI Fest 2013 slated on 6th and 7th December at the University of Mysore.
So which luminaries of the Indian and International Animation Industry will be gracing the fest? We hear this from Biren Ghose- President of ABAI as he starts off a conversation with AnimationXpress.com by saying ‘If you work at it, its production, if you watch it, its recreation, if you experience it its fun. If you miss out on seeing it it’s a sin!’
The idea of the fest looks interesting with showcase of movies from around the globe?
ABAI Fest 2013 is “Showcasing the Impossible”! The best animation studios in the world
all started to showcase their prowess through ‘short’ films and the ‘culture’ of short form storytelling will also revolutionize and scale our Asian/Indian animation and CG production industry. The Festival is all about screening short form and long form animation and the only exhibits are those that provide the allied contents such as merchandise, games, apps etc. which contribute to the brand building of animated titles.
Can you unveil the detailed line up of the fest?
We are presenting Ron Diamond – a member of the Academy of Motion Picture from Hollywood to showcase the best content in two capsules
-“The Giants 1st Steps” which traces the career growth of the world renowned director from their very first film and the “Show of Shows” [now in its 15th year] which will be a terrific inspiration to young film makers. Shelley Page from DreamWorks Animation will also be featuring her “Shelley’s Eye Candy Show” a collection of the best from the European scene. Shelley is an eminent artist (Roger Rabbit; Shrek; Madagascar; Kung Fu Panda), a juror [across thecreme de la creme of animation schools in Europe] and an educator – she has the eye and the aesthetic to search for the world’s best emerging talent and is an outreach professional ‘parexcellance’. We are also working on special package from Annecy, the world’s gold standard of animated film festivals and an amazing festival venue to which ABAI has turned to for mentorship and an exchange of festival content to build the India ‘screenings’ habit.
Please Continue…
We will be announcing 4 major Indian animated feature film titles that can hold their own on any global festival stage. Watch this space early next week. They are beautiful and will be screened ‘under the stars’ in the open air amphitheatre! We are showcasing two very special capsules which are a collection of locally produced short films in association with TASI and separately we are featuring the ‘ABAI Compact Corner’ specially curated for this festival from eminent local animation personality, watch this space for details.
VFX has become the turbo power for live action film making, ABAI is working to curate a special compendium of the best of live-action motion picture Visual Effects that represents the power of CG in innovating images with creatures, environments, characters and action. Some of the best computer games of 2012-13 have been created utilizing Indian talent – the classic example of the arts and assets of Grand Theft Auto V [the largest selling game of all time in just its 1st few weeks]; Tomb Raider and other colossal titles cannot be left out of any media and entertainment showcase! The games presentation will include trailers and other cool stuff to showcase the best examples arising from the “combination of technology and creativity”.
Any other interesting aspects that would be focused on
The AVGC industry is becoming a game changer for the advertising and brand communication industries; we will show case the best in class ideas and execution in this area. India has recently partnered and swept the international awards for VFX and these award winning shorts and a snippet of how they are made will be a special feature of the festival.
Finally, the comic book industry is jumping out of its traditional hand drawn avatar with its conventional 20+ page ‘staple bound’ conventional format and transforming into the realm of ‘digitally delivered’ graphic novels. Come watch this syndrome and become one of the early bird few thousand people to be gifted an ABAI “festival special” created by the most famous comic/animation character creator on the planet.
What influenced you to choose these movies and experts for the fest?
We have been working with animation critics and professionals to choose what will jump out of the screen and into your hearts and minds. The current AVGC market has lunged forward off the starting blocks and begun the global marathon. This fest will help to keep the focus and positive energy till the industry crosses the ‘finish line’. (Our Motto: ‘Don’t sprint the marathon!’ It will take few annual ABAI Fest to bring India onto the final podium).
What is your primary vision with this fest?
We want this to become a major international animation, VFX and Gaming art festival on the annual global events calendar and engage, excite, motivate and convert more people to the AVGC genre.
Can we have your comments on the current Indian Animation and VFX Market and how will this fest contribute to it?
Currently the animation and VFX market is approximately 1% of the world market; the festival is a key strategic initiative to increase the awareness with regard to the role of digital production technology in audio visual storytelling. Hence while there is opportunity and head room to grow, we need to have wide ranging skills development to meet this challenge.
How would you define creative content?
The AVGC business is about “Crafting visual experiences” across multiple screens – cinema, TV, video game consoles, mobile phones, I Pad/ tablet, etc. Any form of storytelling =creative content!
Quickly define the top three win-win aspects of this fest that you would recommend to someone
1. Global best – in –class AVGC content featured in 2 intensive days (The world cup T20 of animation)
2. Travelling to Hollywood, Europe and pan India by only arriving in Mysore! (Buffet of global festival content at one local table)
3. No speeches, no classes (Relax, sit back and enjoy the experience)
In the press note issued by ABAI, you’ve mentioned that ‘computer graphics (CG) in digital production is now the new norm in filmmaking’- Can you elaborate more on this?
Stories don’t change with time, however, packaging does! The evolution of new technology in Audio visual arts and sciences has been a constantly evolving paradigm over the last 80 years. The advent of computer graphics and digital technology in the production management and delivery of content has radically impacted and enhanced storytelling creation and consumption. ABAI Fest will annually showcase the latest in this progression.
Are you inviting Indian Studios also to participate in the fest?
ABAI Fest is an open invitation to all participants in the industry. Over time the whole world will get to know about it. Obviously, we will take cognizance of the India/ Asia content community.
I suppose an attendee can have a one on one interaction with the speakers at the fest and does one need to register?
Yes you have to register (including on the spot) and the entrance fee will not be greater than INR 100.You get to interact only if you are very lucky! Our Attendee: Speaker ratio is likely to be 1:300!
Will you continue this fest in several other cities of India? It would be great if you do!
We will take into account the feedback from all stake holders after this Mysore event.