During the Animation & More Summit 2023, AnimationXpress took a revolutionary step with the Animation Creators Pitch, in collaboration with 88 Pictures and Zebu Animation. This groundbreaking initiative invited visionary directors, artists, students, professionals, and filmmakers to push the boundaries of animation and create content with global appeal. This initiative aims to transcend boundaries and create content with global appeal.
“Being a part of the Animation Creators Pitch by Animation Xpress has been an exhilarating experience. Listening to the diverse and innovative story ideas from passionate creators has reaffirmed my belief in the boundless potential of the animation industry,” said 88 Pictures founder & CEO Milind D. Shinde. “This platform not only bridges the gap between creators and industry experts but also has the power to reshape how we perceive and engage with animation. It’s opportunities like these that fuel the evolution of our industry, driving it toward a future where creativity knows no bounds and opportunities like these which will help in spawning new IP’s and help develop ideas from India for the Global platform.”
Among the selected participants, Asha Girdhar, a creative writing and visualisation expert with an illustrious 35-year career, shone bright. Despite her extensive experience, she was impressed by the prospect of Animation Creators Pitch (ACP) and enjoyed the industry exposure and connections forged with fellow innovators.
She is known for her weekly interactive educational series in The Jakarta Post titled Sonny & Zap. Published without a break for 15 years from 2005 to 2019, the series catered to two age groups: children between the ages of six to eight years, and nine to 18 years.
In a candid conversation, she shared her heartfelt journey of emerging victorious as her work prepares to come to life. Read further to delve into Asha’s inspiring story, a testament to the transformative power of creative collaboration.
Congratulations on your selection! How do you feel about this achievement?
Asha: I’m honoured and delighted to have won this award. The Animation Creators Pitch is a milestone initiative, and to be one of the first-ever creators to be awarded this honour is a source of immense joy for me.
How did you come across the ACP initiative, and what motivated you to participate?
Asha: I learned about the competition from Gayatri Gauri, who shared it in a screenwriters’ group chat. The opportunity excited me because animation is my favourite medium. Many of my stories align with animation’s themes, tone, and pace, making it a natural choice to showcase one of my beloved stories.
Before pitching, what steps did you take to legally protect your idea?
Asha: I spent 15 years as the author and editor of a children’s newspaper series, for which I hold the copyright. The narrative I pitched was drawn from this series, featuring hundreds of original stories, comic strips, factual content, poems, and quizzes that I created.
What inspired the idea for your pitch?
Asha: One of the themes of my children’s series is belief in oneself – in one’s own potential, competence and capabilities. There is a great need for self-trust in today’s world. People of all ages, particularly children and youngsters, are increasingly getting influenced by the idea that happiness lies outside of oneself like in material things and in popularity on social media platforms. This has led to many problems, including those in the area of mental health. We need to re-discover ourselves, to learn to look inwards for real long-term happiness. We need to trust ourselves. This message was at the crux of my pitch, which took the form of a fantasy story.
Can you describe how you developed your rough storyboard?
Asha: The series is richly illustrated, and the story I pitched already had three visuals prepared, which I included in my presentation.
How do you think the ACP initiative will foster innovation within the animation community?
Asha: I believe ACP will inspire creators to push the limits of their craft, leading to innovative storytelling and visual styles. Such recognition might also attract investment in experimental projects, promoting a wider variety of animated content. It will highlight lesser-known talents, offering them increased visibility and career opportunities. Engaging with other participants from diverse backgrounds across India—writers, graphic designers, directors, game developers, and filmmakers—was enlightening. We were all a bit nervous, but having a prestigious platform to showcase our creativity boosted our morale.
The entire pitch experience, along with the panel discussions and masterclasses at the summit, was captivating. Staying informed about the latest industry developments is crucial, and the summit addressed numerous aspects and advancements comprehensively.
With your distinguished 35-year career as an author, educator, storyteller, scriptwriter, and podcaster, how will this victory impact your creative journey?
Asha: Crafting stories in various mediums, and sometimes performing them live, has been the keystone of my career.I hope that the recognition ACP has given me will boost my visibility in the industry. I look forward to opportunities to collaborate with more studios.
What advice would you give to aspiring animators or creators looking to pitch their ideas?
Asha: First of all, just go for it. You never know how positive the end-result might be. Having said that, do focus on a few pointers:
- Tell Compelling Stories: Strong narratives are crucial. Ensure your animations have engaging plots, well-developed characters, and emotional depth to captivate your audience.
- Build on Originality: Stand out by bringing unique ideas and perspectives to your work. Innovation and creativity are factors often looked at in competitions.
- Seek Constructive Feedback: Share your work with peers or mentors. Constructive criticism can help you improve and refine your animation projects.
The Animation Creators Pitch 2023 witnessed two winners, Asha Girdhar and Nagesh Chakilam. The initiative has proven to be a fruitful platform for both, bringing their stories to life, inspiring others and contributing to the rich tapestry of animation in India.