Bengaluru GAFX 2024 was a vibrant convergence of industry titans, budding talents, tech enthusiasts, and visionary leaders, all gathered under one roof to celebrate the magic of AVGC. Initially conceived as a bootstrapped initiative to unite fragmented stakeholders, Bengaluru GAFX has metamorphosed today into a juggernaut, a true reflection of the industry’s spirit and ambition. The significance of this magnum opus event transcends networking and showcases—it’s a melting pot of ideas and aspirations.
With over 12,000 attendees flocking to the event over three action-packed days, GAFX 2024 was a testament to the industry’s vibrancy and dynamism.
Animation Xpress got in touch with Biren Ghose who is ABAI president and the managing director – Asia Pacific & global Excom member at Technicolor Creative Studios, to understand what really is at the heart of the summit.
About the three-day extravaganza of AVGC-XR
Bengaluru GAFX 2024’s theme, ‘Augmented Intelligence: Powering AVGC,’ encapsulated the ethos of the event—a celebration of the amalgamation of human creativity and technological prowess. It is a call to arms, beckoning industry players to explore the uncharted territories of AI, VR, and AR, and harness their potential to revolutionise storytelling and visual expression.
This event is not just a solo act; it’s a symphony of collaboration, with diverse stakeholders playing pivotal roles in its success. With ABAI at the forefront along with industry associations like AIGF, TVAGA, KDEM, KITVEN, MESC, EGF and more bolster the credibility and relevance of Bengaluru GAFX 2024 within the AVGC ecosystem with collective expertise and advocacy.
Academic institutions such as Pearl Academy, and Jain University are the stomping grounds for future talent, enriching GAFX with fresh perspectives and cutting-edge research. Studios and production houses like Technicolor, Zebu Animation, Amar Chitra Katha and more brought a wealth of creative prowess and industry experience to the event, showcasing groundbreaking projects and fostering collaboration opportunities.
Corporate partners including Adobe, Wacom, XP-Pen and others provided essential tools and resources to empower creative professionals, offering hands-on workshops, product demonstrations, and industry insights. Their support enhanced the overall attendee experience and reinforced Bengaluru GAFX’s reputation as a premier destination for learning and innovation.
The support of the local government has been instrumental in propelling Bengaluru GAFX to new heights and fostering industry development. The Government of Karnataka has been a steadfast ally, providing unwavering support and encouragement to ABAI in organising Bengaluru GAFX 2024. Their proactive involvement, spearheaded by representatives from the ‘Department of Electronics Information Technology Biotechnology and Science & Technology’ under the leadership of minister Priyank Kharge has been evident in various facets of the event.
From financial backing to logistical assistance, the Karnataka government has played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of GAFX 2024 alongside ABAI and its leadership team. Their commitment to creating an enabling environment for the AVGC sector in Karnataka is reflected in their participation in roundtable discussions surrounding state and central collaboration in the AVGC sector, skilling and education initiatives, incentive programs, and Invest India programs for co-productions and IP.
Additionally, the presence of central government representatives at Bengaluru GAFX 2024 underscored the government’s commitment to industry development and recognises the event’s importance as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and growth. Overall, the support of the local and central
government serves as a catalyst for industry development, empowering stakeholders to leverage the opportunities presented there and drive the AVGC sector towards new horizons of success and
prosperity.
Key highlights from GAFX 2024
a) One of the standout features of the event was the strong calibre of its speakers with over 130 industry luminaries sharing their expertise and insights across 100 plus panels and sessions. From renowned international speakers to homegrown talent, the diversity of perspectives and experiences enriched discussions and sparked new ideas.
b) The competitions held at GAFX 2024 were another highlight, attracting over 300 participants across five categories and offering a total of Rs 10 lakhs worth of awards to winners. These competitions not only showcased the incredible talent within the industry but also provided a platform for up-and-coming artists and creators to gain recognition and exposure.
c) The ‘Bengaluru B2B Forum’ was yet another success story, with 19 buyers from five countries engaging in 174 business interactions, culminating in as many LOIs and 53 MoUs in the works. The forum also witnessed two massive product launches across emerging technologies, signalling the industry’s readiness to embrace innovation and explore new frontiers.
The forum serves as a meticulously designed platform connecting IP owners, developers, content creators, and production houses with the aim of fostering groundbreaking content. It served as a platform for industry stakeholders to forge partnerships, showcase innovations, and explore business opportunities. Among the notable launches and collaborations were new animation projects, gaming ventures, and technology partnerships. These initiatives underscored the event’s role as a catalyst for industry growth and collaboration, facilitating meaningful exchanges and fostering synergies across the AVGC ecosystem.
Distinguished industry figures, including Ramoji Group associate chief producer and animation, digital & broadcast media content head Rajeshwari Roy, Nickelodeon’s hit international franchise Shimmer and Shine creator Farnaz Esnaashari-Charmatz and Russell Tracy Jr. from Mikros Animation, have actively contributed to the stellar industry lineup at this marketplace forum.
“Perhaps the most significant takeaway from GAFX 2024 is the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie that permeated the event. As industry players came together to share ideas, forge partnerships, and push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. And it’s this spirit of collaboration that will continue to shape industry trends and practices long after the curtains have closed on Bengaluru GAFX 2024. Until Bengaluru GAFX 2025,” Ghose remarked.
Initiatives towards skilling and industry development
One of the standout features of Bengaluru GAFX 2024 was the series of roundtable discussions convened to address the skilling gap and the need for initiatives at various levels of the AVGC sector. These roundtables, chaired by esteemed individuals such as Government of India, Information and Broadcasting Ministry joint secretary (films) Pritul Kumar and Govt. of Karnataka Higher Education minister Dr. M C Sudhakar, brought together key stakeholders from government bodies, industry associations, educational institutions, and studios to brainstorm actionable strategies for talent development and industry growth.
For instance, the ‘State Associations Roundtable: Crafting the AVGC Blueprint’ provided a platform for representatives from state AVGC associations to collaborate on policy frameworks and skill development initiatives tailored to their respective regions. Similarly, the ‘Skilling Synergy Roundtable: Nurturing Talent for AVGC’s Future’ brought together government officials, industry leaders, and educationists to discuss innovative approaches to skill-building and talent acquisition in the AVGC sector.
These skilling initiatives play a pivotal role in industry development by addressing critical challenges such as skill shortages, technological disruptions and evolving market demands. These initiatives help forge stronger linkages between academia and industry, ensuring that educational programs remain relevant and responsive to industry needs. In essence, ABAI and Bengaluru GAFX’s commitment to skilling
initiatives not only cultivates a talent pipeline for the AVGC sector but also fosters an environment of
continuous learning and professional growth.
Exploring the theme of Augmented Intelligence
The theme for Bengaluru GAFX 2024, ‘Augmented Intelligence: Powering AVGC,’ holds immense significance in the context of the remarkable growth trajectory of the AVGC sector. With industries like animation, VFX, and gaming galloping at impressive CAGR rates of 18-35 per cent, there’s an urgent need to sustain this momentum and propel the Indian AVGC industry onto the global stage.
The main idea of augmented intelligence permeated every aspect of the event, influencing discussions,
workshops, and presentations. Industry leaders and experts deliberated on how advancements in AI, VR, and AR are transforming the AVGC landscape, opening new avenues for artistic expression and storytelling.
The theme resonated with ABAI’s longstanding commitment to nurturing the local AVGC ecosystem and propelling Indian talent onto the global stage. By emphasising the importance of augmented intelligence, GAFX 2024 reaffirmed the industry’s dedication to continuous innovation and excellence, setting the stage for a vibrant and prosperous future for the AVGC sector.
Glimpses of next year’s edition
Bengaluru GAFX 2024 drew its curtains by announcing the dates for the sixth edition, which is scheduled from 26 to 28 February 2025. The upcoming edition of GAFX promises to build and add upon the success of previous years, offering attendees an unparalleled experience that combines insightful sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.
“From exploring and underscoring emerging trends in the AVGC industry to showcasing cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders, GAFX 2025 aims to inspire, educate, and empower participants to drive innovation and growth in the dynamic world of AVGC. As we navigate the ever-evolving dynamics of animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics, Bengaluru GAFX 2025 will become the nexus where the past, present, and future of AVGC intersect, creating a legacy of creativity, excellence, and limitless possibilities,” Ghose concluded.
