‘The festival of light in the industry of light…’ which is none other than the Animation industry as it has been illuminating extravagant talent and phenomenal creativity in India. This is the industry that works round the clock with tight deadlines in order to deliver quality work. So what’s happening at various animation studios on this auspicious occasion, how are they celebrating the festival of Diwali.
We at AnimationXpress.com got few insights from few of the leading animation studios in the country…
Excerpts:-
Dreams Animation
The studio has one official holiday on the main day of Diwali. “We have international projects, which is why giving holidays for a long time is not feasible for us,” says Shambhoo Phalke, CEO, Dreams Animation Studios. The company provides leaves on Sundays and other primary leaves; along with sick leaves, casual leaves etc unlike a few studios that have 365 days working. “At times the holidays are dependent on the kind of project we are working on. International clients need to be handed over work on time provided whichever festival we have in India,” explains Phalke. Following the standard format, if any privileged leave has not been taken by an employee, he/she may compensate for it later.
HopMotion Animation Studio
‘Rest is much needed and a refreshing break is essential’ is what, the digital 2D animation studio, HopMotion believes. So, the entire studio celebrates Diwali in style as they have a two day off on the 1st and 2nd day of the festival. Moreover, they also have a Diwali party and celebrate the whole week with a festive feel. Anish Patel, Founder of HopMotion Studio, states, “Diwali is the great festival of the Indian culture and it serves as a time to reunite with our families and friends. So, we ought to celebrate it and refresh our minds and work culture.” The Studio has already well planned all their projects so that nothing comes in the way of their festive celebration. They have pre-planned and finished projects before Diwali and also postponed few deadlines just to keep that festive season free so that the artists can rest. Anish says, “In this industry, artists often work continuously and there are chances of burn out which reduces the productivity. Therefore, this break from work rejuvenates everyone.”
Maya Digital Studios
Comprising of a staff of 400-500 employees, Maya studios are on a holiday spree for 6 days from 9 – 14 November. Considering the fact that the employees work for almost 365 days a year putting in their best foot forward at work, this one week long holiday is a time they get to spend with their people at home. Already being aware of the week-long holiday, the employees of all the departments accordingly focus on the work that is to be submitted before they go for their holiday. This approach prevents last minute chaos and glitches at work and also provides a perfect desired output leading to no financial losses to the company. Just in case if any of the employees are required to work on the official holiday, they get to compensate for that leisured day in the near future.
Vaibhav More Films
“Since 5 years, I make it a point that my team rests during Diwali. But, I always work during these holidays,” says Vaibhav More, Founder of Vaibhav More Films. The festive season may seem like a boon of projects as lot of Diwali animation content is created during this time. And even this year, Vaibhav is working on a Cadbury commercial for Diwali along with Trace VFX production house. However, his team is on leave for Diwali. Few senior artists work from home as Vaibhav More Films believes that festival is the time when more work comes in play. He also believes, “Diwali is a time of celebration and my team needs to enjoy the festival with a much needed break. Secondly, when the artists return after vacation, the core team that has been working during the holidays already has a couple of things set in the pipeline.” In this way, after the break the artists are set to work afresh!
Toonz Animation
This organisation has planned for one day off on the first day of Diwali. Jayakumar, CEO, Toonz Animation says, “We being situated in Trivandrum where Diwali is celebrated largely but not on the same scale as Onam, the company provides only one working off, while during Onam the company is on a holiday spree for 4 complete days. Even during those days, sometimes the senior managers are busy doing their syndication but the sacred day of Onam, Thiruvonam, also known as Second Onam, is one day when all the 450 employees are on a complete off.”
Vaibhav Studios
Vaibhav Studios, the creators of the Vodafone Zoomies, are already in the Diwali feel as few artists are on leave as they have an official off on this Wednesday and Friday. “We are more of a family than a studio! So, we celebrate the festival as every artist gets a chance to spend quality time with their family members. But, we see to it that we finish our work before and also cover up for the rest when we resume work,” exclaims the founder, Vaibhav Kumaresh. The internal deadlines are maintained but Diwali seems to give a break to Vaibhav Studios as they can ease out their thought processes and return with new ideas.
So, the Diwali cartoons that you see during these festive days might be due to few artists that are working while you are enjoying your holidays. The good part about these creative organisations is that the industry does not face depreciation in the financial aspect due to this break and always cover up for all the work with smart planning and skilled artists. We wish a Happy Diwali to the entire industry, salute their commitment and hope that this ‘Diwali break’ will refresh the industry and give birth to new effective content! After all…Diwali break toh banta hai boss!