With 1,200 plus attendees, Animation Xpress’ Kids Animation & More (KAM) Summit and Ann Awards 2022 was a grandeur making a on-ground comeback at Hotel Sahara Star in Mumbai. With 20 plus power-packed panel discussions, fireside chats, presentations, masterclass and one App launch, the sessions were lined up in two different halls as they took place parallelly.
The Ann Awards 2022 went to 60 plus winners and the venue saw a bustling gathering of students alongside delegates from the entire animation ecosystem; right from broadcasters, brands, agencies to studios and technology companies. The interactive booth space, tech display, and the IP spotlight was a major attraction.
KAM Summit and Ann Awards were presented by Nickelodeon, co-powered by 88 Pictures, Green Gold Animation was the summit partner, infrastructure partner for the event was Yotta. The associate partner for the event included Ssoftoons Animation, Sony YAY! and Zebu Animation Studio. Mikros Animation along with Huion and Reliance Animation acted as support partners. Powerkids Entertainment was the lanyard and batches partner, festival partner was Digicon6 Asia and the execution partner for the event was ITV 2.0 Productions.
Here’s what the industry had to say about KAM Summit and Ann Awards:
“The panel discussion was very thought-provoking. With such a varied range of industry leaders taking part in the discussion, there were multiple fascinating viewpoints that were discussed on how the broadcast universe is evolving. Congratulations to the KAM team for organising a successful chapter of KAM Summit,” said Viacom18 kids TV network marketing head Sonali Bhattacharya.
Looking forward to upcoming events of Animation Xpress, 88 Pictures production co-head Shashank Kulkarni said, “KAM summit was a great platform for the industry to experience the joy of togetherness, celebrate the successes and enforce the belief of a brighter future ahead of us. Glad I could play my part and looking forward to more such endeavors in the future by way of meaningful participation and contributions for the greater good of the industry.”
88 Pictures human resources & talent acquisition VP Saharsh Shah appreciated the special inclusion of Ram Mohan Award For Excellence in Animation and The Arnab Chaudhuri Director’s Award.
“The KAM Summit and Ann Awards were well organized and had a good line up of speakers from studios and companies across the genres. I am sure the students and the participants had a good learning experience. I particularly liked that two award sections were created to commemorate two industry greats,” Shah said.
Speaking about the overall experience at the summit, Ssoftoons CEO Sourav Mondal said, “I immensely appreciate the opportunity to attend the KAM Summit2022 and ANN Award ceremony. Thanks to Animation Xpress, Anil Wanvari and team for giving young leaders and new studios a platform to meet and connect with media professionals.
Presenters were extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Suggestions and discussions were very beneficial and I was very impressed with the professionalism, the service and the information given.”
Mikros Animation creative director Manoj A. Menon shared, “The KAM Summit was a great opportunity to connect with the next generation of animators and catch up with industry colleagues to discuss the milestones we’ve achieved and the future of animation in India.”
An elated ETV Bal Bharat Channel Operations & International Licensing Acquisitions head Shashi Prakash Singh commented, “It was a dream come true whilst we amalgamated the journey of perseverance of our Bal Bharat 12 kids satellite channels with the aura of gathering and wisdom at the KAM Summit and Ann Awards which was beautifully crafted by Animation Xpress on 26 August in Mumbai.
ETV Bal Bharat team is now rejuvenated after winning Ann Awards in three categories, aspires to connect with Animation Xpress in many future endeavors. Salute to the visionary Anil Wanvari ji and the team who initiated the awards commemorating the rich contribution of Arnab Chaudhuri and legendary Ram Mohan. It was a pleasure and honor for ETV Bal Bharat to participate in KAM Summit 2022 and we thank you for all the hospitality and the affection accorded to our team. The topics of panel discussion and the fireside chat that were chosen spoke of the intricate homework done by the meticulous team of Animation Xpress.”
“KAM Summit was an amazing experience, and I was honored to be a speaker there. It was amazing to see how much the Indian animation industry has progressed and how we are contributing to its success. I would like to congratulate the Animation Xpress team for the success of the event,” said Paperboat Design Studios & Occult VFX Studios co-founder/director Mayank Patel.
Praising the sessions spread across the day, Kidzania marketing director Tarandeep Singh Sekhon said, “The panel discussion was very insightful and thought-provoking. With such a diverse range of professional experts, there were multiple interesting viewpoints to how ‘the business side of animation’ can continue to thrive and grow with many-fold applications across multiple areas. Kudos to the KAM team for organising such a fab conclave.”
“After a span of two years, it was indeed a pleasure to be a part of the physical event at KAM summit! I found the panel discussion quite enriching and stimulating. I would like to again reiterate the role of content makers is to think comprehensive ideas on behalf of the brands. I am sure most brands will embrace such concepts leading to wonderful partnerships,” said Parle senior category head Krishnarao Buddha.
“It is good to see and participate in the discussion around how the Indian animation industry can get to the next level to become a force multiplier for brands,” Brand-Building.com independent brand coach and founder Ambi Parameswaran said.
Quoting Jeffrey Katzenberg, Gubbare content & strategy AVP Brian Dcosta said, “’What I love most about animation is, it’s a team sport, and everything we do is about pure imagination.’
Thank you AnimationXpress for making me part of this great event, it was very well organised. KAM Summit brings together all industry professionals & stalwarts under one roof and Ann Awards recognises the best work in the industry. We at Gubbare are proud of our show Akki Jaanbaaz which won the Best 2D show award at ANN. We the broadcasters and the studios should come together as one to produce great content. Good luck to AnimationXpress and looking forward to next year’s KAM Summit.”
YUG Metaverse CEO Utkarsh Shukla said, “Thanks for inviting us. It was great to be a part of it. And also it was great seeing Vir The Robot Boy on YUG Metaverse winning the award.”
“KAM Summit & Ann Awards showcased amazing insights and new talents. It has turned many dreams into possibilities,” said Toonz Media Group distribution and syndication (India) country head Murtuza Kutianawalla.
Adding to team Animation Xpress’ delight over the success of Kids Animation & More (KAM) Summit and Ann Awards 2022, YoBoHo New Media founder & CEO Hitendra Merchant said, “KAM Summit & Ann Awards is a well organised event and my first conference post the pandemic. Well done Animation Xpress.”