“Madurai Animation Summit 2023”

The Department of Animation organized the “Madurai Animation Summit 2023” on November 17, 2023, at our college campus, with the goal of raising awareness among the younger generation about the growing importance, need, and future scope for animation artists. The summit featured a variety of insightful sessions, focusing on different aspects of animation production, distribution, and emerging technologies, led by both industry professionals and enthusiasts. Distinguished chief guests, including

Dr. Prabhakar Vedhamanickam, Head of the PG Department of Tamil at American College, Madurai;            Mr. Darling Richard Son, renowned film editor from Chennai; and Mr. Bala Seyameshwaran, Managing Director of Seyamesh Solutions, Madurai, graced the event and shared their expert perspectives, greatly enriching the summit.

As part of the celebration, creative competitions such as Drawing, Short Film, and Photography were conducted for +1 and +2 students, allowing them to explore and showcase their artistic talents through self-made projects. The event provided a comprehensive understanding of the animation industry’s potential while nurturing the creativity of young minds, positioning the summit as a platform for learning and inspiration for the next generation of animation artists.100 Students were benefitted through this event.

 

INDUSTRIAL VISIT: FIELD TRIP TO KARAIKUDI

D.P. Roy Choudhury Association of Animation department organized a Industrial Visit as “Field Trip to Karaikudi” on 29.07.2023. The Students from I, II & III year were taken to this trip. The Main objective of this trip is to know the Tradition & Architecture of Art. Karaikudi and surrounding areas are generally referred as “Chettinad”. The Students were taken to the luxurious and beautiful Athangudi Palace in Karaikudi. It is a house with 600 ornate windows and 64 grand rooms with tiles imported from Italy, coloured glasses brought all the way from Belgium, intricately carved massive wooden doors and jharokhas, Massive Varandas covered in Chettinad Tiles beautifully coloured artwork all across. The design is heavily influenced by Indo-European architecture, and it is evident in every corner. Then the students were taken to Kundrakudi Temple to observe the Ancient Architecture. At last they were taken to Chettinad Vintage Car and Camera Museum. An impressive collection of vintage cars and cameras, which is undoubtedly a treat for automobile and photography enthusiasts. A lot of them are in working condition and the manager there is graceful enough to demonstrate them as well.The Students enjoyed the Trip and they sketched & photographed the visited places. The Event ended fruitfully and totally 75 students were benefitted through this event.

INDUSTRIAL TOUR: INDIA GAME DEVELOPER CONFERENCE (IGDC)CONFERENCE

The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) organized an industrial tour for 18 Animation students to the prestigious “India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) 2023” from November 2 to 4, 2023. Led by Mr. P. Kishore Kumar, Head of SAMS, and two faculty members.

Over three days, students attended sessions and workshops conducted by industry experts, gaining insights into game design, emerging technologies, storytelling, market trends, and monetization strategies. They explored cutting-edge tools and technologies through interactive workshops and live demonstrations, enhancing their skills in animation, programming, and virtual reality (VR). The event highlighted the latest advancements shaping the future of gaming and emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation in the field. Students also gained exposure to real-world applications of their craft and the challenges of the industry. The conference provided invaluable opportunities for networking and career exploration, equipping students with knowledge and direction for their professional journey.

 

“Experience Meets Aspiration: Enhancing Soft Skills for All Levels”

On June 23, 2023, the Department of Animation successfully conducted a workshop titled “Experience Meets Aspiration: Enhancing Soft Skills for All Levels.” The primary objective of the workshop was to improve communication skills among students and address common barriers to effective communication. The session was handled by Dr. S. Priya, Dean of Academics, who brought her wealth of experience and knowledge to guide the participants.

Dr. Priya’s session focused on practical techniques for enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication, fostering better understanding, and overcoming communication challenges. The interactive workshop allowed students to engage in discussions and activities designed to help them identify and overcome their communication weaknesses, encouraging more confidence and clarity in their interactions.

Overall, the workshop provided valuable insights and strategies for improving communication skills, helping students develop essential soft skills for personal and professional success.The Event ended fruitfully andtotally 55 students from II, III B.Sc. Animation were benefitted through this event.

Seminar on Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Packaging Industry

D.P.Roy Choudhury Association of Animation department organized a Seminar on “Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Packaging Industry” on 27.06.2023 at the Animation Academic Lab-I at 11.00 A.M.

Mr.Krishnan, Founder, Yellow bag Foundation, Madurai was the Chief Guest for the event. Mr.P.Kishore Kumar, Head i/c cum Assistant Professor, Dept. of Animation welcomed the guest and thanked him for spending time with the students of the college. The Guest addressed the students that, Packaging is important for various reasons. First and foremost, it protects the products when being handled and shipped to the various retail locations, making sure the customers don’t receive broken items that need to be returned or exchanged. As a marketing tool, packaging plays an important role too. He also insisted that Packaging allows for the product to reach the consumer in the most economical way possible and creates ease of storage. He concluded the speech with the points that Packaging innovation seeks to increase resource efficiency, eliminate waste and reduce environmental impact through improved design and the use of alternative materials. The Event ended fruitfully andtotally 55 students from II, III B.Sc. Animation were benefitted through this event.

 

Workshop on 2D Animation: Script to Screen

D.P. Roy Choudhury Association of Animation department organized a Two days’ Workshop on “2D Animation: Script to Screen” on August 23 & 24, 2023 at the Animation Academic Lab – I. The Students from I, II, III B. Sc. Animation were participated in the workshop.

The Program started with the welcome address by Mr.P.Kishore Kumar, Head i/c cum AssistantProfessor, Dept. of Animation and the presidential address was delivered by Dr.R.Sujatha, Principal-SLCS. Mr.Marimuthu, Freelance 2D Artist from Chennai was the Chief Guest for the Workshop.

He took the students through2D Foundation Art, drawing for animation, animation principles & techniques. He also taught the essentials of animation analysis as well as animation layout using traditional and digital techniques. He showed that how to create drawings between Key Frames and how to clean-up and prepare drawings for Colour Correction & Colour balance process & the techniques of creating Key drawings.

          He helped the students during the practice session and the doubts were wonderfully clarified by the resource person. The Workshop ended productively and totally
75 Students were benefitted through this event.

 

“ANITALK-THE NEW WAVE: TRENDS RESHAPING GRAPHIC DESIGN TODAY”

ALUMNI INTERACTION CUM CAREER GUIDANCE PROGRAM

“ANITALK-THE NEW WAVE: TRENDS RESHAPING GRAPHIC DESIGN TODAY” – 26.10.2024

The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) successfully conducted an Alumni Interaction cum Career Guidance Program on “Anitalk-The New Wave: Trends Reshaping Graphic Design Today”. The event featured Mr. Gokulram, a proud alumnus from the 2018-21 Batch, who currently works as a Graphic Designer & Video Editor at Lincode Labs  Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore. Aimed at II-year B.Sc. Animation students, the program was designed to offer in-depth insights into the Trend in Graphic Design.

Drawing from his rich industry experience, Mr. Gokulram shared detailed insights into the latest tools, techniques, and design philosophies that are redefining the creative landscape. He highlighted the importance of staying updated with industry trends, embracing technology, and cultivating creativity to thrive in the competitive world of design.

The session also delved into practical aspects such as career opportunities, skill enhancement, and portfolio building, offering students a roadmap to establish successful careers in graphic design. Totally 23 Students were participated in the event.

SAMS Odyssey : VEGAS 2024

The School of Animation and Media Studies’s (SAMS) students actively participated in the VEGAS Fest 2024, held on September 28 & 29, 2024 at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai. This premier event brought together top professionals and industry leaders in VFX, Game Design, Animation, and Extended Reality (XR). A total of 35 students and 5 faculty members represented SAMS, engaging in keynote addresses, workshops, panel discussions, live demonstrations, and an awards ceremony, making it an enriching platform for learning and professional growth.

Students were excited to attend sessions led by industry veterans like Srinivas Mohan (Visual Effects Supervisor), A.R. Seshaprasad (Head of Studio, DNEG India), and Bejoy Arputharaj (Founder & CEO, PhantomFX). These speakers shared valuable insights into the future of the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector, inspiring attendees with their expertise and vision. The keynote addresses highlighted the evolving landscape of media production, emphasizing advancements in immersive technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Among the highlights were special sessions like “AI: Ally or Enemy?”, which examined AI’s impact on the media industry, and “The Making of Ayalaan,” providing a look at integrating live-action and 3D alien characters. The panel titled “Virtual Production: Real or Hype?” discussed the future of virtual production in filmmaking, a growing area of interest.

Through this event, SAMS students gained invaluable exposure to cutting-edge technologies and practices. The hands-on workshops and live demonstrations, including a live sculpting session, provided practical experience and inspiration. The visit empowered the SAMS delegation with knowledge and connections, positioning them as future innovators in the AVGC-XR sectors.

SAMS ODYSSEY : INDUSTRIAL VISIT TO PHANTOM DIGITAL EFFECTS LIMITED, CHENNAI

The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) organized an industrial visit to Phantom Digital Effects on September 30, 2024, with 35 students and 4 faculty members in attendance. The visit commenced with an introduction to the company profile, where students learned about the studio’s history, achievements, and its significant contributions to the visual effects industry. The overview provided context on PhantomFX’s role in delivering cutting-edge VFX for feature films and commercials, giving students a sense of the company’s impact on the global stage.

The students were introduced to PhantomFX’s production pipeline, which gave them a comprehensive look into the different stages of visual effects creation. The pipeline explanation covered key processes like concept design, 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and compositing, offering students a full understanding of how a VFX project is developed from idea to completion.

An interactive session was led by Anish S., CG Supervisor at PhantomFX. Anish engaged with the students, answering questions about the industry, sharing his professional experiences, and offering advice on the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the VFX field. His session clarified many aspects of the production process and gave students a clearer idea of the career paths available in the visual effects industry.

The visit concluded with a floor walk, where the students observed PhantomFX artists working on live projects. This practical exposure offered an up-close look at the tools and techniques employed in creating visual effects, helping students understand the real-world application of the skills they are developing in their studies.

CAREER GUIDANCE PROGRAM ON EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF GAMING

The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) recently conducted a Workshop cum Career Guidance Session titled “Exploring the Future of Gaming.” A total of 39 students from I B.Sc. Animation Game Design and Development Specialization (12) and   III B.Sc. Animation (27), providing them with a valuable opportunity to delve into the rapidly evolving gaming industry. The workshop aimed to equip students with insights and knowledge to help them navigate their career paths effectively.

The session was led by Mr. Ajay Kumar Srinivasan, Program Director at Hero Vired, who is well-known for his expertise in the gaming sector. Mr. Ajay began the session by discussing the various stages of the interview process at gaming companies. He emphasized the importance of preparation, including understanding the specific requirements of each role and the types of skills that employers look for in candidates.

Mr. Ajay focused on the crucial aspect of portfolio creation. He explained that a strong portfolio is essential for showcasing an individual’s skills and creativity. During the session, he reviewed student showreels, providing personalized feedback and highlighting areas for improvement.

Furthermore, Mr. Ajay emphasized the diverse career opportunities available for animation students beyond gaming. He discussed the growing demand for animation in fields such as medicine and the automobile industry. He highlighted how animation plays a vital role in creating engaging educational content for medical training and simulations, as well as in visualizing complex processes in automotive design. By expanding their skill sets and exploring these interdisciplinary opportunities, students can enhance their employability and find rewarding careers in various sectors.

Throughout the session, Mr. Ajay provided valuable insights into the future of the gaming industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in an ever-changing landscape.