Blog

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.

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.

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.

The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) hosted its second “Fun Friday” event for the academic year on July 19, 2024. This monthly initiative serves as a dynamic platform for students to showcase their creative talents through various singing and instrumental performances, promoting artistic expression and community engagement within the student body.

The event took place in room S52 from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm. A total number of  73 students participated in the event. The gathering commenced with a welcome address by Yogeshwaran S M, a student of III B.Sc. Visual Communication, who effectively set an enthusiastic tone for the proceedings. His remarks encouraged fellow students to take advantage of the opportunity to share their talents and connect with one another in a supportive environment.

Mr. P. Kishore Kumar, Head cum Assistant Professor of SAMS, addressed the audience, commending the students for their active involvement. He emphasized the importance of such activities in fostering a well-rounded educational experience and highlighted how participation in creative events enhances both personal growth and professional development.

The event featured a diverse array of performances, ranging from vocal solos to instrumental showcases. The encouragement and support demonstrated by the attendees exemplified the collaborative spirit that SAMS aims to cultivate within its community.

The presence of faculty members further contributed to the event’s success, as they engaged with students and provided valuable encouragement throughout the performances. Their involvement reinforced the institution’s commitment to nurturing a holistic educational environment where creativity and collaboration are prioritized.

The School of Animation and Media Studies conducted a Career Counselling Session titled “Employment Opportunities for Cinematography in Film Industry” on 17.09.2024. The session aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the current trends, skill sets, and career opportunities in cinematography. A total of 13 students participated in the session.

The session was inaugurated by Mr. P. Kishore Kumar, Head and Assistant Professor of the School of Animation and Media Studies. In his opening remarks, Mr. Kishore Kumar highlighted the importance of such sessions in bridging the gap between academia and industry, emphasizing how vital it is for students to stay updated with evolving industry demands.

The keynote speaker for the session was Mr. A. Karthikeyan, an accomplished alumnus, Freelance Cinematographer and Assistant Professor at Cluster Media College, Coimbatore. With extensive experience in the field, Mr. Karthikeyan delivered an engaging and informative session. He discussed the Current Industry Trends, Required Skill Sets and Potential Career Paths.  He also spoke about freelancing opportunities and how students could explore independent projects to build their portfolios.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students actively engaged with the speaker, asking questions about the challenges and rewards of working in the cinematography field.

Overall, the session was highly informative and well-received by the students, offering them valuable insights into the professional world of cinematography. The event successfully fulfilled its objective of guiding aspiring cinematographers on how to navigate their career paths in the ever-evolving film industry

The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) organized a career counselling session titled “Beyond the Silver Screen: Exploring Diverse Careers in the Marketing Industry” on 23rd September 2024. The session was conducted by Mr. Vishnu Senthilprathaban, C.T.O and Creative Head, Vishaan Creators, a renowned creative and marketing agency from Madurai.

A total of 69 students from II B.Sc. Visual Communication (04), III B.Sc. Visual Communication (12), II B.Sc. Animation (23) and III B.Sc. Animation (26) actively took part in the event, which was designed to broaden their understanding of career opportunities within the marketing industry. The speakers from Vishaan Creators provided valuable insights into various sectors such as branding, digital marketing, content creation, social media management, and advertising. They highlighted how the creative skills to be developed in animation, visual storytelling, and multimedia production for crafting compelling marketing campaigns and driving brand narratives.

The session also explored current industry trends, including the rise of digital platforms, influencer marketing, and the integration of animation in online promotions. During the interactive Q&A session, students were able to gain insights into specific career paths, industry expectations, and internship opportunities.

The event equipped the students with the knowledge and skills required for diverse careers, encouraging them to think beyond traditional roles in the media and entertainment industries and explore new fields within marketing and brand development.