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.