10 animation centres by Asian School

Encouraged by the success of its animation academies in Kolkata and Thiruvanathapuram, Toonz Animation India-backed Asian School for Film and Media Studies (ASFMS) has firmed up plans to open around 10 animation schools in the country soon.

The Thiruvananthapuram Technopark-based premier animation company launched the ASFMS as a subsidiary functioning under the Toonz management.

"The investment in each academy will be around Rs 1 to 2 crore. Initially the company will target tier-II metros such as Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad," said P Jayakumar, CEO, Toonz Animation India.

The company will have its second animation school in Thiruvananthapuram very soon in a leased building close to Technopark.

The school will be shifted to the Toonz facility at the Kinfra Film and Video Park in the city suburbs later. Toonz's animation academy in Kolkata operates in association with West Bengal Electronics Development Corporation.

Jayakumar said ASFMS was also planning to establish presence abroad. "We are looking at Singapore, Dubai , China and Sri Lanka to open animation schools under the ASFMS," he added.

"There is a dearth of animation professionals in the country, and we wish to address the issue in an effective way. Further, with a lot of studios coming up in various parts of the country and abroad, there is a need for quality professionals. Toonz's academies would churn out very good quality professionals year after year," said Jayakumar.

"Furthermore, poaching by different studios and animation firms is rampant. This is because all firms look for quality manpower. The academies will address this seriously by giving the industry well trained animation professionals," he added.