Toonz, Webel sign agreement for animation school

Toonz Animation India, a subsidiary of Toonz Animation USA, has signed an agreement with West Bengal Electronics Development Corporation (Webel), a state government body, to set up a development and training institute for animation.

The institute would be housed in Salt Lake, the IT zone of Kolkata. P Jayakumar, chief operating officer of Toonz Animation India, said the company has formed a revenue-sharing arrangement with Webel, but declined to reveal further details.

While Webel would support the venture with infrastructure and all other amenities, Toonz would bring in its expert faculty to train students.

The deal was mutually beneficial as Toonz, a pioneer in the animation industry, was in search of creative talent for its work. The state government, on the other hand, was trying to create an environment to nurture emerging opportunities in the service segment.

To start with, the academy would take in 50 students. There would be two courses "" a one-year diploma course for beginners and a certificate course for advanced learners. The fees for the four-semester diploma course would be Rs 30,000 per semester.

The certificate course would commence later. Addressing a seminar on animation aimed at showcasing the academy, Prasenjit Ganguly of Toonz Animation India said there is immense scope in the field of animation in India.

Putting all fears on ban of outsourcing to rest, he said, even if outsourcing stopped for good, the domestic market could generate adequate demand for animation.