Press Release

Highlights from Day 2 of Bengaluru GAFX 2024

  • On the second day of the event, two state-of-the-art platforms were unveiled. The first, Avataar Creator, was introduced by Gaurav Baid, Co-founder & CPO of Avataar. This revolutionary Gen-AI platform is reshaping spatial storytelling, providing businesses and individuals with an unparalleled tool for enhancing product narratives through advanced AI and cutting-edge 3D technologies. Avataar’s proprietary Neural Radiance Field (Nerf) technology simplifies the creation of 3D assets tailored for e-commerce, complemented by the Creator SDK for high-fidelity rendering and interactive experiences. The second, ScriptViz, was launched by Vivek Reddy, CEO/Co-Founder of Viga Entertainment. This platform presents an innovative tool that transforms the visualization of scripts for filmmakers, screenwriters, and directors, incorporating the latest advancements in Large Language Model (LLM) technology.

 

  • During an interesting session, “The Future of Education for AVGC” panelists delved into technological advancements, special effects evolution in movies, and animation’s impact on the entertainment industry. Stressing the necessity of skilling and upskilling in the AVGC sector, the discussion advocated for a curriculum seamlessly blending engineering technology and fine arts. Dr. M C Sudhakar, the Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Karnataka, expressed gratitude for participating in the conference. He acknowledged the transformative impact of technology on cinematic experiences and highlighted the fusion of engineering technology with fine arts in the field. As the Minister for Higher Education, he committed to crafting a curriculum that integrates these elements for aspiring individuals. Driven by the growing demand for skilled professionals, he stressed the need for a formalized education system with recognized certifications. Recognizing the global impact of Indian creativity, Dr. Sudhakar eagerly anticipated insights from industry experts to shape policies and initiatives. He assured the Government of Karnataka’s dedication to collaborating and elevating animation and visual effects education for meaningful experiences and sustainable livelihoods.

 

  • The session on “Indian VFX IPO Stories: Road to Successful IPO” featured insights from Sesha Prasad (DNEG India), Rajan E (Phantom FX), and Nikhil Mehta (Basilic Fly). The discussion underscored the pivotal role of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in fostering expansion and credibility in the VFX sector. The speakers emphasized the importance of building credibility through revenue generation and consistent returns, especially in the face of COVID-19 challenges. Phantom’s strategic priorities, from prioritizing people to expanding services, resulted in significant growth. The session highlighted the positive outlook for the industry, with AI integration, upskilling, and investor confidence playing crucial roles in success stories like Phantom and Basilic Fly’s strategic positioning and diversification.

 

  • In an engaging session titled “VFX Breakdown of the Kannada blockbuster film Charlie 777,” Ganesh Papanna, Managing Director, GG Estates Private Limited, and Rahul V Gopalakrishna- VFX Supervisor – Pinaka Studios discussed the challenges encountered during the film’s production, particularly amid COVID-19 restrictions. With 60% of the film relying on VFX, the team discussed the detailed planning for scenes involving large crowds and the innovative solutions adopted, such as creating 3D models for stadiums and audiences. The session highlighted the use of a well-trained dog in the film, emphasizing the importance of employing multiple cameras to effectively capture its performance. The speakers explored the complexities of shooting in diverse locations, from Kashmir to Bangalore, and the meticulous attention given to VFX for the seamless integration of real and virtual elements. The discussion also covered the studio’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, its gradual yet consistent expansion, and the challenges in recruiting passionate individuals prepared to handle the demanding nature of the industry. Finally, the speakers addressed the constraints of time and budget in VFX filmmaking, emphasizing the need for passion and dedication to overcome early obstacles and achieve success in the field.

 

  • In another session “Upskilling for Game Development: Creating the Knowledge Infrastructure for building Games in India” Yogesh Bhat- Co-founder & CEO, Masai School, Namratha B. Swamy- Chief Operating Officer, Mobile Premier League, Shri Darshan H.V, IAS, Director, Dept. of Electronics, IT & Bt and Managing Director, KITS, Govt. of Karnataka, VJ Shrivastava, Secretary General, Skill Online Gaming Institute discussed about Karnataka’s proactive approach to redefine the gaming narrative, introducing clarity between chance and skill-based games. The state is establishing a Center of Excellence (CoE) to nurture local talent and drive gaming innovation. Also, panelists discussed about the AVGC Gaming Policy 3.0 that aims to regulate the industry and promote responsible gaming. Karnataka envisions dispelling misconceptions, fostering industry growth by leveraging local talent, and addressing challenges through regulatory clarity and talent attraction. The state positions itself as a leader by strategically equipping the talent pool and fostering collaboration, unlocking the gaming industry’s full potential.

 

  • During one session “Augmenting large-scale Global Productions” In a session on “Augmenting large scale Global Productions,” industry experts discussed challenges in animation, visual effects, and gaming production. Topics included multi-site management, data-heavy requirements, and overcoming time zone challenges. The conversation emphasized the growing demand for content creation in India and the need for technology solutions aligned with industry demands, addressing issues like budget constraints and the importance of reliable cloud infrastructure. The session highlighted the role of cloud models, GPU cloud infrastructure, and virtual labs in streamlining production processes. Panelists stressed the importance of flexibility, efficient budgeting, and continuous cloud resource availability for real-time collaboration. They also explored initiatives such as virtualization for education, rendering content in India, and comprehensive AI platforms. The session underscored the market’s shift towards AI-centric architectures, the concept of a “hybrid world,” and talent development for industry transformation.

 

  • In a session titled “Making of VFX in Hollywood Blockbuster – Antman & The Wasp: Quantumania By MPC,” Karthikaswamy S, CG Supervisor, MPC India, Sandesh R, Compositing Supervisor, MPC India, and Amey Todkar, Assets Supervisor, MPC India provided insights into the intricate process of bringing the quantum realm to life. The discussion covered challenges and innovations in visual effects, with a focus on characters like Kang. The workflow, from concept art to compositing, showcased collaborative efforts, emphasizing MPC’s proprietary tools and impressive hardware. Specific challenges, such as Ant-Man’s helmet transformation and the ripple effect for Wenwu, were discussed, revealing creative problem-solving and collaboration. The session also touched on extensive crowd usage, highlighting the complexity of rendering large-scale environments. The dedication to achieving the desired visual impact demonstrated cutting-edge technology and artistic expertise.