Top 5 Innovative Animation Institutes to Watch in 2024

1. Vol. 02 | Issue 07 | 2024 Vol. 02 | Issue 07 | 2024 Vol. 02 | Issue 07 | 2024 www.theknowledgereview.in The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) Empowering Students to Seamlessly Harmonize their Skills Innova?on in From Classroom Anima?on Curriculum to Screen How Top Ins?tutes Stay Innova?ve Techniques at Ahead of the Curve the Top Anima?on Ins?tutes Top 5 Innova?ve Anima?on Ins?tutes to Watch in 2024

4. Spotlighting the Pinnacles of Animation Education nimation has undergone a educational institutions, they are hubs aspiring animators and educators alike. remarkable transformation of innovation, where students are We believe that by recognizing and A A over the years, evolving from encouraged to push the boundaries of celebrating excellence in animation traditional hand-drawn techniques to creativity, explore emerging education, we can foster a culture of sophisticated digital animation technologies, and experiment with new innovation and collaboration that will storytelling techniques. propel the industry forward in the years methods. This evolution has been driven by advancements in technology, to come. changes in audience preferences, and The latest edition, "Top 5 Innovative the globalization of the entertainment Animation Institutes to Watch in 2024," Happy Reading! industry. Today, animation is not only is the result of The Knowledge confined to the silver screen but also Review's pursuit of acknowledging the permeates various facets of our lives, efforts of these institutes. These from advertising and gaming to institutes have laid the foundation for education and virtual reality future innovation. From cutting-edge Gopal Ingole experiences. curriculum to state-of-the-art facilities and industry collaborations, these - Gopal Ingole In this era of innovation and creativity, institutes are at the forefront of animation institutes play an integral animation education, shaping the next role in shaping the future of the generation of animators, storytellers, industry. These institutes serve as and creative visionaries. incubators of talent, providing aspiring animators with the skills, knowledge, In featuring these institutes, our aim is and resources they need to thrive in a not only to showcase their competitive landscape. More than mere achievements but also to inspire Editor’s Editor’s Note

5. People Behind this Magazine Editor-in-Chief Pooja Bansal Managing Editor Assisting Editors Gopal Ingole Ananya Mishra Art & Design Head and Visualiser Co-designer Rahul Shinde Saurabh Gole Asst. Manager Team Lead Vice President Asst. Vice President Naitiki Ambekar Swati More Swapnali Vasaikar Ashwini Pahurkar A Technical Specialist Digital Marketing Manager SME-SMO Executive Circulation Manager Rajeshwari Avhad Renuka Kulkarni Sagar Lahigade Tanaji Fartade February, 2024 sales@theknowledgereview.com Follow us on theknowledgereview theknowledgerv CORPORATE OFFICE The Knowledge Review Survey No.133/134, Brand Square, Office No. 512, Kunjir Chowk, Pimple Saudagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411027 Phone - India: +91 7410079881/ 82/83/ 84/ 85 Email - info@theknowledgereview.com Subscription - www.theknowledgereview.com Copyright © 2024 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights success. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. The Knowledge Review is powered by Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd.

6. Top Innovative Ins?tutes To Watch in 2024 5 Link Name of the Institute Brief Annapurna International School of Film and Media offers a curriculum that extends beyond the Annapurna International https://www.acfm.edu.in/ fundamentals, imparting students with invaluable School of Film and Media insights and foundational knowledge. Aswaforce embodies a culture of innovation and excellence, ensuring that its clients receive top-notch https://aswaforce.com/ Aswaforce Pvt Ltd service and achieve their objectives effectively. Design Maniac offers training in fundamental skills at an introductory level to individuals aspiring for a Design Maniac https://designmaniac.in/ fulfilling career in Animation and Design. The Institute of Creative Excellence is positioned to https://www.the lead in offering internationally recognized training Institute of and industry mentorship combined with cutting- Creative Excellence iceinstitute.com/ edge infrastructure to nurture talented individuals. With its commitment to excellence, innovation, and industry relevance, The School of Animation and The School of Animation https://slcs.edu.in/ Media Studies (SAMS) continues to inspire and and Media Studies (SAMS) empower the next generation of animators.

7. Contents Cover Story The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) 08 Empowering Students to Seamlessly Harmonize their Skills Innova?on in Articles 12 Anima?on Curriculum How Top Ins?tutes Stay Ahead of the Curve From Classroom 18 to Screen Innova?ve Techniques at the Top Anima?on Ins?tutes

8. The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) Empowering Students to Seamlessly Harmonize their Skills

9. areer-oriented programs are instrumental in preparing students for the complexities of the C professional world by providing them with the right blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and We are proud to be pioneers industry exposure. Institutes offering these programs often establish strong networks with industry professionals. This in the field of educa?on to provides students with opportunities to interact with offer B.Sc., Anima?on as a experts, attend industry events, and build valuable connections that can aid in their career development. full-?me degree program under a university. Among these institutes The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) is at the forefront. It is a distinguished unit of Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy College of Science (SLCS), which was established in 1994 under the visionary leadership of Dr. R. Lakshmipathy, the Founder President and Joint Managing Editor of the largest circulated Tamil Daily, "Dinamalar." Driven by a deep commitment to address the employability challenges faced by conventional degree graduates in the early '90s, Dr. R. its commitment to alignment with industry standards and Lakshmipathy's vision materialized into the establishment requirements through regular semester-wise Board of of an institution dedicated to offering career-oriented degree Studies meetings. This sustained effort reflects the programs. institution's dedication to staying abreast of industry dynamics and providing students with education that meets SLCS, an autonomous institution has evolved into a contemporary professional needs. pioneering institution, focusing exclusively on career- oriented degree programs. SLCS has evolved into a Encompassing Diverse Array of Disciplines pioneering institution, focusing exclusively on career- The curriculum at the institution encompasses a diverse oriented degree programs. Accredited with a B+ grade by array of disciplines, showcasing a commitment to providing NAAC and affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University, a well-rounded education. This includes Fine Arts, covering SAMS at SLCS has continually adapted to the evolving Drawing, Painting, and Sculpting; Architecture, with a landscape of technology and media studies. In 2009, the focus on Interior, Exterior, and Elevation design; Department of Animation was established, offering the Animation, incorporating Traditional, 2D, and 3D innovative B.Sc. Animation program. Recognizing the Animation; Gaming, encompassing Design and growing demand for skilled professionals in the industry, Development; CG, spanning VFX and Virtual Production; the department transformed into the School of Animation Film Production, covering Photography, Cinematography, and Media Studies in 2023. and Editing; Emerging Technologies, such as VR, AR, Mocap, and Photogrammetry; Design, including Graphics, Bridging Educational Gaps Digital, and UI&UX; Programming, covering HTML, C#, The institution has successfully established Memoranda of Python, and Java; and Marketing, which includes Digital Understanding (MoUs) with numerous industry-leading Marketing, Social Media Management, and companies, fostering collaborations that effectively bridge Entrepreneurship Development. the gap between the industry and the institution. The curriculum undergoes meticulous tailoring to align Since the inception of the program, the institution's seamlessly with the demands of the industry. As part of this curriculum has been meticulously crafted around the commitment, industry experts actively participate as principles of "Project-Based Learning," with an impressive members in the institution's Board of Studies meetings, 90 percent of the courses being inherently practical. The ensuring a continuous process of course validation. institution not only motivates but also provides guidance to students in developing portfolios and showreels. Moreover, Incorporating the invaluable insights and recommendations active mentoring empowers students to explore freelance from these industry experts into the curriculum is a opportunities and engage in part-time artistic endeavours consistent practice. Additionally, the institution maintains (Earn while you learn).

10. Enriching Creativity Animation serves as a dynamic platform at the institution, empowering students to enrich their creativity through immersive experiences that stimulate their imagination. A remarkable 90 percent of courses are delivered in a practical format, ensuring students gain real-time experience. Each course begins with an introductory phase, delves into core concepts, explores the latest technologies, methods and adaptations which culminate hands-on exercises providing students with a comprehensive and experiential learning journey. The School of Animation and Media Studies stands as the Dr.R.Lakshmipathy sole provider in South Tamil Nadu to boast a coveted President, Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy partnership with Unity Academic Alliance, opening up College of Science opportunities for students to delve into the world of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR & VR). It is actively pursuing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading companies, aiming to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as Motion Capture and Photogrammetry Since the incep?on of our into its curriculum. Anticipating the future, it also offers an additive course on 3D Printing. program, our curriculum has The School of Animation and Media Studies (SAMS) been me?culously designed proudly introduces modern programs tailored for students around the principles of "Project- who have completed their high school education (+2). It offers B.Sc. Animation with specializations in Game Design Based Learning. and Development, as well as Visual Effects and Film Production. UG graduates can pursue a PG Diploma in Animation Techniques. Its curriculum is enriched with

11. Top 5 Innova?ve Anima?on Ins?tutes to Watch in 2024 job-ready courses covering UI & UX, 2D & 3D Animation, Disney's 2016 movie, "The Jungle Book," as part of Visual Effects, Virtual Production, AR & VR, Motion his talented crew. Their company, MPC, located in Capture, Photogrammetry, 3D Printing, and Film Bangalore, earned the prestigious Oscar Award in Production techniques. 2017 for their outstanding work. • Mr. S.Nagaraja Dharsan (2015- 2018 batch) Innovating Teaching Methodologies showcased his artistic talent by securing the 2nd prize SAMS’s paramount objective, spanning from the precision and a cash reward of Rs. 5,000 in a drawing in curriculum design to the innovation in teaching competition organized by the Madurai Isha Yoga methodologies, is to empower students to seamlessly Centre. harmonize their skills with the dynamic requirements of the • Its dedicated alumnus, Mr. Suganeshwaran (2020 - industry. 2023 batch), earned the Best Character Designer Award for his 2D Animation short film, Renowned industry experts actively participate as mentors "Remembrance," at the Gateway Festival 2023 at and advisors, imparting invaluable insights to guide SAMS Anna University, Chennai. students in excelling in a dynamic marketplace and staying • Ms. Bala Shri Swetha (2020 - 2023 batch) made a at the forefront of the latest industry advancements. This notable impact by winning a prize in the Photography collaborative relationship provides students who join this competition at Exposure 2022, an event organized by industry-integrated institute with exceptional opportunities the Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science, to engage in real-time projects. Supported by its cutting- Chennai. edge infrastructure, they gain hands-on experience with live • Ms. Madhubala (2020–2023 batch) got placed with projects across a diverse array of studios. CTC of Rs. 75,000/- per month for her internship and placement at the prestigious corporate "OLA." nd • Ms. Abuja (2022-25 batch) won 2 Prize in Regional The institute has received numerous awards throughout the journey. It includes: Level Story Telling Competition. nd • Mr. Ramesh, (2009–2012 batch), was recruited by the • Ms. Thamarai Selvi (2023-26 batch) won 2 Prize in Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and is the Regional Level Face Painting Competition. currently leading the Multimedia Team in the Multimedia Department. Offering Value-added Courses • Techmahindra hired Mr. Dhanabalan, a 2012–2015 In SAMS' comprehensive curriculum students explore Batch alumni with extensive expertise as a 3D courses such as Cultural Heritage of India, Environmental generalist, in recognition of his excellent skills. Science, and Value Education. As an enhancement, students • Its alumnus, Mr. Praveen Kumar (2013 – 2016 Batch), also have the opportunity to enroll in a value-added course and his team achieved distinction by securing the Best focusing on professional communication, equipping them Animation Movie Award for their film "Sutta Vadai" at with the confidence and conciseness required for effective the Gateway Festival at Anna University, Chennai. professional communication. • Another accomplished alumnus, Mr. Rajamanickam (2014 – 2017 Batch), earned recognition by winning This comprehensive approach empowers students to delve the Best VFX Award on October 12th, 2019, in the into the core values, cultural traditions, and integrity of the Nalaiya Iyakkunar 2019 Season – 8 contest hosted by nation. Furthermore, students actively engage in Kalaingar TV. commemorating both national and international events • Its alumnus, Mr. Kiran Raj (2014 – 2017 batch), who through the creation of awareness posters and videos. These was working in the Tata Elxsi for a long time, is creations are prominently featured on the institution's currently on his way to London to work for "Jaguar: official social media page, contributing to the enlightenment Luxury Sedans." and engagement of society. • Mr. Shiva (2015- 2018 batch) and his team also claimed the Best Animation Movie Award for their As part of their educational journey, students embark on short film in the DSNOVA 2017 event organized by educational field trips to historical sites. These outdoor Dreamzone, Madurai. study experiences provide an enriched understanding of • Its esteemed alumni, Mr. Balasubramani ancient eras and offer a hands-on, practical perspective to Parthasarathy, made significant contributions to their learning.

12. Our college offers only Career Oriented Degree Programs. Understanding the Future Technology's Growth, Development, Demand, Opportuni?es and Scope, the department was established. he faculty team, alumni, and industry experts serve as mentors for the students, assisting them in T gaining knowledge and exposure that will help them wrap up their projects, develop their showreels or demo reels, acquire knowledge about the latest developments in the industry, etc. As a result, Innovative Project-based Learning has been effectively finished, which positively impacts their promising future. Fostering Entrepreneurship Development The curriculum is designed in connection with entrepreneurship development, and students are encouraged to develop unique concepts for start-up companies. To gain exposure towards the industry, students are encouraged to work in self-driven projects. For the Industry-Academia Collaboration, SAMS has organized the Madurai SLCS Animation Summit in November 2023. Furthermore, it plans to scale-up the studios for the preview theater and virtual production. Additionally, SAMS is hoping to launch a gaming club for students that will educate them on the design and development of the gaming industry and make it possible to monetize it by launching in the Play Store. SAMS intends to publish a magazine periodically with articles from professionals on industrial expert talks, ideas, and trends as well as works developed by the student fraternity.

14. How Top Institutes Stay Ahead of the Curve n the dynamic and rapidly institutions can tailor their curricula to evolving field of animation, align with current practices and I staying ahead of the curve is emerging trends, ensuring that students imperative for educational institutions graduate with relevant skills and aiming to produce industry-ready knowledge. professionals. Top institutes around the world recognize the importance of Integration of Emerging continuously innovating their Technologies animation curricula to equip students Innovation in animation education with the skills and knowledge required often involves the integration of to thrive in the competitive animation emerging technologies into the industry. curriculum. Institutes leverage cutting- edge tools and software used in Understanding Industry Trends professional animation studios to One of the fundamental aspects of provide students with hands-on staying ahead in the animation experience and practical skills. From education landscape is keeping abreast 3D modeling and virtual reality to of industry trends. Top institutes motion capture and augmented reality, actively engage with professionals, incorporating these technologies into studios, and industry experts to gain the curriculum enables students to stay insights into the latest developments, ahead of the technological curve and technologies, and demands within the prepares them for the challenges of animation sector. By understanding the tomorrow's animation industry. evolving needs of the industry, these 12 | www.theknowledgereview.in February 2024|

15. Innovation in Animation Curriculum www.theknowledgereview.in February 2024 | 13 |

16. Interdisciplinary Approach networking opportunities, and real- success in the ever-evolving animation Top institutes recognize that animation world projects. Internship programs industry. By understanding industry is a multidisciplinary field that allow students to gain firsthand trends, integrating emerging intersects with various domains, experience in professional settings, technologies, adopting an including art, design, technology, and apply their skills in a real-world interdisciplinary approach, storytelling. As such, they adopt an context, and establish connections that emphasizing project-based learning, interdisciplinary approach to their can facilitate their transition into the fostering industry partnerships, animation curricula, encouraging workforce upon graduation. focusing on soft skills, and maintaining collaboration across different adaptability and flexibility, these departments and disciplines. By Focus on Soft Skills institutes ensure that their animation integrating elements of fine arts, In addition to technical skills, top programs remain at the forefront of graphic design, computer science, and institutes place a strong emphasis on innovation, producing graduates who narrative development into the developing students' soft skills, such as are not only skilled animators but also curriculum, these institutes nurture communication, collaboration, creative, adaptable, and ready to make well-rounded animators capable of creativity, and critical thinking. These their mark in the world of animation. tackling diverse projects and adapting skills are essential for success in the to the evolving demands of the animation industry, where teamwork, One of the key aspects driving industry. problem-solving, and effective innovation in animation curricula at top institutes is the integration of communication are often crucial to Project-based Learning project outcomes. Through group cutting-edge technology and tools. Hands-on, project-based learning is a projects, presentations, critiques, and Institutes continuously update their cornerstone of innovative animation workshops, students hone their soft curriculum to incorporate the latest software, hardware, and techniques curricula. Top institutes emphasize skills, preparing them to navigate the practical experience and real-world used in the animation industry. This challenges of collaborative work ensures that students are well-equipped projects, allowing students to apply environments and excel in their careers. theoretical concepts in a practical with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. setting. Whether working on short films, interactive media projects, or Adaptability and Flexibility In conclusion, innovation in animation collaborative ventures with industry Innovation in animation curricula also involves adaptability and flexibility to curricula at top institutes is driven by a partners, students gain valuable accommodate the evolving needs and experience, develop problem-solving commitment to staying ahead of the aspirations of students and the industry. curve in terms of technology, teaching skills, and build their portfolios, methodologies, and industry relevance. enhancing their employability upon Top institutes regularly review and update their curricula, incorporating By embracing innovation, these graduation. feedback from students, alumni, institutes empower students to unleash faculty, and industry partners. They their creative potential, develop Industry Partnerships and Internships remain agile and responsive to changes technical expertise, and become future- ready animation professionals poised Collaboration with industry partners in technology, industry trends, and pedagogical best practices, ensuring to make a mark in the dynamic and and offering internship opportunities is that their programs remain relevant, ever-expanding animation industry. another key strategy employed by top competitive, and in tune with the institutes to ensure the relevance and currency of their animation curricula. dynamic nature of the animation field. By partnering with animation studios, Innovation in animation curricula is production companies, and multimedia essential for top institutes to stay ahead firms, these institutes provide students with access to industry professionals, of the curve and prepare students for 14 | www.theknowledgereview.in February 2024|

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20. From Classroom to Screen 18 | www.theknowledgereview.in February 2024|

21. Innovative Techniques at the Top Animation Institutes nimation has evolved into a effort in providing students with an environment conducive to learning and dynamic and multifaceted A industry, encompassing innovation. various forms such as 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion, and more. Project-based Learning To thrive in this competitive landscape, One of the most effective techniques animation institutes worldwide are embraced by top animation institutes is continually innovating their teaching project-based learning. Instead of methods and curricula to equip traditional lectures and exams, students students with the skills and expertise are immersed in hands-on projects that needed to succeed. mirror professional production pipelines. By working on real-world Immersive Learning Environments projects, students develop essential Top animation institutes recognize the skills such as time management, importance of creating immersive problem-solving, and teamwork while learning environments that simulate gaining practical experience that real-world industry settings. From prepares them for the industry. state-of-the-art studios equipped with the latest technology to collaborative Industry Collaboration workspaces that encourage creativity Top animation institutes understand the and teamwork, these institutes spare no importance of staying connected with www.theknowledgereview.in February 2024 | 19 |

22. the industry to ensure that their workshops to character development personalize the learning experience for curriculum remains relevant and up-to- classes, students learn how to craft each student. By analyzing students' date. Through collaborations with engaging narratives that resonate with performance, preferences, and animation studios, production houses, audiences. By honing their storytelling progress, these platforms deliver and industry professionals, these skills, students not only create more customized learning pathways and institutes provide students with impactful animations but also recommendations, ensuring that opportunities to learn from industry differentiate themselves in a students receive targeted support and experts, gain insights into industry competitive industry. resources to maximize their learning trends, and even work on real projects outcomes. for clients. Such collaborations not Diversity and Inclusion only enrich the learning experience but Top animation institutes recognize the Remote Learning and Virtual also provide students with valuable importance of diversity and inclusion Studios networking opportunities that can lead in fostering creativity and innovation. The advent of remote learning to internships and job placements. By embracing students from diverse technologies has transformed the way backgrounds and perspectives, these animation education is delivered. Top Specialized Workshops and institutes cultivate a rich and vibrant animation institutes have embraced Masterclasses learning environment where ideas online learning platforms and virtual In addition to regular coursework, top flourish. Moreover, they strive to studio environments to provide animation institutes offer specialized incorporate diverse voices and students with flexible learning options workshops and masterclasses narratives into their curriculum, and access to industry-standard tools conducted by industry professionals. ensuring that students are exposed to a and resources from anywhere in the These sessions cover a wide range of wide range of cultural influences and world. Through virtual classrooms, topics, from advanced animation storytelling traditions. live-streamed lectures, and remote techniques to emerging technologies collaboration tools, students can such as virtual reality (VR) and Integration of Emerging engage with instructors and peers in augmented reality (AR). By exposing Technologies real time, participate in interactive students to cutting-edge tools and In today's digital age, animation workshops, and even work on techniques, these workshops empower extends beyond traditional 2D and 3D collaborative projects remotely, them to push the boundaries of techniques. Top animation institutes mirroring the distributed nature of creativity and innovation in their work. are at the forefront of integrating modern animation production emerging technologies into their pipelines. Mentorship Programs curriculum. For instance, institutes are Mentorship programs play a crucial increasingly incorporating courses on Innovative techniques are at the heart role in nurturing the next generation of virtual reality (VR) and augmented of top animation institutes, driving animation talent. Top animation reality (AR) animation, allowing creativity, and excellence in the next institutes pair students with industry students to explore new realms of generation of animators. From professionals who provide guidance, storytelling and interactive immersive learning environments to feedback, and support throughout their experiences. By mastering these industry collaborations and specialized academic journey. Whether it's advice technologies, students not only expand workshops, these institutes provide on refining their portfolio or insights their skill sets but also position students with the tools, knowledge, and into career opportunities, mentors play themselves at the forefront of opportunities they need to succeed in a a vital role in shaping the future of innovation in the animation industry. dynamic and ever-evolving industry. aspiring animators. By embracing innovation and staying Adaptive Learning Platforms ahead of the curve, top animation Focus on Storytelling To cater to the diverse learning styles institutes are shaping the future of At the heart of every great animation is and needs of students, top animation animation and inspiring the next wave a compelling story. Top animation institutes are leveraging adaptive of creative talent. institutes emphasize the importance of learning platforms. These platforms storytelling as a core component of utilize artificial intelligence and their curriculum. From scriptwriting machine learning algorithms to 20 | www.theknowledgereview.in February 2024|