Event Coverage
Animation expert sees future growth in TV, fantasy films
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MUMBAI: Computer animation and special effects programmes on television and fantasy films will drive growth in the animation sector. These predictions were made by experts during the session on animation at the seminar on technology for information, media and entertainment organised by FICCI, NASSCOM, TIE and e-Entertainment alliance held on 13 March 2003 on the pre-inaugural day of Frames 2003. |
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Speaking to indiantelevision.com, one of the panelists, Mike Milne from the UK-based Framestore CFC’s confirmed the trend by saying: “There are two major segments which will fuel growth in the animation sector across the globe – TV animation shows and fantasy films. TV programming executives have started taking computer animation and special effects on television seriously. There is a huge future in creating documentaries with computer-aided graphics and animation.” Milne points out that the pitch for the same started nearly 12-14 years ago when the US-based Hallmark channel approached UK’s animation experts for a TV series with special effects, it set off a major trend a decade ago. Thus was born “Gullivers Travels” – the six hour TV series which became immensely popular. The series was shown in three parts and climbed peaks of popularity.  “After Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park movie series became a global blockbuster, a British TV producer wanted to do a series on dinosaurs for television. When he approached Hollywood experts, they quoted a phenomenal rate of $ 10,000 per second. Framestore CFC accepted the challenge of realising his dream and we ended up charging the producer $ 500 per second for the TV series.” Milne adds that the challenge is to ensure the same quality as one sees in feature films. The animation and special effects had to look as if it was the real thing. “The success of this TV series made for BBC spawned off a series of TV documentary films and series. Currently, BBC airs programmes such as BBC Natural History, BBC Specialist Factual, BBC Horizon amongst others. Eminent personalities such as Sam Neill have been hosting such shows,” Milne adds. Milne also states that other emerging sector is the genre of fantasy telefilm series for children and adults on the lines of movies such as Honey, I Shrunk the Kids!. In the developed nations, TV producers have already started special TV series based on the world of dreams and fantasies. “The challenge is ensure that technology is leveraged effectively so that the special effects don’t seem unreal. The key is to blend them into the story-line seamlessly,” says Milne. Experts present at the seminar also agreed that India has to explore various options and move up the chain from comics to C&S TV animation shows to Home Videos animation shows to animation films. Simultaneously, the key is to ensure that animation is used in education, infotainment and entertainment. Increased domestic consumption can fuel growth for the Indian animation industry. The western world has already embarked upon the path. Are the Indian TV producers and channel heads listening? |
Event Coverage
Anime India announces Amazon MX Player as co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata 2026
MUMBAI: Riding high on the success of its blockbuster Mumbai debut, Anime India is accelerating its nationwide expansion with the announcement of Amazon MX Player as the co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the festival’s mission to deliver large-scale, accessible, and fan-first anime experiences across the country.
Scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026 at the iconic Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Anime India Kolkata will launch the first regional chapter of what is set to be a year-long, multi-city tour. As the curtain-raiser for the 2026 circuit, the Kolkata edition aims to fuse the energy of global Japanese pop culture with India’s fast-growing community of anime, manga, and pop-culture fans.
A household name in digital entertainment, Amazon MX Player brings unmatched reach and cultural relevance to the Anime India platform. With its expanding focus on anime and youth-driven content, Amazon MX Player’s involvement as co-presenting partner reinforces Anime India’s vision of making anime culture more inclusive breaking barriers of language, geography, and accessibility to connect with fans nationwide.
Anime India Kolkata 2026 will showcase cosplay competitions, interactive zones led by the Indian Gunpla Community, India-39 Vocaloid Community, The Japan Curry, and Adda-o-Otaku by The Otaku Guild. Fans can join tournaments across fighting games, Pokémon VGC, and more. Acclaimed Japanese director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!!) will attend as guest of honour, appearing in panels and live sessions. Positioned as an immersive celebration of fan culture and industry collaboration, the Kolkata edition marks the beginning of Anime India’s nationwide expansion.
Sharing their perspective on the partnership, Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani expressed, “Anime in India has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream cultural movement, driven by an increasingly engaged and passionate fanbase. At Amazon MX Player, our focus is on expanding access by bringing anime to audiences across the country for free and in multiple local languages. Our association with Anime India reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of anime in India and deepening connections with fans, while continuing to build Amazon MX Player as a trusted destination for free, high-quality entertainment.”
“Anime India Kolkata is a celebration of how anime has grown beyond entertainment into a powerful cultural and creative force. By bringing fans, creators, and industry leaders onto one shared platform, the festival is helping define the future of pop culture in India,” said Anime India co-founder and director Neha Mehta.
The debut edition of Anime India 2025 in Mumbai attracted over 29,000 fans, quickly cementing its status as a landmark celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. Riding on this overwhelming response, the Kolkata chapter is projected to draw more than 40,000 visitors across two days, positioning it as one of the biggest anime conventions ever held in eastern India.
Anime India is focused on bringing together fans from across the country to create a truly pan-India celebration of anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese culture. With plans to expand into four key metropolitan hubs in 2026—east (Kolkata), north (Delhi), west (Mumbai), and south (Hyderabad)—the festival seeks to deliver globally benchmarked experiences while supporting and uplifting creators, artists, and fan communities throughout India.
