old news 3 Feb 2014 12:19
Animation firms look to GAME Park for revival
TNN Jan 16, 2014, 03.32AM IST
Tags:
GAME Park|Game
HYDERABAD: The implementation of the Gaming, Animation, Media and Entertainment (GAME) policy in the state is expected to be a shot in the arm for the animation and gaming industry in the city which has been stuck in a rut for the past few years.
The proposed GAME Park in Raidurgum, the foundation stone for which was laid last week, will provide opportunity to firms to set up shop on the massive 30 acre stretch. "We have been waiting for almost six years for the GAME policy to be finalized. The GAME Park is a step in the right direction. A dedicated space for the industry will encourage firms to expand and progress," said Maruti Shanker, MD and founder of 7Seas Technologies.
There are about 20 established names in the animation sector in the city in addition to 250-odd small firms in various streams of digital media. City firms have been associated with award-winning films such as Eega, Ang Lee's Life of Pi and the Krish3 video game.
But despite such success stories, the industry is facing several challenges including but not limited to mounting costs, paucity of talent and lack of government support, say markets insiders. According to industry estimates, around 35-40 % of animation studios in the city shut shop every year, resulting in the city losing out to cities like Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Manila in bagging lucrative international projects.
"Since the GAME policy is backed by the government, it will encourage more players to enter the field of digital media. It will help not just Hyderabad but India as well in gaining international prominence in the domain of animation," said Sumedha Saraogi of DQ Entertainment.
The policy, apart from building a state-of-the-art facility for animation and gaming firms, is also expected to provide fiscal benefits such as partial reimbursement of production costs, subsidies on lease rentals, investments and power bills among others.
"There were discussions with the government and animation firms in the state before chalking out the policy. Most of our demands have been incorporated. There should therefore be no need to outsource talent or technology," said A Sunil, VFX producer at Makuta which did the special effects for Eega.
While acknowledging the possible 'revolutionary' impact of the policy, professionals are wary of the repercussions of an ill-planned policy. "A game park will be helpful in that it would initiate sharing of knowledge and facilitate collaboration. However, there should be stringent guidelines to ensure protection of the Intellectual Property Rights," said Ranajay Sengupta, assistant manager, marketing (digital) at Gameshastra.
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