Prasad EFX Provides 3D Solutions for Vikram Bhatt's Haunted 3D

Prasad EFX has provided the complete range of 3D movie making solutions for the technically acclaimed Haunted 3D, the first 3D hindi movie from India. Prasad EFX has also provided digital intermediate, VFX, and digital cinema prints, all in the 3D platform for the movie.

The entire film was shot in 3D and Prasad EFX handled 3D rig and cameras, data management, digital dailies, VFX, digital intermediate/grading, digital cinema prints, and digital data backups and mastering. The studio worked on shots amounting to 20 minutes duration of the film and completed the work in 3 months. About the challenges faced by the studio, Hima Kumar, head-VFX and DI, Prasad EFX shares, "As this was the first such film in India, every stage was a challenge and a highly experienced team alongwith the technical associations helped in delivering this project to a great satisfaction."

Character Options Adds Rastamouse

Character Options has added DHX Media's Rastamouse to its prestigious list of properties for younger children. Also it will launch toys emulating the characters from the top CBeebies series. News of the Character Options deal will delight fans who will be able to have their own plush version of Da Easy Crew with the new range, which accurately portrays the characters exactly as they are seen in the show. Plush will swiftly be followed by a plastic collection of both figures and playsets, whilst more developments are already in the pipeline.

Speaking of the deal, Jon Diver, joint MD of The Character Group, commented that they are delighted to be working on the Rastamouse toy line. The stories have created a real buzz with the age group and parents alike, and Rastamouse has provided a fresh face in the world of children's licensing.

Toon Boom Pulls Out of MIFA and Starts Harmony Launch Tour

Toon Boom has withdrawn from MIFA due to a fundamental disagreement with the organizers. As Toon Boom was planning to officially announce Harmony 9 at MIFA, the executive team will be embarking on a Harmony launch tour throughout Europe in June. Led by Joan Vogelesang, president and chief executive officer, and Francisco Del Cueto, chief technology officer, the tour will give the team the opportunity to deliver more personalized presentations and demonstrations and the details will be communicated shortly.

Jaipur Launches Pink Eye Animation Film Festival

Jaipur, which hosts the Jaipur International Film Festival annually, is launching the Pink Eye Jaipur Animation Film Festival in October this year. As a part of the build-up to this new venture, both Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) and Jaipur Animation Film Festival (JAFF) are to be showcased at the Cannes International Film Festival in France. The announcement about the new festival, to be held on October 12 and 13, was made in the Pink City by the Jaipur International Film Festival Trust at a press meet addressed among others by Ram Mohan. Mohan said, "Though the Indian animation industry still has a long way to go, it had been proved that there is great scope for animation in the country. The festival would provide a new platform to makers of animation films." Awards will be given in 10 categories - best animation film, modeling and texturing, 2D animation, 3D animation, lighting and compositing, best animation, VFX, sound track, student animation film, and best film by critics choice.