On sales of animation software in 2009 and expectations from 2010

The economic slowdown of the last two years has affected every sector in the economy. The animation industry was no exception. However, the scenario has changed now. The success of animation movies like Avatar has given the much needed boost to the animation industry. There is reasonable optimism in the industry that the sales of animation software this year will be better than 2009. We also believe that 2010 will be a better year for the film industry.

On factors driving the animation software market

The success of animation movies in the Indian market like Avatar, Kung Fu panda and Chota Bhim have inspired confidence among the Indian movie-makers. The animation industry is also enthused about these developments. In India, we have a great variety of great story lines, due to our rich and diverse culture. Mythology presents a plethora of subjects that can be explored for films. The booming gaming industry is also a positive sign for the animation software market in India.

On challenges and opportunities in the animation software industry

Dearth of skilled manpower in India is the biggest challenge in the animation industry. It has its impact on the adoption of animation software. In order to address this, Autodesk has tied-up with local partners to set up Autodesk Authorized Training Centers (ATC) across India to train students and industry professionals on the latest software for animation and VFX. The opportunities in this field are huge. The success of animation movies and the booming gaming industry generate huge potential for the animation software industry. Today, the advertisement movie maker as well as general movie maker looks forward to incorporate animated characters in their productions. We believe that these trends will translate into better business prospects for the animation industry in 
India.

On future of the animation industry in India

With a growing talent pool and flourishing movie industry in India, the future of the animation industry looks bright. The increasing use of animated characters in movies, series, advertisements; India's growing profile as an outsourcing hub for animation; and the growing presence of post-production studios in the country, etc., indicate a promising future for the animation industry in India.

On software solutions offered by your company

The key software solutions offered by Autodesk for the animation industry are:

Autodesk 3ds Max provides access to a range of 3D functionalities for digital artists working in film effects.

Autodesk Maya software is for core-3D applications, for the digital content-creation pipeline.

Autodesk mudbox software is for professional artists working in game development. Mudbox delivers intuitive sculpting paradigm, unsurpassed performance, high-quality texture baking, multi-resolution editing, 3D layers; and friendly, efficient UI and workflows.

Autodesk smoke is for online editing and finishing, offers creative features, system integration, open workflows and 3D-application integration.

Autodesk flame is for online visual effects and compositing, accelerating creative workflows with a creative toolset and the high-level of interactivity required for client-assisted production and quick turnaround of time-critical projects.

Autodesk lustre is a GPU-accelerated color-grading solution which allows the user to be work with new creative tools.

Autodesk motion builder provides a collection of real-time character-centric tools for tasks ranging from traditional key framing to intensive motion-capture editing.