Outsourcing Animation to India

Computer animation

Computer animation tools form an integral part of technical, educational, mechanical and architectural fields today. Computer animated graphics are the right tools for presentation purposes. An animated video created on the required specifications can be imported into the right presentation program for viewing by a projector, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or from a TV monitor using a VHS tape format.

Computer Animation - A Teaching Tool

Animations form excellent teaching aids

• Computer animations as an interactive educational CD or as a visual teaching tool in the classroom.
• Computer animations aid in comprehension. Concepts introduced and explained via the aid of visual stimuli like graphics and illustrations are easier to grasp than the traditional textbook method.
• Manufacturers use 2D and 3D animations to display prototype equipment and machinery.
• Computer animations in presentations prove to be highly effective. An animated walk-through, an interior of a building or a fly-by over its exterior, aid an architect in presenting his work to prospective clients.
• Web page animation is also very popular. Web site and homepage creations also involve the usage of animation tools. An attractive site/page guarantees a great incoming target audience that stays at the site.

Outsource

Most companies all over the globe have begun outsourcing their work, thus, merging all their business processes into a unified whole. They realize that an outsourcing provider who specializes in a particular process can usually do it in a better and cheaper manner. Outsourcing eliminates up-front capital costs. Also, when a company is launching a new service or product, it helps to have another firm alongside that possesses the requisite knowledge and experience to advise and assist. Thus, clients can reduce costs, eliminate backlogs and significantly improve quality. This facilitates a better use of staff onshore.

Outsource your animation work to India

India is steadily growing as a major outsourcing hub. Indian animation studios provide a cost effective alternative for sub-contract work. After Hollywood, India has the second largest entertainment industry and the most profitable annual film production output. "The Indian animation industry is seen to have the potential to touch revenues of over $1.5 billion by 2005 from the current level of $1 billion". (The Economic Times, November 19, 2003)

The large film production studios come equipped with state-of -the-art equipment and leading hardware and software like SGI, 3DMax and SoftImage, SFX and processing motion capture facilities. These multimedia workstations also possess trained talent who can work with a wide range of products like SoundBlaster, Video Blaster, Digital cameras, FrameGrabbers, MPEG cards and video conferencing solutions. Advanced sound-editing and post-production suites that come along with leased lines for ISDN data transfer make these workstations a viable option. Entertainment giants like Walt Disney have already signed up for a TV animation deal with an animation company in India.

Some of the services that Indian Service Providers offer are:

• 2d animation (classical, traditional and semi-classical animation).
• 3d animation
• Special Effects (morphing, colour correction, blue screen, composting).
• Editing (linear and non-linear).
• Post production Film Scanning/recording.

Animation Applications:

1. Educational tools like interactive CD-ROMs, animated videos, e-books, etc.
2. Training and instructional materials and online courses
3. 2D and 3D models for manufacturers, architects, interior designers, real-estate developers and promoters and in research and development
4. Presentation programs
5. Web site design and development
6. Flash gateways and Shockwave games
7. Web banners and home pages
8. Commercials and short films
9. Screen savers

Key issues:

Companies that outsource work to a foreign country need to anticipate and accommodate cultural differences. Although most Indians speak English as a first/second language, a few language barriers can arise due to ethnic cultural differences. Keeping the lines of communication as open as possible is the key to establishing corporate cultural compatibility.