Toonz Academy launched in Mumbai

Mumbai, July 6 (UNI) Maharashtra's Minister for Women and Children Welfare Harshwardhan Patil launched animation school Toonz Animation Academy here.

Speaking at a function after the launch yesterday, Mr Patil said the launch of Toonz Animation Academy here, under the aegis of the Toonz Animation India Pvt Ltd, was a testimonial to the fact that Indian animation industry was on an upward spiral.

He said the Academy would be the first-of-its-kind in the country and was owned by Toonz, South East Asia's' biggest most admired animation studio.

''Toonz, with an enviable record of growth across the globe in a short time span, there seems to be no scope for doubt about its ability to produce quality professionals for the industry and eventually contribute towards the advancement of our country. Toonz Academy is a stepping stone, giving direction and leading the upbringing of vast resources of artistic talents with sense,'' he added.

In view of the ample artistic talent in our country, such initiatives could be extremely helpful in directing them towards the right path.

Located in suburban Andheri, the Academy will have cutting-edge infrastructure, latest workstations, international faculty and a comprehensive global curriculum. Veteran animation professionals from across the world will visit the campus to conduct classes.

The curriculum is holistic and includes personality development programmes, acting classes and classes on evolving trends. Advanced animation labs will provide students with convenient access to state-of-the-art digital media equipment and entertainment technology.

Speaking on the occasion, Toonz CEO P Jayakumar said ''Setting up an Academy in Mumbai was on the cards for a long time because the city is the biggest entertainment hub in the country. Lack of industry-based academy prompted us to invest to the tune of Rs two crore so that we could be successful in providing the industry skilled professionals.'' The animation industry was facing a dearth of trained talent and the growing demand-supply gap in manpower availability was hampering its growth. The new Academy was a step in the right direction to solve that problem, he added.

Toonz Academy will leverage its strong industry network to help students find suitable positions in reputed multimedia studios and companies.

Toonz is a major provider of animation to top US and European producers.

UNI