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PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with Association Internationale du Film d’Animation (ASIFA) India, has organized a festival on Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) titled Pix-Elated 2023 at New Delhi.

The day-long program witnessed behind-the-scenes VFX stories of famous international movies and shows, exhibited workshops, competitions, conference sessions, case study presentations and expert talks, featuring the who’s who of industry.

Pix-Elated 2023 exemplifies PHDCCI’s mission of “Create in India,” making India a global hub for AVGC and to connect talent with the industry requirement.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Kanchan Prasad, Additional Director General, Prasar Bharti, said, "We are fully aware of the potential of the AVGC industry and are looking at bright minds in India to contribute to the industry in a creative manner. While earlier all eyes were on the West, now, India is brimming with talent. This is a billion-dollar industry and has the potential to become a trillion-dollar industry." While concluding her address, she requested the PHD Chamber to update and inform if Prasar Bharti can contribute in any manner to the further development of AVGC sector and the overall growth of the industry.

M. Sanjay Khimesara, President, Asifa India, said, we are doing a lot of activities for students and professionals in the area of AVGC. Our flagship event is International Animation Day, which happens across India.  Addressing the students present at the event he said, “Your success mantra will come with taking efforts by attending various activities. You should make the best use of the content available.” further speaking about his organization's support to women in animation, he wished that by 2025, there will be a 50-50 gender ratio in the industry.

Colonel Saurabh Sanyal, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, said, Indian AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) industry is currently growing at a rate of 9% and is projected to reach Rs 3700 crore, or $ 43.93 billion, by 2024. This sector has been identified by the government of India as one of the champion sectors, and the online gaming industry is the fastest-growing segment within it. With huge potential for exports, the AVGC industry has the potential to generate revenue of 15 million, with exports accounting for 70% of that revenue.

Ms Charuvi Agrawal, Chairperson, PHDCCI AVGC Sub- committee believes that animation has the power to create a positive change in the world.  Further speaking about the festival, she said it will provide a platform for aspiring animators to show their talent and pave the way for new industry leaders."

Mr. Sandeep Marwah, Chairman, Entertainment & AVGC Committee, PHDCCI, said,  "Two things that are more beautiful than what you can see with your naked eyes are your thinking and your feelings. You don't even need eyes for that. The AVGC industry is based on the principle of thinking outside the box and creating emotions in our programs. The AVGC industry, the fifth segment of the media, has taken over all other forms of media."

 Later, in the second part of the event, which was a “Fireside Chat,” moderated by Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Mohit Soni, Chief Executive Officer, Media and Entertainment Skill Council, said, his organization, the MESC is the bridge between the industry and academia.  In context of the credit framework under New Education Policy, he informed that all the certifications issued by MESC are valid for higher education recognition, and is identified by the Ministry of skill and entrepreneurship.

Speaking more about the certification system he said, our industry requires a creative mind and aptitude more than a certification or degree, and through MESC certification that follows NSQF (National school qualification framework), we are trying to honor their skillset, as it recognizes them and open a foray of opportunities to them. On a holistic approach, this certification can give them a lot of exposure and opens a lot of pathways as it makes easy access to various loans and government’s aids. In order to ease the process of this, suggested the budding creators to go through the MECAT exam and get clear ideas about what to take up as the future career opportunity, added Mr. Soni.

Further informing about the government’s support and I&B ministry push to talent of the AVGC industry, he said, In the last few years,  the industry has matured in a big way and informed that the draft policy is out for the AVGC industry. Concluding his note, Mr. Soni asked the participants for any suggestions regarding the recommendations that to be added in the policy, as it is going to reshape the industry with the help of the government.

Subodh sachan, Director, STPI Next said the STPI next is supporting the growth of the Indian IT industry in our country from the past 30 years and we are the success product of this industry. From the last 4 years we have started startup ecosystem support, and established multiple centers of entrepreneurship, our focus is on the tech startup ecosystem in India. Especially after seeing the potential of AVGC, we have established 7 centers dedicated to this industry with the most recent one in Hyderabad, and through this we can help the startups in creating unparalleled opportunities for new talents. 

Mr. Subodh informed that the STPI next is supporting 1000+ startups through various verticals, firstly, it has an internship program under which it gives internship grants to startups, it also has a financial grant program as well that goes upto 5 lakhs. Additionally, it has an investment vehicle that invests upto 25 lakh which can further convert into an additional capital. Secondly, it gives a platform to entrepreneurs to network with other partners in the vertical and provides them the opportunity to connect and leverage the platform. 

 After this comes up mentorship, it has a pool of industry leaders who are very seriously working for the new entrepreneurs. And lastly, the fourth vertical is in the form of infrastructure, as the STPI has various labs and facilities. Concluding his address Mr. Subodh asked the budding creators and entrepreneurs to leverage the facilities of STPI Next.

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