Celebrating Animation Excellence: Highlights from the Animation Masters Summit 2023
The Animation Masters Summit, presented by Toonz Media Group in collaboration with ToonBoom, AVXRG Nepal, and esteemed partners such as ASIFA India, WIA, MESC, SAIK, Animation Express, Technopark, and HiPoint Connect, made a triumphant return on May 12th and 13th, 2023. After a prolonged wait during the pandemic, the summit came back stronger than ever, showcasing the resilience and unwavering spirit of the animation community. AMS 2023 generated significant buzz among animation enthusiasts and marked a milestone in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic, demonstrating the industry’s unwavering commitment to progress and creativity.
Upholding the AMS Spirit:
Throughout the pandemic, the Animation Masters Summit remained steadfast in keeping the festival alive through an online platform, ensuring that attendees could still experience the excitement and knowledge-sharing that the event has become known for. The panel of masters, who have been an integral part of the summit in recent years, continued to contribute their expertise, enhancing the overall experience for participants.
"Reimagining Entertainment, Now and Beyond":
The chosen theme for Animation Masters Summit 2023, “Reimagining Entertainment, Now and Beyond,” symbolized the summit’s ability to adapt and transform in response to changing times. The pandemic necessitated a reimagining of the summit’s formats, opening new avenues for the animation industry to evolve. This year’s event showcased masters from fresh and groundbreaking fields of animation, visual effects, gaming, and the creative community, providing valuable insights into the industry’s future direction and extending its reach beyond animation alone.
Inauguration by Industry Stalwarts:
The Animation Masters Summit 2023 was inaugurated by prominent industry figures, including Mr. Shyamaprasad, Mr. Sanjeev Nair (CEO of Technopark), Ms. Priyanka Ajith (Manager, Women in Animation – WIA India collective), and representatives from ASIFA India. These individuals, who have been game-changers in the industry, set the tone for the highly anticipated event, exemplifying the achievements and progress of Indian animation.
Captivating Sessions with Renowned Masters:
The summit featured captivating sessions with renowned masters, representing a more diversified range of expertise. Mr. Akhauri P Sinha, Managing Director of Framestore India, shared his extensive experience in film, TV, and VFX. Mr. Damian Perea, a renowned film director and producer with over 25 years of animation industry expertise, delivered insights and knowledge. Mr. Darrpan Mehta, a highly acclaimed and versatile voice artist, brought his two decades of experience and entrepreneurial contributions to the voice acting industry. Dr. Milind Damle, an accomplished film and TV editing professional and esteemed faculty member at FTII Pune, shared his profound expertise in the field. Mr. Siddharth Maskeri, a renowned Creator Storyteller, presented his expertise in Indian Cinema, animated series, and value-based content. Mr. Rajat Ojha, a 27-year industry veteran and top influencer in the global VR/AR industry, discussed the evolving landscape of immersive experiences. Ms. Rupali Gatti, a renowned Visual Development Artist and Production Designer, showcased her expertise in Environmental Design for various media formats. These masters collectively demonstrated the summit’s evolution into a more diversified event, covering a broader spectrum of the industry’s evolution.
Honoring the Legacy of Mr. Bill Dennis:
The Animation Masters Summit 2023 held particular significance as it honored the legacy of the late Mr. Bill Dennis, founder of Toonz Media Group and the Animation Masters Summit. Mr. Dennis’s contributions to Indian animation were celebrated during this momentous year. His visionary leadership and invaluable contributions have shaped the landscape of Indian animation, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide the industry as it moves forward. The impact of the Animation Masters Summit extends beyond the event itself. Mr. Dennis’s journey began with “Week with the Masters,” a groundbreaking initiative that brought together industry veterans to share their knowledge and experiences. This event eventually evolved into the Animation Masters Summit we know today. Mr. Dennis’s dedication and passion for nurturing talent and fostering collaboration laid the foundation for this remarkable gathering of animation enthusiasts.
The Animation Masters Summit has served as a catalyst for the growth and development of young talents, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The gathering of industry professionals and aspiring animators created an environment where minds converged, and new opportunities emerged.
Looking Ahead:
Reflecting on the Animation Masters Summit 2023, we celebrate its impact on attendees and its expansion beyond the event itself. Breaking free from previous confines, the summit reached out to the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) and creative community, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of the animation industry during challenging times.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate future editions of this remarkable event. The success of the Animation Masters Summit 2023 can be attributed to the tireless efforts of the AMS team, led by festival director Mr. Anish Narayanan Kutty and CEO Mr. P. Jayakumar. The summit serves as a catalyst for the growth of young talents and fosters collaboration within the industry.
As we conclude the Animation Masters Summit 2023, we take pride in the accomplishments achieved and the invaluable connections made. The summit has elevated the animation industry and set the stage for continued excellence in storytelling, creativity, and technical expertise.
With each passing year, the Animation Masters Summit evolves and surpasses expectations. In 2024, we eagerly anticipate the next edition, which will mark the 25th anniversary of Toonz Media Group, the organization that founded the summit. This milestone anniversary adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation. As we reflect on the journey so far, we imagine the incredible lineup of sessions, masters, and surprises that await us in the upcoming edition. The Animation Masters Summit is a testament to the indomitable spirit and limitless potential of Indian animation. Together, we will push the boundaries of the industry and create a vibrant future. The summit serves as a beacon of inspiration and innovation, guiding the animation industry towards new horizons. It continues to foster growth, collaboration, and excellence in animation.
Embracing the challenges and seizing the opportunities, we will create a thriving animation industry. The journey continues, and the Animation Masters Summit will be there every step of the way. Let us eagerly await what the future holds, as we come together to celebrate the art of animation and its related fields.
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