Let out your inner artist at Abhijeet Kini’s comic workshop

Love comics? Always have ideas you want to convert into comics? Comic artist and Abhijeet Kini Studios’ founder Abhijeet Kini is bringing a comic workshop which will let your inner comic creator pop right out.

Kini is a Mumbai based illustrator, animator and independent comics publisher, known for his work in Tinkle Comics (Butterfingers, Defective Detectives, Superweirdos) and comic series Angry Maushi and Fanboys. He is the winner of the Comic Con Awards for his Rhyme Fighters comic series.

He has been creating comics and cartoons for magazines and newspapers including Times Group, Mid-Day, Hindustan Times, Timeout Mumbai, Timeout Delhi, Khaleej Times, National Geographic Traveller, Verve and others for over a decade and a half.

Kini has been conducting workshops across all age groups on comic making and is also a visiting faculty at Whistling Woods International, UPG College and others, teaching animation, comics and media studies.

In his workshop, Kini will take you through a three hour long workshop which will make the aspirants look at cartooning as a career and help build brands with comics’,  sketching, ideating, storyboarding and character designing. Kini will himself be teaching the nicks and knacks of comic and participants can go home with free comics from Abhijeet Kini Studios.

“People enjoy reading comics  but I strongly believe, creating a comic is an even more fun activity. That’s what we shall be exploring at the workshop,” said Abhijeet Kini.

Anyone above 16 years of age and love reading or creating comics is welcomed at the workshop, which is held on 11 May 2019. The seats are limited, grab yours soon on Insider’s official website.

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‘Game of Thrones: Battle of Winterfell’ sees the delivery of some jaw-dropping VFX shots

Spoiler alert!

We open on a scene where the characters are seen to be labouring under the pall of doom with an expression of uncertainty about their future. We can’t help feeling that there could have been more light to make the scenes clearer and pronounced in terms of visuals.


Strategies are made as to how they will wrestle away the white walkers but the plans start to fizzle out within minutes of their execution. The tone of the episode creates the dooming tension as the armies take position.


We see Red Woman making her presence felt by summoning fire over the swords of the Dothraki Army. And this scene is laden with VFX as thousands of arakhs are ignited and raised.

We see Dothraki army decimated within seconds of their charge, leaving the dragon queen fuming and springing onto her dragon to deliver a fire mow-down over the Whitewalker army.


The white walker army has started to break in beyond the Winterfell Gates and Ramsey queen is struck by the giant White Walker. Another brilliant piece of CGI imagery and forced perspective as the gigantic man lifts up the girl and she stabs his eye with the Dragon Glass weapon, finishing him off.

 

Here we see Arya flailing and fighting off the army of the undead with her impeccable sword skills, inspiring even dispirited Klegane to join in the battle.


Dragon Queen unsuccessfully attempts to defeat the Night King by burning him and makes a shoddy escape after learning that the Night King is unaffected by the attack. Her Dragon narrowly escapes the Night King’s throw of weapon.


Jorah lays down his life trying to protect Targaryen Queen which is what he always wished to do for the woman he was tragically in love with.

Theon Greyjoy’s redemption right before he rages through towards his inevitable death is another cathartic scene.


Seconds before the Night King is ready to slash off Bran with his armour, Arya comes flying and delivers a fatal blow that decimates the entire army of White Wakers, reducing all of them to mere ashes.

The episode saw massive fire effects, dragon flights and crowd simulations, making it one of the most crucial episodes of the season.

Stay tuned for more VFX breakdowns of the episodes ahead.

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Lullaby Theories, Episode Four: Babies & Babies & Babies

Review: Expect the unexpected from ‘Avengers: Endgame’

The wait is finally over!

As the highly anticipated twenty-second film of the MCU hit big screens today, fans across the world experience what they’ve expected, not expected, wished, prayed and on top of all, waited for!

Avengers: Endgame, a culmination of what Marvel has been brewing for the last 11 years, brings back all the memories of a decade through 21 films since the inception of the franchise with Iron Man in 2008.

The director duo Russo brothers were more than certain when they mentioned that they were going to link all the loose ends the previous films had left, and bring them together. They did it, and HOW!

If Avengers: Infinity War was termed as the “biggest crossover ever”, Endgame is even bigger in terms of concluding the epic saga, bring certain characters’ to a fitting conclusion, and packed with a punch of emotions and a finale of epic proportions.

It surely does “whatever it takes” to deliver a satisfying as well as an epic finale to this possibly the most popular superhero franchise.

By now, “it’s a truth universally acknowledged” that Endgame takes up from the point where Infinity War ended, with Thanos destroying half of all living creatures, leaving a handful of Avengers trying every possible means to undo their team mates’ fateful doom.

This final and only attempt then leads to several amazing and terrifying situations for our favourite superheroes to deal with; place where you could never imagine this movie would reach, but indeed does.

And joining the team this time is our current favourite, Captain Marvel, who does her best in her limited screen presence. Honestly, we expected to see more functional in defeating the Mad Titan, though this movie is more about the OGs – the original six heroes who kick-started the Avengers initiative. However, Endgame does take you on a nostalgic ride down the MCU timeline and make you smile, laugh and cry at regular intervals.

The makers along with the entire team have left no stone unturned to make this Endgame experience that’d make fans go awestruck – epic comic book moments, interesting team-ups, unexpected cameos and high octane face-offs, given the enormous stakes of the film. The gamut of this film is huge and includes some jaw-dropping, ‘out of the world’ visuals as well as fascinating inter-galactic travels and so much more, that would only get justice if one goes out and watch the movie in theatres.

Big, noted names such as ILM, Weta Digital, Double Negative, Cinesite, Framestore, Digital Domain, Rise VFX, Lola VFX, Cantina Creative, Capital T, Technicolor VFX and Territory Studio worked on VFX for this film which certainly deserves appreciation. Framestore, out of all has delivered more than 300 shots for the film.

I often wonder whether the triumph of a VFX project can be measured by how unbelievable the shots look or by the fact that despite being fictional, extraordinary and clearly not real, they seem indistinguishable from real life. So seamless and intricately on-point that after a while, they become indiscernible from your reality. After a point, you are so blissfully convinced of the imagery being your reality that it doesn’t baffle you anymore.

I think this time its the latter which we should go for. Not a single shot you can pick out in which the perfection hasn’t percolated. Double Negative and Framestore have done a fantastic job at conjuring up the computer-generated imagery and overall visual effects, bestowing an experience worthy of a decade-long culmination of the vision.

You know when there is a thump on the ground, the crack is going to look about as real as one can physically imagine. The hologram work, the water effects, the storm, the dazzling lights and the thunder. They are all perfectly interspersed on celluloid! The crowd simulation also has played a major part in the end.

The way CG creatures have been placed alongside the characters with all their mannerisms intact, you would hardly feel that they aren’t real characters or animals. And that’s when visual effects trick your senses with its photorealism. Right from the way they walk to the way their fur flutters in the air, its all taken care of so painstakingly well that you are indeed transported into the universe Russo brothers fondly created for you.

We are betting on this movie to bag multiple VFX honours and accolades of this year. The scale itself merits a benchmark to bear upon.

Courtesy of the VFX genius, this masterpiece of a story couldn’t have been told in such an immersive and incredible way without the groundbreaking visual effects technology superimposed upon it.

What stands out of Endgame besides the stunning CG and VFX work, is how our “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” are showcased more as humans rather than just being superheroes; who are as vulnerable as any one of us and ’stead chooses to rise over everything and take a stand for the greater good. The background score, well placed and well-timed songs, just fits perfectly into the skin of the film.

Endgame will definitely warm up your hearts and make eyes teary, but make sure you do your homework well so that you can effortlessly connect the threads during the film. All good things must come to an end because that’s how they’re supposed to be and though it’s hard to accept it, genius lies in knowing when to stop. So for one last time, the Avengers have assembled and mind you, it’s unlike what you’ve ever seen in the MCU!

Go grab your tickets and witness them create history!

(This review has been jointly written by Sharmindrila Paul and Parth Kaushik)

 

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Universal Kids announce its voice cast for animated original, ‘Where’s Waldo?’

Universal Kids network has revealed the series voices cast and season one guest stars for new original series Where’s Waldo?, inspired by the popular book-based brand.

Produced by DreamWorks Animation Television, Where’s Waldo? will make its TV debut in July, with an exclusive teaser airing on 27 April during the season finale of the American Ninja Warrior Junior on Universal Kids.

Joshua Rush (Andi Mack, The Lion Guard) as Waldo leads the star line-up with Haley Tju (The Loud House, Bella and the Bulldogs) as Wenda, Eva Carlton (Little) as Odlulu, and Thomas Lennons (Santa Clarita Diet, Reno 911!) as Wizard Whitebeard. Special guest stars include Carlos Alazraqui, Rachel Dratch, Kerry Kenny, Tom Kenny, Bobby Moynihan, Oscar Nunez, Jerry O’Connell, Hannah Simone, Retta and Weird Al Yankovic.

Where’s Waldo? brings the iconic character to life in a new animated series from executive producer FM De Marco (Spy Kids: Mission Critical) and co-executive producer John Tellegen (Spy Kids: Mission Critical).

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Disney grants another wish with New footage of ‘Aladdin’ TV Spot

Recently Disney dropped a new trailer of the new Aladin movie in which ones sees characters hamming it up. CG character Abu with its notable presence also cavorts adorably.

A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, Aladdin is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, Aladdin is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s Aladdin. The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.

Aladdin TV Spot

Massoud and Scott will be singing the most romantic classic Disney song of all time, A Whole New World, while Disney Legend Alan Menken is set to lend his musical genius to the movie.

Directed by Guy Ritchie, Aladdin also stars Marwan Kenzari, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, and Billy Magnussen.

Aladdin will hit the cinemas on 22nd May 2019.

 

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Dragon Ball Super sees Goku and Vegeta being rescued

Dragon Ball Super‘s newest arc has rounded out Goku and Vegeta in myriad ways. The new villain, Planet Eater Moro showed his unique skills, surprising Goku and Vegeta many a time. However, these have not been the only shock of the new arc as the latest chapter has seenGoku and Vegeta being rescued.

In Chapter 47 of the series, Goku and Vegeta prep up for what looks like a final battle. But before their tired selves battle with Moro, they are surprisingly saved by Majin Buu and Merus of the Galactic Patrol.

As Moro and Goku and Vegeta fly to one another, Merus arrives in his Galactic Patrol ship in between them. While Moro clambers out, he shoots a ton of ki blasts as Merus avoids them with ease.

 This was until Majin Buu arrives as Merus has brought him to take down Moro. Moro’s rage aids him in shaking off out the jelly trapping him, and now he and Majin Buu have begun fighting. Luckily, this has taken the attention away from the completely drained Goku and Vegeta so hopefully.

Dragon Ball Super currently airs its English dub on Funimation and Amazon Video. Dragon Ball Super: Broly is now available on Blu-ray and DVD.

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Comic artists spread awareness amongst Indian citizens about their right to vote

Maharashtra will vote for Lok Sabha Elections 2019 in four phases. The polling dates are 11, 18, 23 and 29 April. With the elections falling on a Monday, youngsters tend to grab the opportunity of this long weekend and go on outings. Indians are made aware about their right to vote through various campaigns.

What connect with the citizens are the comic strips that are published by artists through various mediums. Comic is a medium of expressing ideas through images. A few comic artists shared their work to make the common man aware about the scenario in the society and how important it is for every voter to make his/her choice.

Comic artist Ahmed Sikander’s work is not just funny, but maintains his aim to provoke thought in the most interesting and honest way. “They sometimes may be dark and gritty, but that’s the way I like to communicate my point of view,” says he.

Sikander’s comics depict the dark side of politics, which is necessary for the readers to understand and help them to make a good choice by casting proper vote.

“Voting is a small yet gigantic step to make sure that we are looking after our home that is our country and is not a privilege but a necessity for us to do to make sure that where we live is being looked after,” Sikander adds.

Another comic artist, Rahul Bhandare feels, “We often feel this frustration that there seems to be no good political party. And that is precisely why we need to vote. Because when we vote, we send a clear message to every leader regarding what is okay and what is not.”

Bhandare’s comic, though basic, says a lot with the visuals and minimalistic dialogues.

These young artists have chosen this medium as a pathway to reach Indians and generate awareness in today’s generation. “We make it clear that our leaders are accountable for our well-being, and that their actions/inactions are being closely looked at by every voter. So for the sake of our freedom and progress, no matter how hard the choice, we must make one. And we must vote!,” Bhandare mentions.

Veteran comic artist Charuhas Pandit whose comic character Chintoo has reached every household of Maharashtra, tries to create awareness in the sweetest manner with the help of the cute boy protagonist, Chintoo.

His comic tells the story of every voter who gets all the attention from all the candidates, but…only during this prime time.

Pandit points out the reality with simple yet effective comic.

As citizens, common people can change the entire political scenario with their single vote. If you need to see a change, either break it or make it. Cast your vote, its important!

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Politoon series ‘School of Democrazy’ is not only to amuse people but to persuade them

The Indian Loksabha Elections has already begun at different phases in different parts of the country. Come this Monday, Maharashtra will execute their right to enfranchisement, and similarly, May will see West Bengal and other parts casting their vote. Thus, the preparations and campaignings all over India are pacing up and one of the mediums being used is Politoon or political cartoon.

A political cartoon or ‘Politoon’ is a universal instrument of a political dialogue between government and society, a reflection or reaction of society to a political event, a series of events or a person of the national or world level.

‘School of Democrazy’

Politoons as a medium in the country is grabbing eyeballs for while now with so many interesting content being created in that arena. One such animated politoon series is School of Democrazy to make the citizens aware about the political scenario and how it can be modified in a funny and humourous manner. Presented by Matchbox and directed by Abhishek Verma and Piyush Priyadarshi, the series varies between one and a half to two and a half minutes. School of Democrazy simplifies serious issues and makes it interesting for the audience to engage with. Launched in March, the first season of this animated series has five episodes and a teaser which are unbiased, honest and bang on point.

The audience gets to experience a riot of laughter, up close and personal with the political power struggles and the patch-ups happening in the ‘school’ aka the parliament. The series effectively illustrates the lighter side of politics in this action-packed election season.

Piyush Priyadarshi

Priyadarshi reveals the inspiration behind the series and the title, “In one of the most interesting times in the democratic journey of India, School of Democrazy draws a sarcastically-intelligent analogy of the parliament to a school with leading politicians of the country as students. The result is a complete joyride depicting the current turbulent political landscape, taking a jibe at each one of them. School of Democrazy leverages the evergreen tool of cartoon and animation, but at the same time, fills it with fresh breath of sharp humour.

Targeted at the age bracket of 18 to 40 years old who have some interest in politics, School of Democrazy was created by a small creative team of 12 people- ranging from aspiring journalists, film makers, experienced illustrators and animators. He added, “We didn’t take demographics into consideration much at all when pursuing something creative, whether it be School of Democrazy or any other project. When we plan something, we do it because it’s something we enjoy and something we want to see come to realisation. We treat ourselves as target audience for our product.”

Keeping humour topical and timely is the key for any politoon’s success, given how amazingly fast news breaks and the political landscape changes these days. Hence the creative had to be wise and efficient about the animation format they chose. “We set out to build a pipeline that allows us to produce at a very accelerated pace. We created character library in advance that allows us to turn around on a quick pace. Designing a character and making sure it works properly is a hump, but once you’ve gotten over it you can animate very quickly, that helps us keep on schedule. We lean on After effects puppet animation and rubberhose plugin,” mentioned Verma.

Abhishek Verma

Targeting all the social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and so on, the creative team of School of Democrazy thinks that politoons nowadays holds quite significance in today’s time. When enquired about this current trend, Verma explained, “There are many reasons for the growing influence of political satire in India. Millennials are no longer interested in straight jacketed news Instead, they prefer to have unbiased, fact checked information on a lighter note. Political cartoons or Politoons play a very important bridge here. The main purpose of politoons is not only to amuse people but to persuade them.”

In the past, the fomenting political scene has led to many unfortunate events in the country involving creative minds that led to many questioning about the freedom of speech and expression. Commenting on this issue, Priyadarshi noted, “We believe in freedom to mock-  For us as artistes, freedom means the right to use our art to speak the uncomfortable, so what if it is in politics. We very much believe in the proverb ‘-Satire is to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted’. That’s why humour is important. We aim to bring the everyday real life political circus on screen through School of Democrazy and hold up the banner of freedom of expression.”

A project that aims to initiate change through an animated series that talks about important political aspects with a dash of wit and humour, is sure to have its share of challenges. As the director duo quipped, “We had to assemble a team, build a setup, and execute six episodes in a whirlwind two months. We went from one animator to a production team of 12 in such a less time that I’d like to think we did a better job in employment generation than the current government.”

Whatever be it, such amazing content with an important agenda behind it, is all the more welcome, and Matchbox along with the directors have done a great job. Now, it’s time for us-citizens to go out and make a change through our vote. Let’s not take our democratic right for granted!

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Arena Animation announced the launch of a new center in Yelahanka, Bangalore

Arena Animation has been a pioneer in animation and VFX training across the country and has the potential to offer students an opportunity to learn 3D animation, VFX, multimedia, graphic and web designing, from the leading experts of the industry. In order to cater to the growing need of animators in various segments, the center will offer advanced cinematic courses in animation, visual effects and multimedia. Some of the flagship courses such as – AD3D EDGE, ADMD, VFX Plus, Max Pro and Maya Pro will be available at the center. The center will also offer programs in Trinity 3D , VFX film making and BSC in graphics and VFX from Jain University .

The Indian animation industry has grown rapidly in the last five years. According to a recent FICCI report, the Indian animation and VFX industry is growing in excess of 20 per cent.  As per a recent report, jointly prepared by EY and FICCI, the growth of the industry is expected to get a boost in the coming years.

The animation sector in India has been growing at a steady pace over the past few years and reached Rs 17 billion in 2017, registering a growth of 13 per cent over 2016. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11 per cent till 2020.

Commenting on the entrepreneurial drive, Aptech Asst. vice president Shajan Samuel said, “Karnataka is a state that heavily advocates higher education to all. The state has also been working on adapting its policy on animation, visual effects and comics sector (AVGC) in order to boost the industry in the state. Setting up a world class animation institute in Belgaum at this point in time is aligned with the cause of the government. And can provide great impetus to the development of the state. With over twenty years of experience, Arena Animation is focused on facilitating the youth with the right skills required for the future industries. We have trained over four lakh students globally since our inception and are extremely elated to proclaim that we are committed to empowering the youth of India in their journey to fulfill aspirations.”

Arena Animation Yelankaha business partner Yashwanth Reddy Nalamalapu is well equipped with the state of art facilities and is committed towards providing contemporary quality education to the students. It will provide the full range of Arena courses and focus on career programs. The students not only get exposure to the new age equipment used in industries but also to implement technical knowledge in practicality.

The new center was launched in the presence of the chief guest BOT VFX head of production Sukumar Sreenivas. He endorsed the need for skilled manpower and said that  Indian artist are much in demand for global projects as well.

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