MUMBAI: BIG AIMS (Animation Infotainment & Media School), an animation and VFX training academy of Reliance Animation, has inked a strategic collaboration with Annamalai University (AU) to introduce first of its kind degree program in Animation & Visual Effects Film Making in India.

The MoU was signed between Reliance Animation CEO Ashish S Kulkarni and Annamalai University registrar Dr. M. Rathnasabhapati.

Under the MoU, BIG AIMS and AU will offer avant-grade Bachelor of Arts Program in Animation & Visual Effects Film-Making. The program will expose students to the exciting and very creative animation and film making industry with an unmatched degree program. The courses have been designed to harness best creative and technical talents in students. The Bachelor of Arts Program in Animation & Visual Effects Film-Making will be made available to students across India through authorized BIG AIMS learning centers.

The USP of the course underlines the core principles of Animation and VFX Film making positioning it primarily as an artistic vocation with technology seamlessly integrated. The program will help groom the creative and artistic talents of the students so that they can maneuver the latest technology as per the demands of the artistic needs of the medium, which is the very essence of Animation and VFX film making as per the global demands.

Ashish SK said, "We are delighted to join hands with Annamalai University to create a talent pool for the fast evolving animation, VFX, gaming and comics (AVGC) industry in India. Considering the present needs and the trends of the industry, this B.A. program is extremely well designed to create the finest talent pool for the emerging era of digital content creation in the field of Animation and VFX Film Making. We strongly feel that the art of storytelling holds the key to success in this industry, therefore our endeavor would be to expose the aspiring youth to the //secrets of animation and VFX film making and effective story telling through this degree program //so that one day they can turn into accomplished creators of animation and VFX content."

Dr Ramanathan added, "Over the years AU has made available cutting edge degree programs in various disciplines to students across India and overseas also. Our association with BIG AIMS has given us an opportunity to introduce for the first time a comprehensive degree program for the fast evolving and highly competitive animation and VFX industry. I am extremely impressed with BIG AIMS’s faculty training program which I am sure will go a long way to ensure quality deliverables of the curriculum. We do hope that together we will be able create world class animators and visual artists in India."