Mumbai's animation map is set to have a new landmark. An NRI headed multinational group is setting up a chain of animation studios in India, the headquarters of which are being set up in Mumbai.

With an area of 15,000 sq feet across 3 floors, the Mumbai facility is being set up at a prime location in Andheri east and shall be headed by former Padmalaya telefilms Mumbai chief Vinit Karnik.

Speaking exclusively to Animation Express, Vinit affirmed the reports and provided some insights into the group's plans. "To begin with the Mumbai studio shall be recruiting a total of 150 people of which 25 shall be in pre production and another 25 experts in flash, the rest shall consist of 3D animators and other artists and technicians " said Vinit.

On being asked as to how will the new studio deal with the issue of recruiting talent, shortage of which is already ailing the Industry, Vinit who's career graph includes stints at Times Television, Mudra, Color Chips and Padmalaya replied that,"Not only the animation industry but if a well backed new player appears in any creative industry, there is bound to be a fair amount of churn. Besides, there is a lot of unrecognised hidden animation talent in the country which we aim to tap"

Further commenting Vinit said, "A significant part of our plans is setting up of an animation training facility shortly."

Vinit also mentioned that other than the Mumbai headquarters, plans for setting up facilities in 3-4 other strategic locations in the country as well as abroad were in place.

Check the next issue of Animation Express for a followup and further details.