Dimapur, August 25 (MExN): A career in animation may not have picked up among Naga youths, but that may soon change with the coming of the first 3D animation studio in Nagaland. The Nagaland Institute of IT and Multimedia (IITM) has opened the first 3D studio and engaged Tara Douglas, an animator and Secretary of the Advasi Arts Trust in the UK to conduct a three days workshop in animation. Douglas will introduce to students the sophisticated Maya 3D animation software. Self-taught in Maya, Douglas is currently using the same software to develop a five minutes animation film based on Angami folklore for the North East Zone Culture Centre.
Giving an overview of animation, Douglas said it is a very time consuming and laborious task which can be mastered only with time. Not only that, animation requires a person to be imaginative, expressive and observant, she said. She added that it is all about creating life out of characters; instilling emotions and expression and just letting go of one’s imagination. She said animation requires high technical skills but once that is acquired, it can be quite rewarding. On animation as a career, she said there is nothing like the job satisfaction that comes from creating something original and your own.
Douglas, who is associated closely with tribal communities all over the world, said Nagas also have ample opportunity to infuse creativity with art and culture through animation films. “Animation is an art form that must be executed artistically with originality,” she said; adding that Nagas can hone their skills in animation to preserve their culture. She said that tribal stories are accepted and appreciated all over the world because of the moral messages they carry. And although tribal stories are facing stiff competition from commercial animation films, it can be rejuvenated if there is originality, she said. “Nothing compensates for a good and original story.” She urged the students to be committed during the workshop, and hoped the three days would generate enthusiasm for them to continue learning animation.
Chanmayo G Aier, the chief guest of the inaugural programme also delivered a short address. Aier encouraged the students to take the workshop seriously, so that it would help them individually and the society as well. She told them not to be put off by words like “hard” and “complicated”; rather take it up as a challenge. Unlike many marginalized communities, Nagas still have a voice to define themselves, she said and, therefore, encouraged the students to be committed to their work. “There is nothing like being your own boss and being committed to your work so that you can leave a legacy behind in the kind of work you do,” she told them.
Giving an overview of animation, Douglas said it is a very time consuming and laborious task which can be mastered only with time. Not only that, animation requires a person to be imaginative, expressive and observant, she said. She added that it is all about creating life out of characters; instilling emotions and expression and just letting go of one’s imagination. She said animation requires high technical skills but once that is acquired, it can be quite rewarding. On animation as a career, she said there is nothing like the job satisfaction that comes from creating something original and your own.
Douglas, who is associated closely with tribal communities all over the world, said Nagas also have ample opportunity to infuse creativity with art and culture through animation films. “Animation is an art form that must be executed artistically with originality,” she said; adding that Nagas can hone their skills in animation to preserve their culture. She said that tribal stories are accepted and appreciated all over the world because of the moral messages they carry. And although tribal stories are facing stiff competition from commercial animation films, it can be rejuvenated if there is originality, she said. “Nothing compensates for a good and original story.” She urged the students to be committed during the workshop, and hoped the three days would generate enthusiasm for them to continue learning animation.
Chanmayo G Aier, the chief guest of the inaugural programme also delivered a short address. Aier encouraged the students to take the workshop seriously, so that it would help them individually and the society as well. She told them not to be put off by words like “hard” and “complicated”; rather take it up as a challenge. Unlike many marginalized communities, Nagas still have a voice to define themselves, she said and, therefore, encouraged the students to be committed to their work. “There is nothing like being your own boss and being committed to your work so that you can leave a legacy behind in the kind of work you do,” she told them.
