Character Animation

The categories are segregated separately for Students and Professionals.

Professionals: The theme will be revealed before the start of the competition.
Students: The theme will revolve around short and simple body-mechanics exercises, that animation studios usually look for in entry-level animators.

Participant’s will be mentored by Industry leaders during the course of the competition.

Basic supplies will be provided apart from a provision to get those 40-winks of rest.

1. 1. A panel of experts from the Animation Industry in India will judge the competition.
   2. Most important criteria for judging will be the quality, performance and appeal of animation. Strong emphasis will also be laid on the clarity in storytelling.
   3. The decision of the judges is final, based on the criteria set out in the competition, and no negotiation will be entertained over this decision.
   4. participants will be purely judged based on their animation skills. Use all the extra time to polish the entry than spending time on ‘lighting’ the entry. The judging criteria will not favor an entry because it is well lit or technically well executed but will focus purely on its character animation and performance values.
   5. Strategic planning will be required by the participants to utilize resources in the best way possible. This will also be one of the deciding factors in the judging process.

• I have a question, where can I ask?

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• What does it take to be the Bengaluru GAFX Character Animation Champion?

If you feel you have what it takes to be creatively and physically challenged for 30 hours and are good at Character Animation, this competition is for you.

• How do I participate?

You need to Register here for the competition and follow all relevant guidelines.

• Is this competition open for Students / Professionals? What if I am part-time studying and part-time working?

The competition has two separate categories – Students and Professionals. Be sure to select the appropriate category while filling the Registration Form. If you are a part-time student and part-time working professional, you will qualify under the Student Category.

Participants must share a link to their work in the Registration Form to be selected for the competition. Only the best of the best will be selected for the competition.

• What Software and Hardware do I need to use?

Workstations with Maya software will be assigned to the participants upon signing of an agreement at the competitions check-in desk. By signing the agreement, the respective participant will be taking full responsibility of the workstation/materials until he/she hands over the workstation/materials to the coordinator and signing the clearance/check out document.

• Apart from software and other resources, do we get anything else?

Industry experts/professionals will be present during the competition to provide advice and inputs on your work.

• What Character Rig will be used for the competition?

Participants will be provided the PK-Man Character Rig, courtesy of Native Puppets, which is built to industry standards and is very versatile in its features and has 7 avatars pre-loaded. Participants can use any one of the avatars for the competition. It will be handed prior to the start of the competition.

• Do we get to keep the Character Rig post the competition?

We are happy to let participants use the Rig for their personal use, provided it is used for educational purposes only. Native Puppets should be credited every time the Rigs used are showcase on the internet or on any other platform. Commercial use of the Rig is strictly prohibited.

• Do I need to ‘light / render’ my final entry?

Not needed. You will be purely judged based on your animation skills. The judging criteria will not favor an entry because it is well lit or technically well executed but will focus purely on its character animation and performance values.

• Can I add a prop at a location?

Yes, you can, provided you build them on your own during the competition. There will also be basic props provided if you want to use them.

• When will the theme of the competition be announced? Will I be intimated by email about the same?

Theme of the competition and other specific details pertaining to this category will be announced at the beginning of the competition. It is advised to arrive one and half hours prior to the start of the competition.

• Apart from the prizes, will the winning entries receive feedback on the submission?

Yes. If you would like, the judges or an industry expert can give you a personal feedback either via Live Video Call or Recorded Session. You can even request for a professional level feedback through our Industry Partners.

• What are the timings of the Competition? What time should I report?

The competition will be begin on May 19th Saturday at 8:00 AM. Check in would start at 7:00 AM and close by 7:45 AM. You are requested to reach the venue for registration by 7:00 AM. Late comers will not be allowed entry.

• I submitted my Registration before the deadline. Can I re-submit if I want to?

Yes, you can but avoid duplication of similar entries. Finalists will be shortlisted post the registration deadline on May 10, 2018

• Will food, arrangements to rest, other material be provided for the competition?

We will provide work stations loaded with Maya software. Food & refreshments will be provided during the competition. We will also have limited numbers of sleeping bags for the participants to use during the competition. Webcams will not be provided

• If you are ready to take on the challenge, go ahead and Register here.