Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) and Dancing Atoms, a leading creative studio with bases in Los Angeles and India, have joined forces to present a special masterclass series as part of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) – Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC).

Designed to empower independent creators, students, and studios, AFC provides a platform for Indian animators to gain global recognition, mentorship from top industry professionals, and access to funding and distribution opportunities, a MIB statement said.

The initiative aligns with India’s growing influence in the global animation sector, offering a rare chance for participants to learn from some of the biggest names in filmmaking, storytelling, and animation design.

The masterclass series features an impressive lineup of industry experts who will guide participants through crucial aspects of filmmaking, including screenplay writing, character animation, film design, international co-productions, and storytelling across multiple mediums.

The series kicked off with Farrukh Dhondy, a renowned writer and screenplay expert, leading a session on Screenwriting & Trailers on February 26. The following day, Rupali Gatti, a production designer and visual artist, conducted a session on Film Design & Visual Development, offering insights into crafting immersive visual worlds for animation and live-action projects.

The upcoming sessions promise to be equally compelling, with celebrated figures from the Indian and global entertainment industry taking the stage:
March 3: Shobu Yarlagadda (Producer, Baahubali series) will discuss producing blockbuster films, covering the intricacies of development, financing, and execution.
March 4: Guneet Monga, Oscar-winning producer, will dive into taking Indian films to global audiences, exploring co-production, financing, and distribution strategies.
March 5 (TBC): Arnau Olle Lopez, an animation expert, will lead a session on character-driven storytelling and world-building.
March 6: Anu Singh Choudhary, screenwriter and journalist, will elaborate on screenplay techniques and storytelling across films, series, and books.

Beyond knowledge-sharing, WAVES is also providing Indian creators with a global platform to showcase their talent through Waves Bazar, an international marketplace that connects Indian animation and visual content with international buyers. The initiative aims to foster global collaborations, opening doors for India’s content creators in the expanding global entertainment ecosystem.

With India emerging as a key player in the animation and VFX industry, the MIB-Dancing Atoms collaboration is a strategic move to nurture homegrown talent and integrate them into the global creative landscape. As interest in animation and digital content soars, initiatives like AFC are set to redefine India’s position in the international entertainment industry.