Chitrakatha 2011 - A Visual Journey

The long awaited and much needed celebration COWfest was a grand success of 2011. Chitrakatha is a festival by National Institute of Design (NID) that takes place every alternate year with the event scaling up each time. With brilliant sessions & various inspirational artworks of 5 long days provided with a potpourri at the end of the festival. NID makes you breathe the art & energetic festivity of Chitrakatha 2011. Thus we decided to take you on a visual journey in an artistic way. Read More...

Corel VideoStudio Pro X4: The Intutive Future of Consumer Editing Program

Canadian software house Corel seems to be continuing well on its reputation of producing intuitive and user-friendly software. All new VideoStudio Pro X4 has the features of being a favorite consumer digital video editor with its well-designed interface, fast and responsive tools and some really class-leading features such as Stop-Motion importer. Read More...

Making of The New Avatar of Yoda by Ritesh K, Winner of 3D illustration Challenge

CGTantra has been a platform for many young and enthusiastic students and professionals. However, they have initiated CGTantra Community Awards since three years. CCA, unlike other awards of the industry, aims at recognizing the excellence in different aspects and the art forms of Animation, VFX and Gaming Industry.

A contest was held by CG Tantra Community Awards, where the contestants had to create 3D Digital Illustration/Model on the theme topic of "TRIBUTE TO ILM". The competition was open to the students and professionals both. However, their deadline was 10th May, 2011. The competition was initiated on 1st April, 2011.

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is an Academy Award-winning motion picture visual effects company that was founded in May 1975 by George Lucas and is owned by Lucasfilm. Many have been inspired by Iron Man, Star Wars, The Pirates of the Caribbean, Spiderwick Chronicles, Terminator, Van Helsing, Jurassic Park and Transformers.
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CGTantra Digital Matte Painting Challenge - Sept- Oct'11

Hi Friends,

Here we are back for the last time with our very own digital matte painting contest for the month of Sept-Oct'11

Overview:
Its the final challenge! After a year of contests and judging (yes, really that long!), this will be the final matte painting challenge at CG Tantra for a while. These contests have been a great source of inspiration for many of the people taking part, and I hope that they have been a good learning experience along the way too. I'm sure I can speak for both Alex and myself when I say we have been impressed by many of the entries over the months. Congratulations too to the handful of contestants who managed to go one step further in the last year and land jobs at some great studios. Read More & Participate Now!

The world's largest stop-motion animation: Gulp

'Gulp' is a short film created by Sumo Science at Aardman studios, depicting a simple life story of a fisherman. It is shot on a location at Pendine Beach in South Wales. Every frame of this stop-motion animation was shot using a Nokia N8, with its 12 megapixel camera and Carl Zeiss optics. The film has broken a world record for the 'largest stop-motion animation set', with the largest scene stretching over 11,000 square feet.

The entire video was composed of stills taken on Nokia N8 cell phones, sand sculptures and art by a team of sand artists "Sandinyoureye" along-with synchronized efforts by animators, directors, students and volunteers create the environment and movement in the frames.

It's hard not to be awed by the sheer ingenuity of the filmmakers behind this rather adorable little short. Even the sailor in that little boat is a real guy. CGTantra got a chance to catch an interview with the makers of this video, Will and Ed, the directors of Gulp. Also, watch the behind-the-scenes for a look at how this amazing large-scale project came together. Read More..

Anifest 2011 - An Epic Event

Chembur, Mumbai : The Stage is being set for Anifest India 2011. 25th of August 2011 is designed by TASI to begin the most amazing 3 days For The ANIMATORS - By The ANIMATORS.

The distinctive creations of the well-known animator (any guesses) on the Anifest TASI website are a welcoming sign. The action and animation seen in the characters enjoying themselves thoroughly is just one fourth of a reflection of 25th - 26th - 27th August of Anifest India 2011 - The days of culminating the joys of this Vast Industry of Animation.

The Buzz is on, Anifest is getting stronger by each year. This festival is shared by all and the camaraderie and interaction, eagerness and interest has built it into one of the most awaited festivals. Read More...

Announcing Anifest 2011 - Be There!

TASI is back with yet another edition of ANIFEST and this year it promises to be bigger and better…. Anifest is one festival awaited eagerly by all the animation , vfx , comics and gaming enthusiasts and this is primely coz of the easygoing and friendly touch that it lends to the whole atmosphere….Freedom to speak , ask and learn is what makes this festival extraordinary by all means…

Well, this year round as well , we will have colorful balloons welcoming as we reach Fine Arts Society in Chembur from 25th to 27th August… Read More...

VCCircle Digital Gaming Investment Forum

VCCircle Digital Gaming Investment Forum 2011 that took place on 28th July at Intercontinental The Lalit, Sahar Airport Road, Andheri East, Mumbai was a first of its kind event that examined the possibility of a gaming revolution in India and will also set a stage for over 150 entrepreneurs, private equity and venture capital investors to unravel exciting business models in gaming - such as social networking and mobile gaming segments, innovations.The event started with an introduction of the organizers, VCCircle and the need for the organization of this forum. This was followed by a short insight into what the industry has functioning so far and what are the key points which the forum will try to address.

This was followed by all round introductions of most of the members of which would comprise the various discussions and the agenda for the day's events. Read More...

Dilsukhnagar Arena's 13th Anniversary Extravaganza

VFX Experts, Animation Studio Heads, super-successful Alumni and other invitees arrived to a thundering applause from a 3000-strong gathering of students, parents and staff of Dilsukhnagar Arena. A string of enlightening presentations and enthralling performances added voltage to the electric atmosphere as the prestigious PRODIGI Awards distribution ceremony guided the day to memorable end.

Mr. Srinivas Mohan, VFX Expert of INDIAN ARTISTS and the force behind the stunning VFX of India's most expensive, graphics-laden, sci-fi blockbuster 'Robo', Mr. Naveen Medaram, Dilsukhnagar alumnus and VFX Expert at DOUBLE NEGATIVE STUDIOS, UK and Mr. Basireddy, CEO of DIGIQUEST STUDIOS, HYDERABAD graced the celebrations as Chief Guest and Guests of Honour respectively. Read More...

Interview with Ben Shepherd & Michele Sciolette from CINESITE

For the very first time, CGTantra with the support of FMX 2011 (16th Conference on Animation, Effects, Games and Interactive Media, May 3-6, Stuttgart) had the opportunity of interviewing the eminent experts in fine art and filmmaking. Both Ben Shepherd and Michele Sciolette from CINESITE have shared with us extensive and intriguing knowledge and the technique of working on popular and award winning movies, highly appreciated for their visual effects and creating Cinesite's proprietary softwares! As Cinesite sets benchmarks in the visual effects industry without further ado lets read on about the Wizards of Soho. Read More...

Tutorial by Irene Navarro - Matte Painting Challenge Winner

I am Irene Navarro, I am 25 years old, I am from Spain, and I am currently living in UK.

I did a Diploma in Graphic Design while attending the BA in Fine Arts, where I learned Traditional Arts and Photography. After that I did a Master in Multimedia Design specialized in Management and User Experience for Videogames, Websites and Audiovisual Productions.

The two years before moving to the UK I was working in a Postproduction House in Barcelona, doing Graphic Design, Title Sequences and Matte Paintings for TV Commercials and Films. While at this position I realized that one of the things that I like the most is Matte Painting. Read More...

The Pixels of CGTEXPO 2011 memories…

A pack of nerves, the scent of nostalgia, the flurry of footsteps, a sprinkle of fliers, the frames of beauty, and a big complete picture made up of many varied pixels. CGTEXPO 2011 - TRACING BACK THE PIXELS. India's Largest and first Exhibition in Animation, Gaming, VFX, Visual Art...

As the rains pitter patter, we at CGTantra are gathering all the moments and residing at new premises. In the entire midst CGTExpo 2011 is a memory that we will share here with you.

With old friends and new, CGTantra celebrated CGTExpo's 4th birthday on 28th & 29th of May 2011!

As we entered the vast cylinder: Nehru Centre at 6:00 A.M on the 28th of May, a Saturday, not a single flutter of a soul was seen. As we begin to imagine of filling the white space, the next moment, colors of life leave no residue of a blank space- That was the pace at which the Nehru Centre filled with teachers, aspirants, studios, students, professionals & technologists from all over the world. Read More...

Interview with Mr. Michael Fink, as he expounds on Sucker Punch

Sucker Punch is an epic action fantasy. It is the lucid imagination of a young girl who finds solace in her vivid dreams than the harsh reality and the confinements of the asylum she is put in.

Zack Snyder, the director with every movie that he has worked on, impresses every time with captivating visuals. The movie is technically sound, it is as eye-catching and as intricate as Babydoll's; the protagonist's imagination.

Prime Focus has worked on the movie and with its contribution to Sucker Punch has added to the list of great work that the studio has executed over the years. We got the opportunity to interview Mr. Michael Fiink, Senior Creative Director, VFX and View-D. Over to Mr. Fink
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Making of Luv ka the End – Freakout Video! By Nupur Bhargava & Hitesh Kewalya

There is a generation that doesn't any more dwell in the imagination of a somber Simran, singing of loooovvveee in the meadows of Switzerland or the mustard fields of Punjab.

Yash Raj Films has a new branch catering to only youth films called Y Films. It is youthvolving with the new-age of free-spirited burger munching, bike-riding-road trip travelling, i-phone living, blackberry communicating. Their latest movie: Luv Ka The End speaks for this generation. The First-look of the movie opens with the Freak-Out video. The song and the video has every element of "YOU"TH – It has been created by Nupur Bhargava, Hitesh Kewalya and their team of Invisible Rabbit, the quintessential statement-makers. Watch out for how they have Freaked Out on Luv Ka the End's Freak Out Read More...

The Gruffalo, Oscar Nominated Short film as Max Lang, the director narrates…

Gruffalo was nominated for The Oscar Awards this year under the Best Animated Short Category,
And it was nominated for the prestigious Rose d'or ,
And Gruffalo won at Curtas, Portuga
And being Big in Brasil: Triple Victory for Beast & Gruffalo
Double victory in Annecy
Nominated at Bafta...

The Popularity and the accolades that Julia Donaldson the writer of The Children's Book and Axel Scheffler, the illustrator achieved is to continue. After 10 years, the book has sold more than four million copies and has been translated into 50 languages. The hit book with children and their doting parents was recently translated into an equally charming movie. Magic Light Pictures with Studio Soi and BBC One as broadcasters have created the magic again. The animated short film an adaptation of the Children's book tells the tale of a mouse who takes a walk through the woods in search of a nut. Read More...

ARTT War 6 - Battle of the Schools

ARTTWAR is a Students Team competition that runs online on CGTantra forums. A team can have a maximum of 4 students.

To keep the learning curve higher while you work - you will have to keep posting Work-In-Progress images on CGTantra Forums in your team thread. The critics will be posted to the artworks in progress by the members as well as by our senior Forum Leaders and Mentors.

After submitting the work various stages, final results will be posted on CGTantra and for this version on Contest - It will be announced at CGTantra Community Awards Ceremony at CGTExpo Venue - Nehru Center, Worli Mumbai on 28th May. They will go for the online public voting as well as to our Forums Leaders and Jury that will consist experienced and acclaimed professionals.

So students - Its time to fight for your School & for your Art. Read More...

An Interview with BOB Last - Producer & MD of Inkdigital

Bob Last, Producer and Managing Director, Ink Digital and Producer of "The Illusionist", a movie that went the off-beaten track and was nominated for the Academy Awards this year for Best Animation explores the possibilities of a co-production with India.
Bob Last has been visiting India since his childhood. On 24th of March at FICCI Frames he was completing his third business trip to Mumbai.

Braving the Mumbai heat, he was upbeat about the Indian Animation scenario. After a long gap of six to seven years, he was coming to Mumbai and definitely the change in the animation industry was a pleasant surprise for him. He said "It is interesting to see the animation sector, in particular, is developed." Read More...

Corel Designer Technical Suite X5 - A Review

Create illustrations, diagrams and technical documentation with confidence with Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X5, the complete solution for visual technical communications. Corel DESIGNER® Technical Suite X5 includes key tools and intuitive features for businesses and technical communicators that rely on technical illustrations and diagrams to quickly and effectively communicate the strengths of their products and services. Users will enjoy the versatility and power included in this new version, allowing them to take on a wide range of technical graphics projects including assembly instructions, user guides, maintenance manuals and floor plans that can be outputted to various media, such as print, online and interactive electronic technical manuals (IETMs). Read More...

The 55 Dragon Marathon, Tutorial by Damir G Martin

His Pet Australian Bearded Dragon as inspiration, add to that innumerable likes and comments from fellow artists and viewers of his work, add to that him challenging his own creativity and our persuation to bring accross to you, the best of creative work of an artist: Damir G Martin.

A character design artist, he needs no introduction on CGTantra, his amazing work makes him a perennial artist featured here. We always have fun featuring his work and we are sure you get loads to learn from his tuorials...without further ado...over to Damir and his work.

Note: we would like to credit certain people for their most encouraging words for his work. Read More...

CGTantra Community Awards 2011 - Call for Entries

CGTantra has been a platform where Artists of different mediums have been showcasing their talents and learning from the critics shared by others as well as staying inspired by watching the works of their seniors.

CGTantra Community Awards is an initiative towards recognizing and honoring the best of the artists. CCA unlike other awards of the industry aims towards recognizing the excellence in diferent aspects of artforms of Animation, VFX and Gaming Industry.

The award for the best of its category will be chosen not only by a panel of experts, but the judging power will also be given to the community itself by putting up the nominated artworks for online voting. Thus letting the artists themselves choose the best among them and inspire them to learn from the winners and keep updating their skills. Know More...