The Government of Telangana on Friday tied up with globally recognized Vancouver Film School (VFS) to create a satellite campus of VFS to offer programs in Animation, VFX, Game Development and Film which will provide skills to students, at par with International Industry standards.
Speaking on the occasion, IT Minister K. Tarakarama Rao said, “Government has identified Animation, VFX & Gaming Industry as a key growth engine for next level of Technology exports and Employment generation. HR plays a pivotal role for creating vibrant eco system for AVCGI. As a part of shared vision, the Government of Telangana and VFS have joined efforts through this MoU to synergize on skilling the youths from the State on cutting edge technologies in Animation, VFX and Gaming Sector”.
Diwakar Gandhi, Director of International Strategy & Business Development, VFS said, “There is a massive demand for VFS programs in India, however for every one student that can come to VFS in Vancouver, there are ten who cannot due to several limiting factors. That is why we have decided to launch programs in Hyderabad so that we can provide the same quality of education and training to prepare students for a career in global film and entertainment industry. Whether the students are in Vancouver, Shanghai or Hyderabad, their aspirations are the same and we, at VFS, want to help students achieve their dreams while enhancing the local industries.”
VFS has plans to launch a Hyderabad campus in 2018. VFS has identified key industry players and partners who will assist in connecting with the Telangana industry and essentially function as VFS mentors in Hyderabad.
High Commissioner of Canada, Nadir Patel said, “VFS in India is an important milestone for advancing opportunities in media and entertainment. The film and television industry will benefit immensely by VFS creating a satellite centre in Hyderabad, and this will build on the momentum created by the India Canada Audio Visual Co-Production Treaty.”
VFS Hyderabad initiative comes with a great timing when India is poised to create its own media and entertainment global brands. The access to world class education in the space of film, animation, VFX, gaming, AR, VR, performance capture and sound design will help us create new bench marks in India” said Chairman, FICCI Animation, VFX, Gaming & Comics Forum, Ashish Kulkarni.
The collaboration was marked by signing of MoU between Government of Telangana represented by ITEC Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan and Vancouver Film School represented by Diwakar Gandhi, Director, VFS in the presence of IT Minister and other dignitaries. (INN)