Aruna Kumar, CEO at Toonzstation Pvt Ltd

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business?

Aruna Kumar: Co-Founder & CEO

With years of experience in the animation industry and Walked the career journey from Animation Education Training sector to Production format for International + Domestic TV Station with a sound understanding of IP . Working closely on multiple international projects in different capacities, which has helped gain a deeper understanding of the animation production process and sharpened up a multi-dimensional perspective on this ever fascinating storytelling industry.

I took the leap of FAITH to Begin my own venture with complete support from Investors.

In charge of strategizing the future course of business and planning finds me varied experience holding in good stead.

Philosophy based on trust and excellence is the driving force

With core forte in Marketing & Business Development experienced multiple projects of international repute with leading International studios like Mondo TV . Futurikon , D'Ocon , Animagrad , Paravoz TV along with leading Indian Broadcasters , Digital Platforms & production houses have given the opportunity to interact with some of the best creative talent globally to achieve the best standard practice & quality storytelling filmmaking.

I believe that honesty, transparency and trust are critical. And I also believe in being fearless in our approach, but always with eyes and ears open.

Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Toonzstation Pvt Ltd

Aruna Kumar: Toonzstation is a Canada and India ( Mumbai & Bangalore ) - based Animation Production House that produces high-quality 2D, 3D animated & VFX content for Post Production with AR & VR facility.

Our wide range of services include:

• IP Creation

• 2D Animation

• 3D Animation

• Game Assets

• CGI

• VFX

• AR & VR

• Commercial ADV – Promo & Teaser

• Character Designing

• Concept Art

• Storyboard and Animatics

• Pre Viz & TechViz

• SKU: E-Com Product Development

• Asset Modelling

• FX & Simulation

• Motion Graphics

• e-Learning

Great Companies: What makes Toonzstation Pvt Ltd from hundreds of other similar service providers?

Aruna Kumar:

1) High-End State of Art Infrastructure facility to service 360 degree requirement in Media & Entertainment with latest AR & VR along-with Shoot-floor .

2) Technology & Creative Expertise for Solution providing.

3) Latest Technology R&D mindset process.

4) Retainership & Renewal of Clients & Projects.

5) Nuturing Talents skillset.

Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

Aruna Kumar: As big and rapidly growing as the global animation industry is with a CAGR of 4.79% and a projected $404.83 billion market share by 2023, it is not devoid of challenges.

Lack of developed market, Lack of Skilled or Trained artist with latest technology update , Lack of training facility by the Pvt & Govt institutions coupled with minuscule investment in technology are some of the challenges being faced by Indian animation industry which needed to be overcome on priority basis in order to put the industry on high growth trajectory.

The growth estimates projected by NASSCOM, requires ready availability of skilled resources in huge numbers. Presently, India has an acute shortage of animators and the infrastructure in place is not geared up.

"Creativity in India is far superior than the West. We must encash the relative talent to put the Indian Animation and Gaming industry on a growth trajectory which has a vast potential in India".

Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Toonzstation Pvt Ltd?

Aruna Kumar: Within 5 years - Be a Technology Driven Organisation with Creative Animation as a Tool Platform.

The industry is undergoing a sea change, becoming less Hollywood centric, less child-oriented and more international. Adult-themed, narrative-driven animation is emerging. OTT streaming services are Demanding for new animated content to be produced.

Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

Aruna Kumar: Create a lot. Worry less about trying to figure out how to “get it right.” Instead, embrace exploration and, most importantly, collaboration. Finally, there’s an expression, “Leave your ego at the door.” That doesn’t mean don’t bring all of yourself to a Business it means don’t think difficult RISK on a project is a measure of you. Those who do best, I’ve seen, are able to listen with EARS constructively and not defensively, and thus are better able to see what their Business/projects need. They tend to be the ones who get stronger from project to project, developing better and better tools to support their vision and the end Client.