Kahani, Animation Bridge partner to produce animated shows

Pragati Simlote

NEW DELHI: India based Animation Bridge and Canada based Kahani Inc. have announced their partnership to co-produce a series of animated shows with global appeal and a uniquely Indian flavor.

The shows would be taken to the market for the first time at the Cannes Mipcom in October 2005.

CEO of Animation Bridge Biren Ghose said, “Each animation series costs around five million dollars to eight million dollars and we are currently working on four — five properties. We are planning to spend around $30 million - $40 million in the next three years to produce the animation series.”

He added, “Animation industry in India is still in the early stages but it has arrived in digital animation — 2D and 3D. The Indian talent base has been increasing in terms of animators and India is an attractive animation development destination because of its cost efficiencies and talent.”

According to CEO of Kahani Inc. Akash Sahai, “Kahani brings to the partnership original concepts created and developed by Canadian artists, these concepts are being further developed and pre-produced by artists in India. As executive producer, Animation Bridge will manage and produce the shows and brands, including being responsible for production, marketing and financing.”

He added, “The shows will be true Indo-Canadian initiatives with the crafting of the storylines and scripts being done in Canada, leveraging the robust Canadian children's entertainment and animation industry, while the product development and production will be done in India.”