Maya launches first animation training institute

The Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC), the training wing of Maya Entertainment Ltd, a leading academic institute in animation, and graphic designing in India launched its first animation training institute in Colombo last week.

General Manager MAAC, Vikas Tewari said the global animation industry is set to exceed US$ 75 billion in the next two years and setting up of a professional industry of this magnitude will contribute to the growth of the Lankan economy.

He said the Western world and the USA have outsourced many of their animation, films, promotional, graphics and designing work to the Indian subcontinent and that Sri Lanka could develop a vibrant industry.

"We decided to set up operations in Colombo because animation in Sri Lanka will be comparatively cheaper than India and the potential for a professional industry in the country", Tewari said.

Chief Operations Officer MAAC, Naveen Gupta said animation is becoming an attractive profession globally and with the interest towards IT and animation Sri Lanka will be a big player in the sub continent. "Sri Lanka's vibrant business environment and IT industry will enable the growth of the animation industry. MAAC will provide training to talented Lankan youth", Gupta said.

MAAC set up in 1996 by world acclaimed film director, Kehtan Meta has spread over to 45 centres throughout India and it is the only animation academy to set up operations in UK, Malaysia, Middle East, Nepal and Singapore.

The MAAC training institute is at R. A. De Mel Mawatha, Duplication Road Colombo 3.