TRACING THE HISTORY OF 2D TRADITIONAL ANIMATION IN CHENNAI
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhVichar.v1.i2.2025.41Keywords:
2d Traditional Animation, Media, Industry, Artist, ChennaiAbstract
The paper explores the history of 2D traditional animation in Chennai, India, from its early influences in the 1950s and 1960s to its growth and challenges in the present day. Through the research, it traces the contributions of pioneering animators and studios that helped establish and develop the animation industry in Chennai. Through in-depth interview analysis, the key findings include the early influence of Disney animator Clair Weeks and studios like Prasad and Gemini in the 1950s and 1960s. Later, the contributions of Albert Zacharias, Ram Mohan, and Venki Sambamoorthy created a way for unique animation techniques and training new talents. During the 1990s and 2000s, the industry further grew with the establishment of animation training programs and studios.
However, lack of government support and global competition posed the key challenges for the industry. The paper finally concludes that Chennai's animation industry has ample scope for developing original content based on Indian stories and culture—for both domestic and international markets. The research sums up the need for continued investment and support for animation-related programs and productions.
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