Star Wars Maker Looks to India

[jayfish]

Story

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KOLKATA: Here’s something that could really conjure up magic. George Lucas’ visual effects arm, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), is “seriously exploring possibilities” of outsourcing 3D animation work from India .

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We are looking at getting 3D animation jobs done in India. These projects are initially planned to revolve around cartoon series for the TV, direct to video feature films and gaming. Companies here with which one has already interacted on this score are Maya Entertainment, UTV, Crest, Prana West and FX Factory,” Samir Hoon, ILM’s associate visual effects supervisor, told The Economic Times . Incidentally, during his stay in Mumbai, Hoon has also conducted a seminar / workshop fielded by Maya for animators.

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...cost advantages weigh heavily in India’s favour. According to Hoon, while an episode of TV animation in the US would see a $300,000-500,000 budget, it could be pulled off for $100,000-150,000 in India. Lucas’ Indian affair, which is expected to blossom in the next few months, should initially bring in yearly business worth $1-5 million

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Well what's left to say about this, selling out of the American work force, that hasn't already been said?

Jay

Edited To Include Last Paragraph.

[Champion Jack]

1. Yet another Nail in the coffin

[jayfish]

2. Of Lucas Or..

the US workforce?

Jay

[Screaming Lord Byron]

3. Lucas lost the crown to Peter Jackson and WETA, now he has to cut costs

For a 'cinematic rebel', he's quite the capitalist.

[atreides1]

4. I Would Say.....

.....the US workforce.

On a personal note, if he does go through with it I will sell off all
of my Star Wars collection, and not purchase anymore.

[slappypan]

5. He ought to outsource the script writing ...

couldn't possibly be worse than the stuff he's been churning out.

[imhotep]

6. I don't understand

WHY does Lucas need to outsource?
Its not like he is low on cash.
What is $200K to a guy that makes $200 million?

[jayfish]

7. A New Bently? -NT-

Jay

[abelenkpe]

8. grrrreat...

I thought 3D was a safe bet, but this sounds bad. All we need is ILM to be successful at this and we can kiss all animation jobs goodbye.

WETA has outdone ILM though.