Arena Animation, a training provider for animation, VFX and gaming with a national footprint hosted its National Student Meet 2025 from March 4-6 in Mumbai, which provide the students with a platform to learn and connect for careers in the Media & Entertainment industry. With a strong focus on Animation, VFX, Gaming, and Digital Media, National Students Meet 2025 aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations.
The event was designed to equip students with practical skills and exposure, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world challenges. The program featured interactive industry sessions, hands-on workshops, and engaging discussions, bringing together students, faculty, and professionals from leading studios and organizations.
The first day featured insightful sessions from distinguished industry professionals, including Ashish Kulkarni, Chairman, Animation, VFX, Comics and Gaming Forum, FICCI, Sanjeev Naik, a Senior VFX Supervisor, and Yogesh Chhag, VP of Business, among others. These sessions provided students with valuable insights into the latest trends, technological advancements, and career opportunities in the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector.
Day 2 was dedicated to hands-on learning through a series of workshops designed to enhance practical knowledge and technical proficiency. Students participated in diverse sessions covering topics such as Digital Portrait Sculpting, VFX Breakdown for the movie Thangalaan, Character Rigging and Animation Workflow in Unreal Engine 5.5, and CG Compositing and Integration on Live Plate. These workshops were led by accomplished professionals, including Krishna Babu from Zebu Animation, Art Director B. N. Vichar, and John Varghese and Hariharan from Hybrid 360.
A key highlight of the day was the Industry HR Conclave, which offered students an exclusive opportunity to interact with hiring experts from top studios. The panel featured HR representatives such as Niloy Kanti from Wacky Toons, Reshav Pandey and Karan Shimpi from Fluid Studio, Dipali Sawant from NY VFXWALA, and Kunjal Dedhia and Ruchi Sharma Nair from Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). These experts shared insights into hiring trends, essential skills, and career pathways in the Media & Entertainment sector.
Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited and Brand Custodian, Arena Animation, said that by bringing together industry veterans, thought leaders, and young creative minds under one roof, the meet aimed to foster innovation, skill development, and meaningful connections that will shape the future of the AVGC sector. Dipali Sawant, Head, Human Resources at NY VFXWALA, added, “Talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not always evenly distributed. The AVGC-XR VFX industry is evolving at a rapid pace, creating a demand for skilled professionals who can adapt to cutting-edge technologies and storytelling techniques. Events like National Students Meet serve as a crucial platform for aspiring artists to connect with industry leaders, gain hands-on exposure, and understand what it takes to succeed in this highly competitive field. It’s not just about learning software or technical skills; it’s about developing an artistic vision, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset. By fostering these connections, we empower students to bridge the gap between academic learning and
The final day was a blend of networking, celebration, and fun. Students engaged in interactive networking sessions, allowing them to build connections with mentors and peers. The closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of participants, recognizing outstanding contributions and creative excellence displayed during the event. To wrap up the experience on a high note, students were treated to an exciting visit to Imagica Theme Park. This excursion not only provided a well-deserved break but also an opportunity to observe entertainment design in action, further fuelling their creative aspirations.
