"Indian VFX is on the rise; but faces challenges" - Charles Darby

Charles Darby, the founder of the visual effects house, EyeQube Studios, Mumbai, says that the Indian vfx sector is on the rise. He was speaking at FICCI Frames 2011.

"I came to India four years ago to establish EyeQube. Many of my friends had similar reactions but as we stand here today it seems like a pretty good bet...we have a thriving domestic industry to work on whilst international work is now gaining steam....Indian money is even co-producing Hollywood films....a big turnaround within the last 20 years. A seismic change," Darby said.

Charles Darby, who has done over 40 films with the biggest VFX studios worldwide and has set up his own studios in Hollywood and India, remarked that the acquisitions made by Indian companies such as EyeQube and Prime focus was leading to a reverse effect, where leading global vfx companies were turning to India for partnerships, sensing the need to adapt before they are rendered un-competitive.

But he also warned against work going to other countries because they could offer cheaper prices as "film studios now shop around the globe for the best price vs quality".

"So just as India is now in the spotlight and is able to start offering a viable alternative along with great savings to the film studios...so too will India one day need to compete with other countries for such work...it's the nature of the business," Darby concluded.

“Indian VFX is on the rise; but faces challenges” – Charles Darby