S Kulkarni (DSK) Group, a major in the real estate industry tied up with the globally recognised French Institute — Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Northern France (CCINDF) in 2008 to set up DSK Supinfocom International Campus in Pune as a premier animation, gaming and industrial design education centre.
With the Indian animation industry estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22 per cent and gaming industry at 49 per cent by 2012 as per a report by Ernst and Young, India is now being seen by global majors as a leading destination for high-end, skill-based activities. DSK Group chairperson Hemanti Kulkarni says, “Whatever is the need of the day must be met and hence we started this institute. Why not be a pioneer in this field where there are only two or three colleges in the world which are imparting this stream of education.”
Comfy campus
The campus comprises three different schools — DSK Supinfocom for animation, DSK Supinfogame for video game design and DSK International School of Design (ISD) offering courses in product, transportation and digital design.
Situated on the outskirts of Pune, the sprawling 20-acre, breezy campus presently houses all the three streams in one building. A new building for ISD and a 500-room hostel in addition to the present 336-room hostel is due to be completed soon. Some of the hi-tech amenities provided for students and faculty are Wi-Fi connectivity, library, gymnasium, sports and healthcare facilities.
Of mentors and masters
The institute follows a project and practice-based education with a focus on creating a good portfolio. Foundation courses of two years and advanced courses of three years are offered across all the three streams. A full five-year course in animation costs Rs 24.5 lakh, gaming Rs 20 lakh and industrial design Rs 28 lakh.
The work of the students at DSK Supinfocom is judged by an international jury from the industry at the end of their final year. Those graduating with flying colours in animation are awarded the title of Digital Director certified by the National Commission for Professional Certificate (CNPC) which is attached to the French Prime Minister’s office.
DSK Supinfocom executive director and CEO, Umesh Tashildar says, “We need trainers from the industry to teach such a vocational course. The training equipment has to be state-of-the-art so that students can start working the day they leave the institute and relations with the industry have to be strong.” Hence, the institute has ‘Master Classes’ where renowned animation, industrial design and gaming professionals conduct workshops and are mentors for student projects. Emmy Award-winning Max Howard, Head of International Outreach for DreamWorks Animation, Shelley Page and professionals from Oxylane, Puma, Bentley Motors, Renault Design, Louis Vuitton, Volvo, Pininfarina have been to the institute in the past.
Melting pot of cultures and creativity
Most of the faculty is international and come with considerable industry experience. Also, there are many international students who come all the way to Pune and that makes for a multicultural experience on campus.
Cintiq Tablets for sketching, Rapid Prototyping Machine, thermoforming machine, painting booth, clay modelling tools, 3D software 3DS Max, AutoDesk Mudbox to create high resolution models for films and games and Game Engines are the tools and software made available to students at the institute.
Self-sufficient
The institute has a placement cell and assists students in securing internships and jobs. “A strong portfolio ensures a good internship and almost half the students get placed at this stage. Students can land jobs during the final jury as well. Companies like Dreamworks, Rhythm and Hues, Double Negative, Mahindra 4, Videocon, Oxylane, Tata Elxsi, Ubisoft, Jump Games, Kreeda India come to the institute for evaluation,” says Tashildar with great pride.
DSK students have won awards at prestigious events like the International Design Excellence, SIAM Design contest, ‘Design the Next Chevrolet’ contest by General Motors, Artesinmortaza Film Festival 2010, Intel Visual Adrenaline Game Demo Challenge, etc.
— shruti_khairnar@yahoo.com