In this episode of Industry Spotlight with Creative First, Prafull Gade, COO and Managing Director of Company3 Method India, joined Lohita Sujith, Sr. Director, Copyright & Digital Economy, Motion Picture Association shared his journey from an artist to a business leader in the animation and VFX industry. Reflecting on the evolution of animation in India, he highlighted the early limitations of the medium, which was largely restricted to theatrical content, and how globalization, technological advancements, and government initiatives propelled its growth. He discussed key turning points, including the expansion of animation services beyond entertainment into sectors like medicine and law, the rise of Indian studios developing their own intellectual properties, and the role of organizations like NASSCOM and FICCI in fostering industry awareness and skill development.

During the discussion, Gade explored the growing global demand for animated content, attributing its surge to improved localization, reduced technology costs, and the increasing credibility of Indian studios in delivering high-quality work. He emphasized how digital transformation, particularly the proliferation of streaming platforms and mobile devices, has revolutionized content consumption. Regarding Company3 Method India’s business focus, he explained that while the studio serves both domestic and international markets, its primary clientele remains in the West due to the company’s longstanding presence in the U.S. market.

Discussing the Indian government’s recent launch of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR, Praful commended efforts to develop a world-class talent pool through industry-academic partnerships and structured skill-building initiatives. He also addressed the evolution of Indian animation beyond children’s content, noting the rise of animated storytelling for older audiences, inspired by global successes like Rick and Morty and Love, Death & Robots, as well as India’s own mythology-based projects.

On the impact of AI, Gade described it as an exciting yet nascent frontier, comparing current industry perspectives to viewing a vast landscape through a pinhole. He hinted at the immense potential AI holds for immersive experiences, referencing ongoing but undisclosed projects within his studio. He also delved into the convergence of content, gaming, and social interaction, emphasizing how the metaverse is reshaping storytelling, virtual engagement, and monetization models. As the industry evolves, Gade appeared to remain optimistic about India’s role in shaping the future of animation, VFX, and immersive entertainment.