VFX Wonders

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: animation by almost 50%. The price point of VFX is generally lower as the content is charged on a per second basis. Broadcasters are charged anywhere between Rs 3500 to Rs 7000 per second based on the quantum of episodes. Since in a particular episode the duration of VFX may only be five seconds to three minutes, the price of the content also diminishes.

Raj Tambaku, creative/VFX head, Prime Focus Plus feels that most of the VFX done on TV looks primitive and still lacks sophistication. “It is quite an economical technology depending on the level of VFX that is required for the show. But this medium has not yet been adequately explored by broadcasters yet,” he adds. Dudeja says, “It is important for content producers and directors to learn the knowledge of making VFX. Whether it is expensive or affordable depends on what you want to do with you show and how to use VFX.”

Good quality VFX needs to have slow and sluggish details which can be executed through high quality software. The process of creating quality special effects is quite time consuming as well. Since the quantum of work involved in a TV show is greater and deadlines are made on a daily basis for episodes, the time constraints affect the quality of work too. The key costs therefore are lack of time, creative manpower and high-end machines.

Beside fantasy, science fiction and mythology, genres like action, drama and advertisements too can benefit from VFX. According to a VFX professional, TV commercials can benefit the most from VFX. “The advertisement industry is becoming very VFX heavy. A TV commercial usually costs around Rs 34 to Rs 35 lakh but if VFX is used entirely then the cost margin can be brought down to around Rs 24 lakh.”

The price for quality content is always high. However, VFX can be quite cost effective. “Whether it is Ramayan on NDTV Imagine, Arsalaan on Sony Entertainment or the more recently launched Kahani Hamare Mahabharat Ki on 9X, VFX for most mythological shows is a comparatively cheap technology as the costs involved in creating the sets is cut down by almost 60% to 65%,” says a media analyst.