Arena Animation National Students Meet 2025: Learning, Networking & Career Opportunities

Arena Animation

The Arena Animation National Students Meet was more than just an event—it was an immersive experience that brought together industry stalwarts such as animators, VFX & CG artists, art directors, and HR professionals from the AVGC-XR industry under one roof. Held over three exciting days, the event was a perfect blend of learning, career opportunities, and unforgettable fun.

The event was full of powerful industry sessions and hands-on workshops to live interactions with top professionals, the event gave students the platform to learn, showcase their skills, and give their careers the right direction with the right guidance. 

Learning from the Best: Industry Speaker Sessions & Workshops

The event featured live sessions with industry leaders, offering students an insider’s perspective on trending technologies, career opportunities, and the evolving landscape of animation, VFX, and gaming. Experts like Gaurav Mathur, Technical Account Manager at Epic Games, introduced students to character rigging and animation workflows in Unreal Engine 5.5, while BN Vichar, Art Director, shared insights into art direction and visual storytelling. Krishna Babu, CG Supervisor at Zebu Animation, conducted a session on asset training and look development for production, providing students with hands-on exposure to industry-standard techniques. 

Mangesh Borkar, Lead Compositor at ILM, led an exclusive ILM workshop, giving students a glimpse into high-end compositing workflows. Also present were Hariharan KV and John Varghese from the film Thangalaan, where they gave a breakdown of their movie. Dhimant Vyas, a veteran animation film designer was present as well along with Sajiv Naik, Sr. VFX artist from NY VFXWAALA. 

Additionally, an acting workshop by Pratik and Swati helped students understand the nuances of performance, movement, and expression—an essential skill for animation professionals. 

These sessions and workshops not only empowered students to ask questions, gain clarity, and apply their skills in real-world scenarios, enhancing both their technical expertise and creative confidence, but they also gave exposure in terms of how the industry works and the opportunities they can explore. 

HR Conclave: A Deep Dive into the Industry’s Hiring Mindset

The HR Conclave was inaugurated by Ashish Kulkarni, President of FICCI, Chairman of AVGC-XR Forum & Founder of Punnaryug Artvision Pvt Ltd. His speech was about how the AVGC-XR industry has grown and what the future holds for the industry and the people involved in it. The conclave also gave students a golden opportunity to interact with top human resource professionals from leading studios. This panel discussion provided invaluable insights into what recruiters look for in fresh talent, how to craft a winning portfolio, and the qualities that make candidates stand out in the competitive AVGC industry.

The panel featured Dipali Sawant (HR, NY VFXWAALA), who shared insights on aligning skills with industry demands and crafting standout resumes; Ruchi Sharma Nair (HR, ILM India), who stressed the importance of adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving in a fast-paced studio environment; and Kunjal Dedhis (CG Supervisor), who highlighted essential technical skills and portfolio elements that set candidates apart in animation and VFX. The HR Conclave gave the students an understanding in terms of what the studios and production houses of AVGC-XR industry look for in a candidate and how to create a portfolio that makes them standout from the competition. 

The HR Conclave was also a game-changer for students looking to step into the industry, as several companies present at the event offered internship opportunities to the students. This was possible because of Star Lounge where students showcased their showreels, ensuring our students get the best start to their careers with well-known and renowned names of the industry.

Beyond Learning: A Celebration of Talent & Camaraderie

A proud moment for many students was the felicitation ceremony, where top-performing participants were recognised for their achievements. This was followed by a much-needed unwinding and celebration. The DJ Night set the stage for an evening of music, dance, and bonding, while the Theyyam performance brought a cultural flavour to the event.

The grand finale? A thrilling trip to Imagicaa, where students got a well-earned break, enjoying rides, and attractions, and making unforgettable memories with new friends.

A Transformative Experience for Every Student
The Arena Animation National Students Meet was more than just a gathering—it was an opportunity to grow, network, and take the next step toward a promising career. With industry connections, hands-on experience, and even job offers in hand, students walked away not just inspired but empowered to make their mark in the creative industry. When you become a part of Arena Animation, you Learn from the Leader. 

FAQs

How to be a part of NSM?

You can be a part of the next NSM by being a part of Arena Animation. With Arena Animation, you be a part of our other events such as Creative Minds, Perspectives and more where you get to learn from industry leaders first-hand and take home key insights for a successful career. These events are organised throughout the year. Visit the nearest Arena Animation centre and take admission to a course of your liking. To be a part of the next NSM, get enrolled in Arena Animation today!

What type of speakers come to NSM?

Speakers from the AVGC-XR are present at the National Students Meet. These include lead animators, VFX producers and supervisors and CG supervisors, who give students exposure to the working and growth of the industry alongside people belonging to HR and management, who help students understand the type of talent studios and production houses look for and what makes an ideal candidate. 

Does NSM happen every year?

Yes, the National Students Meet happens every year at different locations across India with a new panel of speakers and activities in each edition.

Is there placement at NSM?

At the National Students Meet, we have Star Lounge, where the students get the opportunity to display their showreels. Based on the work displayed in the showreels, the students get the opportunity to intern at well-known names in the AVGC-XR industry.