Weekend Exclusive | No two scripts can be the same: Climb Media's Kireet Khurana

If one was to find out the pioneers of live action- animation combination feature films in India, he would certainly land up finding "Toonpoor Ka Superhero' as the answer. The Makers of this entertaining mixture of action ' animation are Climb Media. Avant-garde film maker Bhimsain who had won the Silver Hugo award at the prestigious Chicago Film Festival for his first short film "The Climb" is the founder of this production house and Climb Media (India) Pvt. Ltd. Was formed. He decided to name this production house after the success of his film. Climb Media is one of the rare production houses to have their presence deep rooted way back in 1971 when the Indian film industry needed such platforms to experiment, nurture and grow. This production house is been giving thought provoking and legendary films like Dooriyan, Gharonda. Ever since then Climb Media seems to be making its mark. Adgully brings you a personal interaction with Kireet Khurana, Director and Raviraj Wade, business development head of Climb Media.

Climb Media considers themselves as a "story telling company' more than a production house. That's what serves the purpose of keeping Climb Media apart from the cluster. Raviraj Wade said, "We don't promote ourselves as a production house but a story telling company. We emphasize more on quality so as my work is what promotes my production house. Also, for the regular projects we use internet as a medium vigorously & for the feature films, PR forms a regular practice."

When asked about the wide variety of range handled by the production house Wade told us, "Climb Media has always believed in exploring the media facets. In terms of a production house, we have and continue to create and produce Feature films, Ad-films, Audio-visuals, documentary animation that are entertaining, inspiring & meaningful."

He further added, "Apart from all the services we believe in sharing the knowledge. For the same purpose, we have a small wing called "Toon club' dedicated to organizing animation workshop for children."

Explaining the different functionalities of working over a unique project like Toonpoor Ka Suoerhero, Director Kireet Khurana told us, " Toonpoor Ka superrhero is India's first live action- animation combination feature film. Conceptualization, visualization & strong co-ordination were the keys for a smooth sailing process. What differentiates it from the regular procedure is the involvement of 200+ animators, artists and compositors spread across 4 studios (2nz Animation, Art-ery, Pixion & MEL) and 6 locations besides the team involved for live action. Creatively micro-managing every single shot, staging, blocking, composition, animation, providing colour keys and even acting and facial performance sketches for each of Toonpur's characters across all locations, was a challenge."

"Setting up the processes and pipelines was not easy. Shots and materials were uploaded to centralized servers, reviewed for feedback by the Direction team and uploaded again with a 24hr. turnaround time. Each week, 100s of rapid sketches (drawn in 15-30secs.) were provided to animators and artists for clear direction. We did several workshops with the animators to align them and "Toonpur Animation Bible" was created to use as a ready reckoner", he further added.

Admiring the efforts of background teamwork in the building of a successful production house, the business head Wade said, "Basically, there is need to focus on pre production as the foundation needs to be strong. Also, getting your script right & a deep understanding towards the medium you're using (animation, live action or combination of both) is always helpful. Inevitable to say, servicing the client requirement & certainly execution to maximum possible finesse will make all the difference."

Sharing his experience working over such a vast variety of brands Khurana said, "We have done over 400 ad films and public service films with an impressive roster of top-notch clients and ad agencies, besides working with prestigious companies like National Film Board of Canada, UNICEF International and many other international clients."

"It is always a fresh experience as no two scripts can be the same. Even while working with the same people, every project has its own look and feel. It definitely feels great to see your work on air and being well appreciated. Every experience leads to a new understanding of the ad world," he continued.

Discussing what really sets Climb Media apart from other production houses, Wade said, "Climb media's contribution for varied cinematic work; commitment to quality on a set of strong core values and aim to expand into new vistas speaks for itself. In addition, having an in house animation studio is always an advantage. Most importantly having a director like Kireet Khurana who is himself an animator as well is certainly an icing on the cake. Kireet has done his film-making course, from Sheridan College, Canada, animation as his major."

Further sharing the success mantra of Climb Media he said, "Our constant need for innovation and the spirit to explore the untouched sectors of the industry& excel in the same within a given time frame is what counts on.

With this success motto Climb Media is now looking forward to many exciting projects, some of them include film assignments too. Director Kireet Khurana has announced his next project named "Prithvi', an ambitious, epic fantasy. The pre production for the same is already underway.