Animation, special effects and gaming companies in Andhra Pradesh have formed an association in to lobby with the Government on issues related to the industry. The AVCGI (Animation, VFX, Comic & Gaming Industry of A.P) has elected K. Basi Reddy (Managing Director of Digiquest) as president.
The association leaders have met the IT Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah and submitted a memorandum, asking him to release the exclusive policy for animation and gaming industry in the State.
“In view of the stagnant growth and the hurdles faced by the industry, we require a supportive incentive package. All the auxiliary verticals of the industry have joined hands to highlight the issues we face,” Basi Reddy said in the memorandum.
The association has come out with a few suggestions on the draft policy the Government announced last month. It said they expected more clarity on the proposal to reimburse the cost of production on animation and gaming projects.
It asked the Government to write to banks and financial institutions, recommending sanction of collateral-free loans under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises.
On the proposal to give Rs 15 lakh as recruitment assistance (for employing 100 employees), the association wanted the Government to stagger the assistance in parts. The association asked the Government to consider giving the 25 per cent investment subsidy (Rs 25 lakh) to the existing companies and academies.