What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Vivek Shukla and currently I’m writing an animation show called “Adventures of King Vikram†on Disney India.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Before getting into writing for animation, I completed my graduation in computer application and also worked as a fitness trainer. But later, I left all odd jobs and joined a theater group where I acted, wrote and directed many plays.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I enjoyed writing “CHOTA BHEEM’’ animation show on POGO INDIA. I proud to be one of the writer for CHOTA BHEEM which is the top animation show of India.
How did you become interested in animation?
During my theater years, I got a chance to write a 13 episode primary animation series, and that was the turning point in my career. Writing for animation opened all doors for me through which I could imagine as a kid. Once I got the taste of animation, I kept digging the treasure writing for animation. What else you want when you tell your childhood friends, that your job is to see and make animation shows.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I’m from Mumbai, India and through writing for first animation show during my theater years, I got into this field.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
I write my scripts anytime but especially in the night, it’s easy to write. So instead of saying typical day, I would say its typical night.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
I love to write gags in a animation script, that’s the best way to show things.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
I don’t find anything which I don’t like in my job, I’m doing this job because I love every part of it.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
Being a writer, I use writing software and that’s what technology mean to me in my job.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Lack of producers and channels in India, who have confidence in Indian writers, is the most difficult part for me in this business. But one thing is sure, one has to prove before climbing upwards.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
While I travel, I try to see normal people in the form of animated characters, which is very funny sometime and this gives me good idea to use them in my stories.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
I worked really hard and wrote for a animated short film on urgent basis but never got my cheque from the studio. That’s really frustrating when someone breaks the trust, but that also taught me a lesson, to not to work before any agreement no matter how urgency is there for the project.
Any side projects you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
I’m working on a adventure based animation film project, which is totally going to be a out of the box script, Indian animation ever thought.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
I love to cook and watch cookery shows. I love to try and do things which I love to see and feel, just like animation.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Break the law and create your own.
