Many people are aware of CGI (Computer Graphics Interface) technology and have seen how this works. It has taken the Hollywood industry by storm, creating mind-bending special effects. It has also brought to life the many characters and worlds in the realm of video-gaming.

As an art-form itself, CG images alone are already a sight to behold.

Hoping to spearhead this revolutionary technology in imaging for Asia, CGArena (CGA) was launched on Jan 18 last year to create awareness of CG in India.

Ashish Rastogi, site-founder and current administrator, says the CGA received great response from the start, 'surpassing a million site hits in the first few days and now having more than 6 to 8 million page views per month.'

Mr Rastogi maintains and adds resources for CGA with the help of moderators, and 'friends all over the world'.

CGA also has listings of production house details including, but not limited to 20th Century Fox Televison, Beverly Hills, EFX.

Rastogi says that 'even the smallest of studios in remote towns of India' are featured. Production houses from all over are welcomed to submit their details to the site's database.

Some of the features of CGA include tutorials specifically written by top-notch CG artists worldwide, with a 'very easy to understand' content intended for all skill levels.

Monthly contests are held worldwide, with thousands of dollars in prizes. CGA also publishes a monthly edition of "E-Zine", which can be downloaded directly from their site for free.

Some high profile professionals in the CGI industry that have been interviewed by CGA include: Steven Stahlberg, Soa Lee, Zhang Yang, Allan Mckay, and Ziv Qual.

Mr Rastogi explains the user-generated premise of his website: "Artists who don't have any space or bandwidth to show their reel can upload on CGArena server absolutely free."

"Recruiters looking for artists can also post their job requirements on CGArena for free."

According to Mr Rastogi, CGA has benefited many of the sponsors in CG industries like: Pixologic (the owners of Zbrush, the most famous and widely used package in Hollywood and other mainstream studios), Wacom Asia (the world leaders in professional graphics tablet systems), Maxon (Creators of Cinema 4D and Bodypaint 3D), Craft Animations, Best 3D and many others.

Rastogi feels that although the CGI powerhouses come from developed regions like the US, UK and Europe, much of the supporting infrastructure is 'outsourced' to countries in Asia.

This implies that there is much untapped Asian talent to reap, and the potential that this part of the world holds for the CGI industry, is vast.

Delcares Mr Rastogi: "With the advent of sites like CGA in India, the time isn't far when the CG community throughout the world will face the toughest competition from hardworking Asians!"

"We hope to see a bigger in-house market being developed here in Asia."