On February 11, 2026, Anna University – Department of Media Sciences hosted Gateway 2026, a symposium themed around visual media. With students participating from various universities and colleges across Chennai, the event created an energetic space for learning, interaction, and industry exposure, bringing together young creators who are actively exploring the future of media and storytelling.
Throughout the symposium, students engaged in discussions and sessions that reflected how visual communication is evolving today where creativity, technology, and audience experience are deeply connected. The overall atmosphere was enthusiastic and curious, with participants using the event as an opportunity not only to learn, but also to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and understand where the industry is headed.
A Key Highlight: VFX + AI Workshop by Basilic Fly Studio
One of the standout moments of Gateway 2026 was the VFX workshop featuring Artificial Intelligence, presented by Basilic Fly Studio. The session was led by Zameer Hussain, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Global EVP and Ram Kumar, Senior Pipeline Developer, who brought an industry-grounded perspective into the academic setting.
Basilic Fly Studio_Presentation:
The workshop focused on how AI is being integrated into modern VFX workflows in a way that supports artists and improves production efficiency. Rather than treating AI as a buzzword, the session positioned it as a practical tool, useful for speeding up repetitive tasks, improving consistency, and helping teams work smarter while keeping creative decision-making with the artist.
Understanding Gen AI vs Non-Gen AI:
A valuable part of the session was the explanation of the difference between Generative AI and Non-Generative AI, shared in a student-friendly and easy-to-follow way:
Generative AI (Gen AI) was explained as AI that can create new outputs, such as generating new images or visual variations based on prompts or references.
Non-Generative AI (Non-Gen AI) was explained as AI that does not create new visuals, but instead supports workflows through automation, organization, analysis, and production assistance helping teams manage complexity and move faster.
This clarity helped students understand where AI fits realistically inside a VFX pipeline and why knowing the difference matters when entering the industry.
How the session went
Overall, the workshop was engaging, practical, and relevant to the audience. Students were able to connect the discussion to real-world production scenarios and gain a stronger sense of how VFX studios work today. The session also encouraged students to think beyond tools towards skills like adaptability, workflow understanding, and creative problem-solving, which will become even more important as technology continues to evolve.
Closing Note
Gateway 2026 concluded on a positive and inspiring note, giving students both motivation and direction. The symposium successfully created a bridge between academic learning and industry reality, especially through sessions like the Basilic Fly Studio workshop, which highlighted how visual media, VFX, and AI are coming together to shape the next generation of storytellers.
Sincere Thanks
We extend our sincere thanks to the faculty and team who made this symposium possible: Shree Jyothi (Assistant Professor), Soniya (2D & VFX), Uma Maheshwari (Associate Professor), Lavanya (Assistant Professor), Dinesh (Assistant Professor), and Velayudham (Assistant Professor) and a special thank you to the students of the Department of Media Sciences for their enthusiastic participation, coordination, and warm engagement throughout the event.
