FX School, is a digital media institute that deals in educating courses in photography, filmmaking, visual effects, graphic design, and animation and digital art. Abhyudaya Morarka, Director, FX School spoke to Ekta Sharma Verma about recent developments in FX School and what motivated the brand to hop on the franchise bandwagon.
What is the story behind FX School? How it started and what was the inspiration?
I was fortunate to experience great education in India and US. I enjoyed exploring new areas of interest and learnt new things. This was the driving force behind my interest in bringing a world-class education institute to India which was addressing new areas in a qualitative manner. Soon thereafter, I met our (National Award Winning) Academic Director, C B Arun Kumar, through a common friend and everything grew from that point.
What strategies you employ to maintain the standards of your company?
In any service oriented business, it’s all about people. We have done everything we can, to attract the best talent who are not only experienced and accomplished industry professionals but are knowledge-sharing too. The other equally important thing is that my mentor and I devoted lots of time and resources to establish a culture that defined us. We operate in an industry that is occupied by those who are not only creative and artistic in nature, but are deeply passionate about what they do. So, it was really important to us that we foster an environment of fun without sacrificing quality. When you visit us you will see that everyone here really loves what they do and have fun while they do it, yet produce world class work.
What are your future expansion strategies?
We have a target to open 10-20 centers this year and around 20+ by next year. We wish to first expand to the top 30 cities in India where there is growing aspiration and demand among the youth for training in digital media and photography. We will be expanding the services of our International partner so that the students from all parts of India get the benefit of the Australian FXPHD Certification.
What motivated you to take franchise route for your business expansion?
In India we have unbelievably creative talent, deeply embedded in every corner that is totally untapped. Most of these folks are unable to travel away from their hometown and move to a large and expensive metro city in order to explore their options and develop their talent. Franchising was clearly the best way to reach them.
What are the basic requirements to become a franchise partner?
Belief and passion in providing a good quality education, patience to grow the business, the right way for long-term prosperity and open mindedness is required to be our franchisee.
How does the brand’s franchise model could benefit aspiring entrepreneurs?
We have managed services model where our involvement in the franchisee’s daily operations is very high. As such, we see aspiring entrepreneurs as partners who will help us grow the brand and are looking for this level of assistance from the franchisor.
Franchise facts:
|
Area |
Investment |
RoI |
Breakeven |
Current centers |
|
850-1000 sq. ft |
Rs 30 lakh |
50% |
2 years |
1 |
