[FRAMED] Animator, Bhartendu Mahto, Mumbai
If you could travel back in time, which film, TV series, advert, or immersive project would you love to have worked on?
If I could travel back in time, I’d love to have worked on Spider-Man, Jumanji (1995), or Pirates of the Caribbean. Each of these films was something special — whether it was Spider-Man’s action-packed sequences, Jumanji’s adventure and fun, or Pirates of the Caribbean’s epic storytelling. Being part of any of these projects would have been a dream come true, especially to experience that level of creativity and storytelling.
Which Framestore character do you feel you’re most like?
I’d say Paddington. Curious, kind, and always trying to spread a little joy, even if things don’t go perfectly.
What fictional world or place would you like to visit?
I’d love to visit the world of Jumanji. A wild, unpredictable jungle full of adventure. It’s dangerous, yes, but also exciting. Nothing would beat the thrill of being inside a game like that!
Your career highlight to date:
One of the biggest highlights of my career so far has been working on Prehistoric Planet for almost one and a half years. Being a part of such a high-profile and visually impressive project was both challenging and rewarding. It gave me a great chance to enhance my skills in creature animation and work alongside some of the most talented professionals in the VFX industry. Seeing the final output on screen and knowing that I played a role in bringing ancient creatures to life in a realistic and cinematic way was truly an unforgettable experience.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in VFX?
My interest in VFX probably started back in childhood when I was really into drawing and reading comics. I was always fascinated by how art could bring stories to life, whether it was through illustrations in comic books or the animated worlds I watched on TV. Over time, I realized that VFX was the perfect way to combine my love for creativity with the technical side of things. It felt like the natural next step, taking everything I loved about comics and animation and pushing it into the realm of film and digital media.
The DREAM project would entail:
The DREAM project for me would be working on a Spider-Man movie, especially the thrilling scenes of him swinging through buildings, capturing that high-energy action and the excitement of his world would be amazing!
How do you explain what you do to someone who doesn’t work in VFX?
I just say I make cartoons!
Describe your career journey into the exciting world of VFX.
Actually, I was studying BSc in Physics when I also joined MAAC(Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics) to learn drawing and sketching, simply out of personal interest. However, over time, I realised that animation was not just a hobby for me it was something I truly enjoyed and felt passionate about. After careful consideration, I made the decision to leave my degree behind and fully dedicate myself to pursuing a career in animation.
After that, I got the opportunity to work with some really good studios in India like Xentrix, MPC, DNEG, and Framestore. Working there helped me a lot in learning the craft and understanding the industry better.
From reading comics in my childhood to now working on big film projects, it’s been a journey driven by passion and the constant desire to learn and grow creatively.
What does a day in the life of an Animator look like?
A typical day in my life as an animator begins with some light exercise to freshen up and get into the right mindset. After reaching the office, I start by organising my work and preparing to present it during the morning meeting with my supervisors. We also have a cross-site meeting with team members from other locations, where we discuss updates and align on tasks for the day.
Once the meetings are over, I take a lunch break and then get back to my desk. Depending on the workflow, I either work on retakes based on feedback or begin working on a new shot. This is the part of the day when I feel most focused and creative, as I enjoy the process of bringing characters and scenes to life through animation.
After work, I like to unwind by playing PC games or spending time on personal creative projects. In the evening, I prepare dinner and relax before winding down for the night.
Framestore is, to you, in three words:
It gives me wings! :)
Best thing about your work environment?
The best thing about my work environment has to be the people. It’s rare to find such a talented group who are not only great at what they do, but they are also so kind and supportive. There’s a genuine sense of teamwork and warmth, which makes coming to work every day feel much more fulfilling.
Framestore is great at:
Framestore is great at bringing characters and creatures to life in a way that feels grounded and believable. As an animator, it’s exciting to be part of a team that really understands how movement, emotion, and performance come together, no shortcuts, just pure craft.
Favorite artform?
Painting and comics have always held a special place for me; it’s really where everything started.
I remember spending hours as a kid, just lost in my sketches, drawing characters from my favorite comics. Those moments were so simple, yet they sparked something in me that has stayed with me ever since.
Favorite image?
I’ve never really been someone who’s into photos — but I love staring at the world with my eyes. There’s something special about truly taking in a moment, feeling its details, and letting it stay with you.
What’s your favourite movie/ series/ advert/ immersive experience and why?
Jumanji (1995) has always been one of my all-time favorites. The idea of a board game that could pull you into a real jungle adventure was just mind-blowing to me as a kid. And the twist that you could actually age while being stuck in the game made it all the more thrilling and unpredictable. It was one of those films that completely captured my imagination. It’s also the first movie I ever bought on CD and brought home, so there’s definitely a nostalgic connection there for me. Every time I watch it, it takes me back to those moments when I was completely hooked on the adventure.
What is the last piece of art that inspired you?
The last thing that truly inspired me wasn’t a movie or a book, but a simple motorbike ride. Being on a motorbike clears my head and makes everything feel more alive. The wind, the open road, the way the world passes by a little slower, everything feels like a reset for my mind. I usually have music playing in my ears. In those quiet moments, just me, my motorbike, and the road, ideas start to flow and everything feels possible. It reminds me that sometimes the most inspiring “art” isn’t something you watch or read, but something you feel.
How do you unlock your creativity?
I love to read comics; they’ve always been my escape and inspiration. Whether it’s the thrilling action of superheroes or the quiet wisdom hidden in simple panels, comics have a way of pulling me into their world completely. I especially enjoy Indian comics, like those from Raj Comics, where characters like Nagraj and Doga blend mythology, action, and real-world themes. There’s something special about how art and storytelling come together in this format; it feels alive, like every frame has a heartbeat. Comics don’t just entertain me, they spark ideas, shape my imagination, and remind me why I fell in love with stories in the first place.
From where do you seek inspiration?
I find inspiration in seeing people smile. There’s something incredibly powerful in that simple expression — it carries warmth, connection, and often an unspoken story of resilience or joy.
Who in the industry do you admire most and why?
I don’t really have just one person. I admire the whole world of cartoons, comics, and everything in between. There’s something about the way these art forms bring stories to life that just grabs me.
Share the best piece of advice you’ve ever received:
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received came from my father. He once told me, “If you’ve started something, you have to finish it.” It’s simple, but it stuck with me. No matter how tough things get or how tempting it might be to quit, finishing what you start is about more than just completing a task; it’s about commitment, responsibility, and seeing things through. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think about those words and remember that the sense of accomplishment and growth comes from following through, even when it’s hard.
What tech/innovation could you not live without?
I couldn’t live without my computer. It’s the core of everything I do.
What tech/innovation deserves the hype?
The internet definitely deserves all the hype it gets. It’s transformed the way we live, work, and connect with each other. From education and entertainment to business and healthcare, almost every industry has been revolutionized by the internet. It’s hard to imagine a world without it now. The speed at which it allows information to flow, how it enables people to collaborate across borders, and the endless possibilities it offers for innovation make it a true game-changer.
What tech do you need that hasn’t been invented yet?
One tech I’d love to see invented is something like the Jumanji game from the movie. Imagine a game that fully immerses you in a world where the physical and virtual blend together. Where you can actually experience the adventure, challenges, and environment in real life. It would be amazing to have technology that allows us to interact with digital worlds in such a dynamic and tangible way, going beyond just screens and controllers. It would be the ultimate way to experience games, stories, and adventures.
Bhartendu Mahto, you’ve been [FRAMED].
