[FRAMED] FX TD, Shivakumar Akula, Mumbai
If you could travel back in time, which film, TV series, advert, or immersive project would you love to have worked on?
Game of Thrones.
What fictional world or place would you like to visit?
Cooper Station — from Interstellar.
Your career highlight to date:
Whenever I see my name on the big screen, it’s a highlight for me!
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in VFX?
Movie & TV Series like — The Lord of the Rings & Game of Thrones.
The combination of art and technology has always intrigued me. I also found myself drawn towards photo and video editing after secondary school and it’s from here, I got introduced to VFX.
The DREAM project would entail:
There are no specific projects on my mind, but I would love to just be more creative in whatever I do/work on.
How do you explain what you do to someone who doesn’t work in VFX?
I either show them my showreel or movie/show breakdown and talk them through it.
Describe your career journey into the exciting world of VFX.
My VFX journey thus far has been an exciting yet challenging one. I try to keep learning and upgrading my skills while also familiarising myself with all the latest software updates — to stay on top of the game!
What does the day in the life of an FX TD look like?
The day-to-day life of an FX TD can vary greatly, depending on the elements we need to deliver. Much of our time is spent creating simulations or matching them to references and other shots, followed by rendering. The FX team works closely with the Lighting and Compositing departments to ensure seamless transfers of simulation data or final renders, ensuring everything comes together smoothly.
Framestore is, to you, in three words:
Great Opportunity, Technologically-Innovative and Creative.
Best thing about your work environment?
The best part of my work environment is the opportunity to constantly learn and grow alongside a supportive team. We collaborate closely, helping each other solve challenges and improve our skills together.
Framestore is great at:
Creating qualitative work, associating themselves with really cool projects and having a great pipeline.
Favourite artform?
Photography.
Favourite image?
Marine Drive, Mumbai.
What’s your favourite movie/ series/ advert/ immersive experience and why?
- Games of Thrones (Drama, War, Chaos & VFX),
- Interstellar (Space Exploration, Music & Ideology).
What is the last piece of art (e.g. music, film, TV, writing etc.) that inspired you?
I don’t think I can name a single one. It keeps changing.
How do you unlock your creativity?
Listening to high-intensity music and brainstorming is my favourite way to unlock creativity.
From where do you seek inspiration?
All around me— could either be my workplace or online.
Who in the industry do you admire most and why?
Anyone in this industry who is dedicated to helping me improve my skills and refine my thought process.
Share the best piece of advice you’ve ever received:
“ Be consistent, hold patience & things will work out as it should.”
What tech/innovation could you not live without?
Mobile Phones.
What tech/innovation deserves the hype?
Eagerly waiting for Hyperloop!
What tech do you need that hasn’t been invented yet?
I’d love to have a Nimbus 2000 for effortless travel and a device that can build our dreams, just like in Inception, by simply using our thoughts.
Shivakumar Akula, you’ve been [FRAMED].
