[FRAMED] Lead Tracker, Jatin Chopra, Mumbai

If you could travel back in time, which film, TV series, advert, or immersive project would you love to have worked on?

Working on the ‘Harry Potter’ films would be a rewarding and challenging experience for me. I would get to create stunning and realistic visual effects that could bring the magic of the books to life… So ya, either the Harry Potter films or even the Lord of the Rings universe would both make for great opportunities to be a part of.

Which Framestore character do you feel you’re most like?

For me, it would be Venom, as his humour reflects his chaotic and unpredictable personality as well as his desire to have fun and enjoy life, even if it involves violence and carnage.

What fictional world or place would you like to visit?

I would love to visit the magical world of Hogwarts, as it would be a blast if I could learn magic, play Quidditch and ride Buckbeak!

Your career highlight to date:

Being promoted to Lead Tracker and getting to work on projects to the likes of ‘Wonka’ was a special and new opportunity for me — as well as sharing all the hardships and appreciation with the team together has been the best part of my career to date!

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in VFX?

I was always into art styles and animations. As soon as I got introduced to the visual effects industry, I knew this would be my career option. The freedom of turning fantasy into reality was always a thrill for me.

The DREAM project would entail:

Any project that involves challenging work, a fun team to work alongside and lots of sharing of knowledge (Of course, a cup of coffee to go along with all of this ❤️) is surely the makings of a dream project for me.

How do you explain what you do to someone who doesn’t work in VFX?

I show them some of our breakdown images and explain to them that whatever you watch on TV — most of it is not possible to film in the real world. But as the film script demands some dramatic action or effects — we generate it on a computer which is called CG or VFX.

Describe your career journey into the exciting world of VFX.

I studied an animation course at MAAC Institute in my hometown, New Delhi. The course was going great and the good thing that happened to me was, while working on my showreel, I got hired before the completion of it. But the start of my career was not that good. I started at an Animation Company as a 3d Animator, but when I joined they kept me in Layout for 8 months until I resigned. After that, I got an opportunity to move to Tracking. I learned a lot about tracking in the last 8 years from companies like Anibrain, Trace and D-Neg and then got the opportunity to join Framestore. Since joining here I have been learning new things on the daily. At the start of this year, I got promoted to Lead Tracker — bringing me face-to-face with loads of new experiences like attending cross-site meetings, checking brief videos, QC artists’ work, and helping them where they’re stuck. Everything has been going smoothly with the support of my teammates and my HOD. And I hope this journey will continue to be like this long after as well!

What does the day in the life of a Lead Tracker look like?

I start my day by taking rounds with Production and the artists for all the shows to check whether the shots are on track and/or if any issues are being faced while working on the shots — if so, I help them by suggesting ways to resolve that issue. After that, I take some time to check the rig to see if there are any updated versions available or if a new rig has been added — and how it works and matches with the plate. I also attend cross-site calls for QC and new briefs. Alongside all of this, I also do QC for the shots that need to be delivered by the end of the day.

Framestore is, to you, in three words:

Creative, Teamwork, and Growth.

Best thing about your work environment?

I appreciate and value the supportive and collaborative nature of my work environment. I work with a team of talented artists who are not only passionate about their work but also always willing to help when someone is stuck — allowing us to meet our deadlines easily. Everyone on my team is always willing to lend a helping hand or offer advice when needed, and this has helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Framestore is great at:

Maintaining a good environment and taking care of their artists.

Favourite artform?

Chess is often celebrated as a game of strategy, logic, and intellect. No idea about others, but for me, Chess is the best and my most favourite artform.

Favourite image?

Shiva — The name for eternity, energy and the end.

What’s your favourite movie/ series/ advert/ immersive experience and why?

The Harry Potter series has a wide range of characters, each with their own unique personality traits and quirks. This makes their world feel more alive and allows the audience to become fully immersed in the story.

What is the last piece of art that inspired you?

Avatar: Way of Water was very inspiring! The quality of the work was an absolute piece of art and you can truly see all the efforts that have gone behind bringing this project to life.

How do you unlock your creativity?

By analysing other’s shots and trying to explain to them different methods they can use to simplify their work. This helps me to expand my own knowledge and skill sets.

From where do you seek inspiration?

Watching movies, playing games, and travelling.

Who in the industry do you admire most and why?

As a kid, I loved watching James Cameron movies. He’s known for his stunning visuals, innovative use of technology, and precise attention to detail. His movies speak for his love for filmmaking and storytelling, and I guess, that’s where my love for VFX also came from.

One of his quotes that really inspired me was “Your imagination can create a reality”.

Share the best piece of advice you’ve ever received:

The best advice I ever received was from a friend who said “Don’t be stuck at anything, just keep moving ahead and try to learn something new from every phase of your life.”

What tech/innovation could you not live without?

There’s no such thing that is as important as living. But, Mobile Phones have become an integral part of our lives. It has the ability to keep us connected, informed, and entertained.

What tech/innovation deserves the hype?

UPI has transformed the way people make digital payments in India. Paying through UPI has become so easy, fast and cashless, and without any extra charges. So, I believe it should get hype all over the world.

What tech do you need that hasn’t been invented yet?

Flying cars really fascinate me! It would be a lot easier to commute and travel everywhere in them.

Jatin Chopra, you’ve been [FRAMED].