[FRAMED]: Prashant Nair, CG Supervisor, Mumbai
[FRAMED] exists to shine light on Framestore’s most fascinating cast of characters: its people. Presented with a probing list of questions and a demandingly short deadline, this feature puts the hopes, dreams, and desktops of our MVPs on the digital wall, for all to see. Welcome to [FRAMED].
What are you guilty of?
Way too much yoga. I had a knee injury while playing badminton a few years ago and the doc said that the injury was caused by too much laxity in my joints, which in turn is because I’m too flexible!
What was your last brush with danger?
I was a teenager when I thought it was a good idea to do a street race without wearing a helmet (not sure what I was thinking) and I brushed my mandible to the rear of the truck, survived, but have a metallic jaw since then!
Your last brush with greatness?
I once offered food to an old, hungry-looking beggar, who thanked me and took it. What I witnessed afterwards was very moving; he offered that entire bread to his dog instead of keeping it for himself. I wish I could’ve captured that moment of greatness. It made me realize that it takes heart to be generous!
Your worst character fault?
I can’t remember names easily.
Your most shining quality?
I have exceptional reflexes. Nothing slips out of my hand, even if it drops, I catch it before it falls to the ground.
You’re on the run from the law, where are you headed?
Amazon.in — Cloak of Invisibility (added to cart).
Who’s your partner-in-crime?
My ‘cell’ phone.
Fantasy cellmate?
MJ — we’ll both be smooth criminals. 😊
Your greatest achievement?
Being able to chew chicken with a broken mandible.
Most valuable skill?
Zooming out to spot any missing details.
Go on, say something bragging:
Back in the days I had some breakdance moves. Body waves and touching the floor!
Name your vice/pet peeve?
Entangled cables and wet floors (can you visualize how I step into a bathroom wearing my adidas originals — soles aren’t anti-skid).
The DREAM project would entail:
To explore Indian (Hindu) mythological stories. There’s so much scope for FX, characters, creatures and animation.
Your career highlight to date:
I’m so proud to have contributed to these awards: VES Awards for Spots v Stripes, Oscar for The Jungle Book, BAFTA/Oscar for Life of Pie, VES awards for Fast and Furious: Supercharged and most recently a BAFTA win for for our VFX work on His Dark Materials.
This week I learnt that:
Celebrating both my wife and son’s birthdays can be the happiest moment, but also the most expensive affair (pandemic or lockdown is not a solid excuse!).
What’s your current view?
My bowl with two fish trying to get my attention while I’m working. I turn on the TV to keep them busy!
Give us a desk tour:
A pain relaxant (for back pain from sitting on a couch), headphones (my kid has online classes in the same room and “gets disturbed”), a snack to replenish my energy, water to stay hydrated, random notes (with coffee spill marks), a tsunami of cables, my sculpey for when I take a break, and…oh yeah, and my laptop!
What do you need to work, on the daily?
Very hot Masala Chai (a spiced Indian tea), which I need to make myself!
Framestore is, to you, in three words:
Inclusive, empathetic and innovative.
Best thing about your work environment, at home:
Natural light and being able to switch my workspace. Working from my balcony is very serene.
Framestore is great at:
Making people feel valued and motivated.
Favourite art form?
My favourite style of art and design is quirky and bold. I also like anatomy!
Favourite image?
Pietà by Michelangelo.
Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
Bruce Wayne (Batman).
Happiness looks like:
If not here, then where?
Skydiving, only if my wife permits, or to unexplored places on planet earth with my family.
What do you think of too often?
About the project or artwork I’m currently working on.
And not enough?
Managing my finances.
Couldn’t live without:
HIIT, Muay Thai and good food!
How are you staying inspired by working remotely?
Constantly upskilling by watching Masterclasses and staying connected with my team.
How are you spending your weekends?
Wine, Netflix and procreate!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself during quarantine?
I can cook almost everything, and I’m a multitasking ninja who can slay dishes, laundry and vacuum at lightning speed!
Include a pic of your work station :
If you ruled the world:
Imagine that!
Prashant Nair, you’ve been [FRAMED].
