[FRAMED] Senior Matchmove Artist, Arun Krishnan, Melbourne
If you could travel back in time, which film, TV series, advert, or immersive project would you love to have worked on?
I wish I could have worked on ‘Jurassic Park’ because it was the first English movie I ever watched in a theater, and it blew my mind. The VFX behind it was awesome, and I still have immense admiration for the artists who created it. It was a game-changing movie in the VFX industry.
Which Framestore character do you feel you’re most like?
It might sound a bit strange, but it’s like I’ve got my own mini version of Blue from the movie ‘IF’. Sure, I’m a big guy too and we could be twins, but don’t worry, I’m no monster! 👻
What fictional world or place would you like to visit?
I’m a huge fan of learning about ancient civilizations and their cultures. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of ancient Egypt. The movies ‘The Mummy’ and ‘The Mummy Returns’ only fueled my curiosity. I often wish I could travel back in time to witness how ancient Egypt was built and how they constructed the incredible pyramids. Egypt remains my dream destination.
Your career highlight to date:
During my time at MPC, I was part of the teams behind Life of Pi and The Jungle Book — both of which went on to win Oscars. I still remember the moment they brought the Oscar statuette to the MPC Bangalore floor; I had the incredible opportunity to hold it in my hands. It felt like a dream come true for all of us. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of leading some truly remarkable films, including the recent Leave the World Behind.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in VFX?
After completing my bachelor’s degree in commerce, I found myself unsure of what to do next. I briefly considered pursuing a master’s, but during that break, I started watching films like The Chronicles of Narnia and Spider-Man — and something just clicked. I became fascinated by the world of VFX. A close friend of mine, who had worked on some of these films as a VFX artist, encouraged me to explore the field. With his guidance, I enrolled in an animation institute to learn the basics.
Before I could even finish the course, I was fortunate enough to land an opportunity with a major VFX studio in Chennai — despite having no prior experience. That’s where my journey began. The very first film I worked on was Where the Wild Things Are.
The DREAM project would entail:
One of the dream projects I had the chance to work on was Game of Thrones Season 7 — a show with a massive global fan base. It was an incredible experience to collaborate with such a talented team on a series that audiences around the world were eagerly anticipating.
How do you explain what you do to someone who doesn’t work in VFX?
This happens a lot with my friends. I usually say, “Have you seen Jurassic Park? My job is to add the dinosaurs on screen and make it look like the actors are really interacting with them.” They usually nod with a look that says they kind of get it — and then they stop asking questions 😆
Describe your career journey into the exciting world of VFX.
I began my career in 2006 as a matchmove/animator at Prasad Studios in Chennai, where I worked on regional films for nearly five years. I then moved to Redchillies VFX, where I had the opportunity to work on Ra.One — a project I still consider one of the best VFX films ever made in India. After that, I joined Reliance MediaWorks, followed by MPC Bangalore as a senior matchmove artist. My time at MPC was a true highlight, getting to work on world-class projects with an incredibly talented crew.
In 2016, I joined Iloura (now Framestore), and it was a whole new world — a completely different atmosphere from what I was used to. I feel so fortunate to have been part of such amazing studios and to have worked with some truly great teams over the years ☺️
What does a day in the life of a Senior Matchmove Artist look like?
Finishing a shot within the bid days can be challenging sometimes. It’s crucial to check everything thoroughly before submitting the renders. Initially, understanding the changes in tracking with the new Framestore pipeline was difficult, but it took some time to adapt.
Framestore is, to you, in three words:
Creates brilliant VFX!
Best thing about your work environment?
My team and the coffee machine are both essential to me. I’ve worked with my colleagues for many years; each of us has been together for more than a decade. It’s a remarkable thing. Then there’s coffee — I love creating designs in coffee, a skill I picked up from the Iloura team. I truly enjoy making coffee for others. 🙂
Framestore is great at:
Producing exceptional work and having the opportunity to work on large projects.
Favorite artform?
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for Carnatic music, especially the rhythm and energy of percussion instruments. I used to play the tabla and mridangam — both of which are key elements in Carnatic performances. Another passion of mine is photography. I love capturing moments in nature, even if I’m not a professional — there’s just something peaceful about it. 📸🌿
Favorite image?
Wilson’s Promontory National Park — one of my fav clicks!
What’s your favourite movie/ series/ advert/ immersive experience and why?
Movies: It’s hard to pick just one favorite, but Cast Away is a film I can watch anytime — it never gets old. Children of Heaven is another that really stays with me. I’m also a huge fan of the Spider-Man movies, and I absolutely love Denzel Washington in action-packed roles!
Series: Some of my all-time favorites include Lost, Manifest, Stranger Things, Paatal Lok, and the list goes on…
What is the last piece of art that inspired you?
I recently read about the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb — such a fascinating piece of history! The last coffin, made of solid gold, held his mummified body. February 16, 2023, marked the 100th anniversary of the opening of his burial chamber. The tomb itself was discovered in November 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter and his team after five years of relentless searching.
Definitely worth a read: Spotlight: The Discovery of King Tutankhamun 🏺✨
How do you unlock your creativity?
Spending time with my colleagues and discussing new technologies and changes in the VFX industry with friends helps me learn something new.
From where do you seek inspiration?
I love to travel and listen to music. These two activities are enough to get me feeling inspired!
Who in the industry do you admire most and why?
Steven Spielberg. He is remarkable. At the age of 24, he made the movie Duel using stunning cinematography techniques. It was filmed on a modest budget, with minimal dialogue and a simple plot. Yet, it’s a classic road rage movie and absolutely thrilling.
Share the best piece of advice you’ve ever received:
‘Follow your heart and let it guide you to what feels right.’
What tech/innovation could you not live without?
My Mobile 📱
What tech/innovation deserves the hype?
Probably AI I would say. It’s revolutionizing content creation and design in remarkable ways.
What tech do you need that hasn’t been invented yet?
Time machines and teleportation are incredibly fascinating concepts.
Arun Krishnan, you’ve been [FRAMED].
