[FRAMED]: V Suresh Bahadur, Creature FX TD, 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].
If you could travel back in time, which film, tv series, advert, or immersive project would you love to have worked on?
The “Harry Potter” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchises have left a lasting impact on pop culture with their VFX, and being part of the teams that brought these magical and adventurous worlds to the screen would have been a dream come true.
Which Framestore character do you feel you’re most like?
I totally identify with “Rocket” from the MCU!
What fictional world or place would you like to visit?
Knowhere in Marvel! Haha, that would be a great interdimensional crossroad.
Your career highlight to date:
Working on high-end visual effects films such as Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, His Dark Materials Season 3, and Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 and seeing my name on a movie screen for the first time will always be among my top professional highlights.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in VFX?
I grew up watching Tom and Jerry and a few other 2D shows, and I was also attracted to films like King Kong, Life of Pi, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc — which is what led me to a career in VFX.
The DREAM project would entail:
Definitely an Oscar-winning film with lots of creatures!
How do you explain what you do to someone who doesn’t work in VFX?
I would generally tell them that I work on simulations — which makes the characters they see on screen look real!
Describe your career journey (into the exciting world of VFX).
I started as a 3D Modelling Artist, modelling organic and hard surface models. After which, I got the opportunity to move into Creature Fx, where I went through intensive simulation training, and now I work as a Creature Fx Td in Framestore.
What does the day in the life of a Creature FX TD look like?
My usual day would entail reviewing project requirements and collaborating with team members to get to know about the tasks at hand. I try to gather references by studying real-world phenomena like fluids and cloth behaviour to create realistic effects by setting up the simulation and tweaking parameters. I would then take feedback from supervisors on any adjustments to the desired artistic vision. I also spend some days attending workshops and experimenting with new software and workflows.
Framestore is, to you, in three words:
Creativity. Innovation. Opportunity
Best thing about your work environment?
The greatest thing about my work environment is that it promotes positivity, teamwork, and mutual respect among colleagues — which makes a significant difference and makes everyone comfortable in expressing their ideas and opinions.
Framestore is great at:
Bringing vision to reality! Also, the work culture emphasises a well-organised pipeline and provides opportunities for professional and personal growth through training programs, skill-building workshops and various other possibilities for career advancement.
Favourite artform?
It’s a bit hard to choose but I love the art of cooking and cleaning, and obviously appreciating good music and movies!
Favourite image?
Witnessing the beauty of Nepal!
What’s your favourite movie/ series/ advert/ immersive experience and why?
I would definitely say the high production quality of “Game of Thrones” was a visual feast. The fantasy setting of Westeros with its — diverse cultures, political factions, rich history, power struggles, unexpected twists, elaborate costumes and stunning sets along with breathtaking cinematography and epic battle sequences — the show offered a grand and immersive experience through it all!
What is the last piece of art (e.g. music, film, TV, writing etc.) that inspired you?
Magical Creatures! “The Fantastic Beasts” movies introduce a wide array of magical creatures, each with its unique design and characteristics — From the forest Bowtruckle, coloured beast Zouwu and majestic Thunderbird to the blend of a snake and peacock Occamy.
How do you unlock your creativity?
The key to unlocking creativity is in collaborating and sharing ideas, but yes, some days I can also unlock it by having ice cream when it rains 🙂
From where do you seek inspiration?
My inspiration comes from exploring new places and experiencing diverse cultures.
Who in the industry do you admire most and why?
All my mentors! They have helped me push past my boundaries of what is possible in the world of VFX.
Share the best piece of advice you’ve ever received:
“Always Smile, no matter what happens.” A smile is a curve that sets everything straight!
What tech/innovation could you not live without?
The Internet. There’s no way we could do the things we do without it! The way we can communicate, share information, gain knowledge and entertain ourselves is truly magical.
What tech/innovation deserves the hype?
I believe Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering — It will not only improve healthcare but also revolutionise environmental conservation.
What tech do you need that hasn’t been invented yet?
Maybe something that would actually improve the climate! I’m an environmentalist through and through so it feels like maybe an impactful innovation will help with these climate change issues!
V Suresh Bahadur, you’ve been [FRAMED].
