The growing demand for high-end VFX has been a continuous challenge for studios worldwide and it shows no signs of slowing down in 2023, as the global VFX market is set to reach a value of USD 48.9 Billion by 2028. The need for new content is ever-present, as OTT platforms are vying for the viewers’ attention and competition ramps up. One of the biggest challenges for studios remains the need to find and retain artists skilled in traditional and emerging technologies, enabling them to scale and keep pace with the demand for content.
Asteady influx of highly skilled VFX artist talent is needed more than ever, so studios can keep bidding on projects without compromising quality. Cloud-based remote working has opened up access to a global pool of candidates for many, while other studios are focussing on potential solutions closer to home.
FutureWorks, a full service post production studio based in India, is one example in the latter category. Founded in 2007, the company’s initial focus on the burgeoning Indian feature film market has broadened to encompass collaborations with global OTT giants.2 019 saw the company as one of the first in the APAC region to receive Netflix’s Gold partnership badge. FutureWorks are now one the fastest growing studios in the film production sector with a portfolio that includes global hits like Westworld for HBO, and Netflix’s series Lost in Space. Their solution to the talent crisis is to reimagine and support the career pathway of fresh out of school graduates in the Chennai region.
The new FutureWorks Academy in Chennai offers an alternative to the traditionally unstructured entry pathways into the VFX industry that might discourage artists to choose this field over others. Instead of advertising runner positions and relying on job shadowing as a way to develop their skill set, the academy provides entry-level artists a clear path to success: they get the opportunity to learn from senior level professionals and work on live projects in a structured, tailored, and supportive environment.
The academy is overseen and managed by Savita Shekhawat, Head of Training and Development at FutureWorks. With 25 years of industry experience both in artist and leadership roles, Savita has a wealth of experience spanning 2D cell animation to 3D, and more. Working closely with HR and the supervisors involved in the training program, Savita manages the day-to-day operation of the academy and ensures that their curriculum is prioritizing artist growth.
“Building this program and overseeing the development of our students has been hugely rewarding,” – tells us Savita. “As the demand for content grows, so does the need to bridge the gap between the knowledge imparted by institutions and the skills needed to succeed when working on a real life production. We want to ensure that we give our artists all the tools they need to succeed in their careers, including regular one-on-one review sessions that provide actionable short-term goals as they progress through the ranks.”
The program offered by the academy takes six months to complete and is free of charge. Students need to complete three levels in order to successfully graduate but receive a certificate for each level completed. Level One provides an overview of the industry, opening up the world of VFX so candidates can experience it from up close and make an informed decision as to whether this is the right career for them.
If they choose to proceed, students get the chance to discover their area of interest at Level Two and benefit from training with a senior artist. This is where the intensive training begins, focusing on giving them the technical skills they need to enter the field. The final level is a paid internship which provides the opportunity to work on ongoing projects. Students at this level gain hands-on experience as their mentors guide them through the practical aspects of working on a shot which is a game changer for training and development in the VFX industry.
Along with the structured curriculum, students also benefit from close mentoring with a monthly review system where they have the chance to take their development into their own hands and discuss their progress with their supervisor, define clear learning goals and then chart a course on how to get there. Once artists have completed all three levels successfully, they’re offered a three-year service agreement with a remuneration and career development projection.
Located in Chennai, FutureWorks Academy is now accepting 18 entry-level artists in each batch per month. Candidates are placed into smaller groups with the same mentor who guides them through the entire training process, ensuring they have ample time for tailored career development and access to specialized training.
“Our goal with FutureWorks Academy is to make the Media and Entertainment Industry as attractive a career prospect as other technical industries such as IT or Engineering. Starting with Chennai, we plan to open training academies in other locations in the future, creating a whole ecosystem dedicated to nurturing new talent,” – shared Gaurav Gupta, Managing Director & Founder of FutureWorks.
The training currently offered by FutureWorks Academy is fully in-person, with approximately 80% of students coming from the immediate geographic area of Chennai, India.
Savita Shekhawat is Head of Training and Development at FutureWorks. With 25 years of industry experience in both artist and leadership roles, Savita Shekhawat has a wealth of experience spanning 2D cell animation to 3D and more. She previously worked for Digital Domain as a 2D Creative Lead and VFX Trainer, as a Compositing Supervisor at PixStone Images, and as a guest lecturer at Whistling Woods International in Mumbai, before joining FutureWorks in 2022. She currently leads the FutureWorks Academy, helping nurture and support the next generation of VFX artists.
