Gateway to VFX Excellence: Jayanti Mahapatra’s Insightful Session with ATLAS ISDI Students

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, within the walls of a vibrant restaurant, the aura of creativity thrived as ATLAS ISDI students engrossed themselves in passionate discussions about their projects. Little did they know that their fervent exchange would capture the attention of an industry luminary, Grib aka Griboshin Vellanthrov, Head of Studio at FOLKS Mumbai. His encounter with these talented students sparked a chain of events that led to an enriching session with Jayanti Mahapatra, the Head of Learning and Development at FOLKS VFX.

Steeped in a rich tapestry of experience spanning two decades within the VFX and animation domain, Jayanti Mahapatra brought a treasure trove of insights and wisdom to the eager minds of ATLAS ISDI students.

FOLKS VFX: A Nexus of Creative Brilliance

Jayanti talked passionately about FOLKS VFX, showing how it represents top-notch creativity worldwide. Founded in Montreal in 2012, FOLKS encompasses a sprawling network that shapes cinematic narratives through exceptional visual effects. With offices across Montreal, Toronto, Bogotá, Saguenay, and Mumbai, FOLKS thrives on collaboration and talent nurturing. Their recent alliance with Pitch Black stands as a testament to their commitment to innovation and expertise, uniting over 1,400 artists worldwide.

Jayanti eloquently depicted life at FOLKS as a harmonious blend of a growth-driven ethos and a people-centric culture. The emphasis on a healthy work-life balance resonated deeply with the students, showcasing an organizational belief that allows individuals to excel at work while nurturing personal well-being.

“Strength comes from generous sharing of knowledge and broadening perspectives.”

Unveiling the Pathway from Student to Professional

Guiding the students through the labyrinth of employability skills, Jayanti underscored the pivotal attributes that pave the way for success in the workplace. From communication skills to adaptability, time management, critical thinking and teamwork, she emphasised the significance of these traits in moulding future industry leaders.

She showed the pathway to building employability skills, advocating for engagement in volunteering, community activities, hobbies and a positive attitude. The importance of being punctual, dependable and proactive in learning and seeking guidance stood out as cornerstones in one’s professional journey.

Navigating the VFX Career Landscape

The session meticulously navigated the intricacies of a career in the VFX industry. Jayanti elaborated on various career pathways, highlighting opportunities in creative roles, production management, pipeline support, information technology and learning and development within FOLKS VFX.

“Dedication of people in this industry (VFX) leaves a long lasting influence on you”

Junior RPM Internship

The process of entering the industry was demystified, unravelling the Junior RPM Internship at FOLKS, a transformative three-month journey involving classroom training and production test shots. Jayanti elucidated the qualities FOLKS seeks in an intern, emphasising analytical skills, patience, attention to detail and the ability to work under deadlines as crucial attributes.

Embracing Emotional Intelligence in the VFX Realm

Delving deeper into the realm of success beyond academic prowess, Jayanti underscored the significance of emotional intelligence. Understanding and regulating one’s emotions, coupled with empathetic engagement, fosters stronger relationships, reduces team stress and enhances job satisfaction—a profound lesson resonating deeply with the budding talents.

The Legacy of Dedication: Jayanti Mahapatra’s Professional Journey

As Jayanti shared her personal odyssey from an artist to a trainer, her illustrious journey, from crafting animations to mentoring future leaders, mirrored the immense impact dedication can wield in shaping careers.

Jayanti Mahapatra’s interactive session with ATLAS ISDI students not only opened a window to the world of FOLKS VFX but also served as a guiding beacon, illuminating the pathway to success in the dynamic VFX and animation industry. Her profound insights, gleaned from a wealth of experience, served as stepping stones for these aspiring creatives, igniting their passion and charting a course towards excellence. As the collaboration between ATLAS ISDI and FOLKS VFX blossoms, the session stands as a testament to the invaluable exchange of knowledge and expertise, fostering a new generation of VFX virtuosos poised to leave an indelible mark on the industry.