5 Mins With… Head of 2D Saurabh Nandedkar

How did you get into VFX initially? Did you always want to be an artist?

My journey into VFX is very filmy. In December 2009, Bollywood released 3 Idiots, a film that resonated deeply with me – especially the iconic scene where Farhan stands up to his father about his true passion. That very moment had played out in my own life just over a year earlier, in 2008.

I was pursuing a Diploma in Computer Engineering, with the expectation that I would continue into a degree program. But deep down, I knew engineering wasn’t my calling. Gathering the courage, I told my father that I didn’t understand engineering and that my heart belonged to animation. To my surprise, he agreed, and I owe a huge thanks to my friend, Chetan Ramdasi, who stood by me during that crucial moment.

Back then, I was mesmerized by films like The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings, constantly wondering, how did they create such magic on screen? That curiosity became my driving force. And today, I consider myself incredibly fortunate – not only to have pursued my passion but also to have had the privilege of working on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, the prequel series to one of the very films that first inspired me. Dreams do come true when you dare to follow them.

How did you progress to becoming a Head of 2D?

Like any creative field, VFX demands relentless learning, practice, and an unwavering belief in yourself. But every challenge, every late night and every setback only strengthened my determination. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had guidance and mentorship at every stage of my career, shaping me into who I am today.

My journey began as a Stereo Roto Artist at Prime Focus where I not only honed my roto skills but also learned stereo paint, expanding my technical abilities. From there, I moved to Pixion Studio, where I transitioned into live-action VFX. This was a game-changing phase in my career – I had the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals, learn Nuke, and understand the art of compositing. 

After gaining some experience, I rejoined Prime Focus World (which later became Dneg) as a Junior Compositor. This was a big step for me. At first, I struggled with the complexity of compositing, but it was here that I received invaluable mentorship from my seniors, pushing me to sharpen my skills and elevate my craft. With dedication and continuous learning, I progressed to the role of Comp Lead, taking on more responsibilities and leading teams on various projects.

My next challenge came at MPC, where I continued as a Comp Lead and worked on some major projects. These projects were not only creatively fulfilling but also earned recognition, including some awards for my contributions. Each experience added to my knowledge, refining my ability to handle complex shots and lead teams effectively.

Then came an exciting opportunity to join Outpost VFX, that’s also a story but for another time! I started as a Compositing Supervisor, where I led teams and handled creative challenges. With time, effort and dedication, I was promoted to Head of 2D.    

What have you learned along the way that has helped you to be a team leader?

Throughout my journey, I learned few core principles that have shaped my career:

· Always be hungry for knowledge. Never stop learning, no matter how experienced you become.

· Keep your eyes open to observe, analyse and absorb every detail around you.

· Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Embrace new tasks, even if they seem difficult and never say no to anything.

· Hard work is the only key to success – there are no shortcuts. Consistency, perseverance and dedication always pay off.

· Communication is everything. If I want to grow, I need to listen, understand, and communicate effectively.

I strongly believe that success in this industry isn’t just about talent – it’s about passion, resilience, and the willingness to push yourself beyond limits.

What’s your approach to working with a team and developing their skills?

It is based on communication, trust and continuous learning. I believe that a strong team is built on collaboration and mutual respect. My goal is to guide, support, and empower people so they can reach their full potential. it’s about helping them grow, keeping them inspired and working together to create something amazing. When the team succeeds, we all succeed. 

I ensure that expectations, feedback and goals are communicated effectively to the team. I always motivate my team to stay curious, explore new techniques and improve their skills. Sharing knowledge with your colleagues makes the team strong. I believe in giving my team members the freedom to take ownership of their work, which helps build confidence and responsibility which sharpen their skills and understanding. This also helps them to take feedback constructively.

What does your day-to-day routine look like at Outpost?

It is a mix of problem-solving, collaboration and continuous learning, making it both fulfilling and enjoyable. I’ve found a great balance between work and personal life while constantly growing. Each day brings new challenges, but the energy and passion of the team make it exciting.

I start my day by catching up with different show teams and 2D departments. Staying connected with the team helps me understand the progress of ongoing projects and identify any challenges that need attention. I also make time for one-on-one meetings with artists, as it is key to understanding their concerns, issues, and supporting their professional growth.

If the team is facing technical or creative hurdles, I work with them to find the best solutions. Collaboration with cross-site teams plays a crucial role in maintaining high-quality standards. Taking feedback from different locations helps us align our work with expectations and continuously improve. I ensure that we are delivering work that meets the highest standards. I believe in keeping the team motivated by recognizing their hard work, creating a positive work environment, and supporting their growth. Every day at Outpost is a new opportunity to learn, mentor and create something incredible.

Besides artistic and technical ability, what personal attributes do you look for in new hires?

I look for a strong willingness to learn and a passion for creating something new. Also, teamwork, communication and attention to detail are equally important. I also appreciate a positive attitude and adaptability.

What project / shot / sequence are you most proud of in your career so far?

I believe every project comes with its own challenges and learning experiences, so I will not pick favourites. However, I feel fortunate to have worked on major Hollywood and Bollywood films, including Oscar nominees.

I really enjoyed working on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, as the Lord of the Rings movies were a big inspiration for me to enter this field. Another moment was working on the Avatar: The Last Airbender series, as I’ve long been a fan of the original anime.

While these projects stand out, I believe that every project and every shot plays a crucial role in shaping an artist’s journey. We need to learn, grow, and enjoy the process along the way.  Each project will be a rewarding experience.

What do you enjoy most about working at Outpost?

What I enjoy most about working at Outpost is the incredible team and supportive work culture. Everyone, from leadership to artists, is encouraging, understanding, and always willing to help each other. There’s a strong sense of collaboration and respect, which makes working here truly enjoyable.

The studio’s culture is another aspect I appreciate. Outpost values its people, creating an environment where everyone feels heard, appreciated, and motivated to do their best. The positive atmosphere, combined with the passion of the team, makes every moment exciting and fulfilling experience.

Finally, some quickfire questions:

What’s the one thing you always keep on your desk? 

Notebook and pen

You can eat one thing for the rest of your life – what is it?

Ras Malai 

What would be your superpower? 

Mind manipulation

You’ve got a couple of hours to kill – what do you watch?

Generally, I’ll prefer to read. But any anime series like One Piece is good

What are you currently learning?

Basic Python coding for nuke

Any pets? 

No

Favourite way to relax? 

Reading books

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

I like to travel, so I will go to any beautiful place

What irritates you? 

Idleness

Guilty pleasures? 

Staying up all night just to finish a book – once I get hooked, I can’t put it down!

Favourite song? 

Kishor Kumar’s songs

Last present you bought yourself? 

Some perfume