5 Minutes With... 2D Supervisor Suresh Hari

Can you tell us how you got into VFX and about your path to becoming a 2D Supervisor?

My interest in films started quite early; as a youngster I used to help my dad part time in our shop back in India where we sold audio tapes and also ran a VHS rental library. 

A corporate filmmaker / ad filmmaker gave me my first break when he accepted me in his company as an intern to learn video editing. I went on to join an animation studio started by a few ex-colleagues to work on their first film as an editor, but sadly the film didn't see the light of day. 

At the same time, they were on the lookout for Compositors to comp about four shots of prehistoric elephants on to clean plates for a French documentary filmmaker. They wanted me to have a go at it and that was my first ever attempt at comp which went down extremely well with the clients. In the process I realised how much I enjoyed doing this kind of work and there was no looking back.

I went on to work on various projects with them and created a comp team. Later when the company got acquired by a large global VFX company, I spent a few years helping them build a strong Roto Prep team with local talent and shifted my focus back to comp. I relocated to their London office to broaden my horizons and over time I worked my way up to being a 2D Supervisor.

What has been your proudest or most memorable moment of your career so far?

To have been part of two Oscar winning projects, Life of Pi and The Jungle Book. In particular The Jungle Book as I had the chance to hold the Oscar statuette.

How would you describe the Outpost culture in three words?

Collaborative, enthusiastic, and pragmatic.

What is it about being a 2D Supervisor that brings you the most joy?

As a Supervisor, I’m involved with projects from the early stages. It is deeply satisfying to see a project through to completion from this early on and along the way I get to collaborate with various other departments and guide my team to achieve a common goal.

In your opinion, what makes a great team and why?

The cornerstone of success at most studios is teamwork.  Being accountable, keeping things simple, and most of all staying humble is the hallmark of a great team.

How do you see the 2D department changing or evolving in the future?

The buzzword now is AI and how it's helping automate a lot of tasks especially Roto and Prep. It's early stages right now but I see this trend continuing and the tools improving, allowing us to focus more on creative tasks.

How would you describe the atmosphere in the Outpost London studio?

Everyone's super friendly and welcoming. The studio is brand new and in general there are happy vibes all around owing to the company's priority on work life balance,

What do you think makes a great 2D Supervisor?

A 2D Supervisor's job is generally fast paced with it due to it being at the far end of the pipeline. Therefore, I feel like any Supervisor who in addition to all their creative and organizational skills can bring themselves to have empathy towards their team can realise their team's best potential and create a strong sense of connection and teamwork.

Finally, some quickfire questions:

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

A glass of water 

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

Cheese!

What would be your superpower? 

Beer Guzzler

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

Friends

What are you currently learning?

Python for Nuke Artists by Adrian Pueyo

Any pets? 

A dog, her name is Cocoa

Favourite way to relax?

Beer and friends

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

Japan

What irritates you? 

All talk and no action

Favourite song? 

Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd

Last present you bought yourself? 

Airpods Max! I'm lying – my wife bought me that 😉