5 Minutes With... Production Manager Dipali Nathwani

Can you give us an overview of how you got into visual effects?

I like VFX-heavy movies a lot and was always curious to find out how they’re made. When I saw the opportunity to join the production team, I was eager to get into the industry but had no experience. Luckily, my team was very supportive.

Did you always aspire to be a Production Manager? What route did you take to get there?

I was working as a Coordinator and Outpost were generous enough to consider me as a Production Manager and promote me when the opportunity came up. It’s been a thrilling and challenging role. My aspiration will continue to grow, and I would really like to see what difference I can make as an individual in this industry.

What brought you to Outpost?

Outpost is a good name in the industry, and I was really excited to hear that they were starting an office in India. I wanted to work at a studio that’s people friendly, and when I got the offer from Mumbai, it ticked all the boxes for me.

In your opinion, what qualities do you need to have to be a Production Manager?

You need to have good leadership and communication skills. You also need a good rapport with the team and the ability to plan strategically to run a smooth production.

What’s been your biggest career achievement to date?

You could consider my time at Outpost as the biggest achievement so far; for me to receive a promotion within five months of my career here!

What’s been your favourite thing about working at Outpost?

One of the best things I've noticed is the culture. There are a lot of things that separate us from other VFX studios in India; we have overtime pay, and a great work-life balance. Here, everyone can give their opinion no matter what position they're in.

Which project has brought you the most joy to work on?

One of the best projects I’ve worked on is Foundation. For that, we did a lot of roto-anim shots, and it was a good learning experience for me.

You’ve been promoted twice since you joined us. How have Outpost supported your development and what have you enjoyed most about your new role?

I'm grateful that Outpost had faith in me and gave me challenging work so I could push myself. It’s been a great help for me.

Since the day I joined, the entire team has been very encouraging and supported me to move forward. I’m looking forward to handling a team and show on a bigger level, and have an opportunity to make a difference, bring new ideas and help us grow.

Finally, some quickfire questions:

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

Any green plant; they always keeps me happy.

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

Chocolate.

What would be your superpower?

Mind reading.

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

Friends.

What are you currently learning?

Ukulele.

Any pets?

Don’t have any at the moment but hope to adopt one.

Favourite way to relax?

Spend time on the beach.

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

All around the world.

What irritates you?

When someone walks slowly on a busy sidewalk.

Guilty pleasures?

Cheese burst pizza.

Favourite song?

Say Anything by Tristan Prettyman and Aahatein by Agnee.

Last present you bought yourself?

Coffee mug with crown lid.