Women’s Special VFX Interview – Divya Gupta, Compositor, Pixomondo Los Angeles

Women’s Special VFX Interview – Divya Gupta, Compositor, Pixomondo Los Angeles

March 7, 2019 – March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the incredible achievements of women throughout history. International Women’s Day is such a wonderful way to celebrate the value women bring to the world.

Today, Divya Gupta talks to us about her experience as a woman working in the VFX and Animation industry.

// From Divya Gupta, Compositor, Pixomondo Los Angeles

How do you describe yourself professionally?

As a compositor, I am the last one to touch the shots before they leave the VFX studio. I integrate various elements like live-action footage, computer generated footage, effects and artist renditions into a seamless video. The finished product gives the illusion of reality blurring real life with fantasy. I am a detective, an inventor, a story teller and an artist in my job. I assemble each shot meticulously like a jigsaw puzzle combining elements together to trick your eyes into believing my creation is real. Each of the shots tells a story in which I create different environments and travel with characters to diverse worlds. In a way, you are doing magic because it is hard to tell how it was done and that makes it very fascinating for me.

What sparked your interest in visual effects?

I have a vivid imagination and a sense of wonder. The world has always felt like a canvas to me and VFX gives me an opportunity to realize my imagination.

How different was the industry when you first started? How did it make you feel?

There has been a paradigm shift in how much work is now being shared between different studios across the globe. This global collaboration has been possible with so many VFX colleges and studios opening in many countries, thus enabling the people to excel in this art form and promoting it. In addition, the technology continues to advance moving the industry from a blocky unrealistic feel to a real-world seamless integration. This makes me feel as my creations are truly alive in the scenes that I create.

What made you choose visual effects, what was the primary inspiration, and how long did it take before you finally made it to the big leagues?

The core to a career in visual effects is education and exploration. I earned a Masters in Fine Arts specializing in VFX which helped tremendously shape my career. During and after my education I explored various roles including production, coordination, on-set assistance and compositing. I also take every opportunity to explore other artists work and try to determine the techniques and methods that were used.

What is the current state for women in the industry?

I feel lot more females are able to join the VFX industry now since there is more awareness and opportunities available. So many colleges offer fine arts specialized courses that provides education to anyone who is willing to learn more about this industry.

What is it like to work as a woman in your current place of work?

I have been working at Pixomondo for over 5 years and it’s a fun place to be. Everyone is very friendly and they treat me like a professional artist. My time here has been very rewarding.

What was your Best VFX/Animation project worked for? What kind of projects would you like to work on in the near future?

Oblivion was a cool film to work on. We worked on a wide variety of shots that gave us a chance to explore different techniques and environments. Working on some sci-fi and horror movies in the future would be really nice.

Which is your favorite film in VFX and Animation and why?

I love all of Studio Ghibli movies. They always bring a sense of wonder each time I watch them.

What are your special achievements in VFX and Animation Industry?

Working at Pixomondo, I have been fortunate to be part of movies and shows that have won nominations and various awards. We have often pushed the envelope in techniques while integrating CG creatures like monsters/dragons or doing realistic face replacement. Whether it’s fighter planes fighting in the war or space shuttles taking us to the universe unknown, it has been really thrilling to be part of these stories.

Which women VFX artists/animators are your favorite and why?

, my college professor at Academy of Art university and mentor has been a great inspiration to pursue compositing as a career.

Do you think enough is being done right now to increase diversity in the industry, whether for gender, ethnic minorities, LGBT etc?

Compared to previous era, today’s society is lot more liberal and aware about the issues related to LGBT, ethnic minority, gender, etc. Globalization and internet have provided a means for people to connect together. A lot of shows are made to represent this diversity in the movies and a lot of the content is being produced and made by people belonging to these communities. We have a lot more representation of diversity in the industry than ever before and it is going to continue to grow more.

And what advice do you have for young women wanting to enter the industry?

Hard work is paramount to success in this industry. Many projects have demanding deadlines and it is important to stay focused on the task. In addition, be ambitious in learning new methods and tools. Don’t be afraid to try something new and express yourself.

We would like to thank Divya Gupta for the great interview, and if you like to know more about her, Feel free to reach her out IMDB, .