Get to Know | Leena

In this release, we're proud to spotlight Leena, one of our talented Artists at FOLKS Mumbai, who takes us behind the scenes of her journey into visual effects.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?
I'm a Roto Artist at FOLKS Mumbai.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN VISUAL EFFECTS?
I actually got into visual effects because my older brother works in animation, he is a 2D concept artist. I used to watch some of his work, and that's what made me want to get into this field!

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN VISUAL EFFECTS AND AT FOLKS?
I like the creative nature of visual effects, as it allows artists to express themselves. I also like the versatility that comes with the job, because you can work on a wide range of projects, from blockbusters to commercials to video games. For me, it's this variety that makes it so exciting. Also, continuous training means that you're constantly discovering new tools, techniques and technologies, which I find very stimulating from an intellectual point of view. And working at FOLKS means working with great people and learning from everyone.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THE VFX INDUSTRY?
For those considering a career in visual effects, my advice would be to start by enrolling in a good institution that teaches practical VFX skills., then to keep yourself informed of evolving technologies, build up a diverse portfolio and showreels, join internships and, above all, show discipline and dedication!

THE FIVE MAIN VALUES OF FOLKS ARE CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION, EXCELLENCE, SIMPLICITY AND KINDNESS. WHICH ONE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
I'd choose excellence and kindness. Excellence because the quality we offer our customers always meets high standards, and kindness because I consider myself to be a very kind and helpful person, I always try to give my best.

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A COLLEAGUE WHO INSPIRES YOU, WHO WOULD IT BE?
I'd like to mention two of my colleagues, Vijay Kumar MH and Sai Kotapati, because working with them makes me feel that anything is possible. They constantly motivate me and give me challenges, which helps me to become a better artist day after day.

IN WHAT FOLKS PROJECT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF YOUR WORK?
The project I'm most proud of having worked on at FOLKS is SPY KIDS. Some of the scenes were quite challenging, but I learned a lot from it and the outcome was mind-blowing.