Get to Know | Parikshit

In this release, we are pleased to present Parikshit Tiwari, one of our Pipeline Technical Directors at FOLKS Mumbai. A tech-savvy problem solver, Parikshit ensures our artists can unleash their full creative potential.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE AT FOLKS?
As a pipeline technical director, my job is fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding. In a VFX studio, each department has specific needs and collaborates closely, passing data in a process called the pipeline. I ensure this flow is smooth by creating tools, automating tasks, and solving technical problems, allowing artists to focus on their creativity. When something blocks their progress, they rely on us to fix it, and it's satisfying to know my solutions help the team get back on track. I also enjoy designing tools that solve immediate issues while being scalable for future needs. Ultimately, I love the blend of problem-solving and creativity in my role and the impact I have in bringing incredible stories to life on screen.

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN WORKING IN VFX AND IN YOUR DEPARTMENT?
I started at FOLKS as a production assistant, completely new to the industry and unaware of the pipeline department. My main job was to gather and audit reports from different sources. As I got more familiar with the work, I realized that many of my tasks could be automated. I wanted to make things easier so managers could access real-time data without waiting for me to prepare and format reports. I began experimenting with tools like Power Automate, Office Scripts, and Excel to improve the process. These small automations worked well and were appreciated by my team. This motivated me to take on bigger challenges. I explored ShotGrid and learned Python to connect to its data. With help from the Head of pipeline, I built more complex tools and eventually joined the pipeline team full-time, a role I was thrilled to take.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE VFX INDUSTRY?
When I was finishing high school and deciding on my bachelor’s degree, I explored different career options. In India, students usually choose between Science, Arts, and Commerce, with science being the most popular for careers like engineering or medicine. I wanted something more creative. Around that time, I discovered the Unity game engine and tried making a small platformer game, which led me to 3D design. I soon found Blender and got hooked after doing the famous Donut tutorial. At the same time, I realized how much my favorite movies used visual effects. Reading about the black hole simulation in Interstellar blew me away, and I knew then that I wanted to work in VFX.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD IN VFX?
If you're considering a career in VFX, especially in a technical role like pipeline TD, stay curious and take initiative. I didn’t have formal programming training when I started. It was my curiosity and experimenting with tools like Blender and game engines that opened unexpected doors. Don’t be afraid to take a different path. I found my way by spotting problems and figuring out solutions. Growth happens when you solve challenges. Keep learning, as VFX evolves fast. Also, find mentors and build a network—they’ll help you grow both technically and professionally.

THE FIVE MAIN VALUES OF FOLKS ARE CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION, EXCELLENCE, SIMPLICITY, AND KINDNESS. WHICH ONE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
I most strongly identify with collaboration. No project can succeed without departments working together smoothly. The pipeline is the studio’s backbone, and collaboration keeps everything moving. Even a small issue in one area can disrupt the entire process. For me, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential. If it’s missing, the company feels the strain right away.

OUTSIDE OF YOUR WORK IN THE VFX INDUSTRY, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR INTERESTS?
Outside of work, I’m really into the tech world—especially custom PC builds. I’ve actually built a few myself, and I love the process of picking out the parts and assembling everything. It’s like solving a puzzle, which brings me to another hobby—I can solve a Rubik’s cube in about two minutes. I’m also a huge fan of anime and manga and have been into it since I was a kid. It feels like a unique art form that blends storytelling and visuals in a way that really resonates with me. My favourite anime is Oregairu—the characters and the story really struck a chord with me.

IS THERE A FOLKS PROJECT YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYED?
Yes, that would be Kalki 2898-AD! This was an incredibly hyped movie for me, my friends, and my family. When I learned that I would be closely involved in bringing it to the big screen, I couldn’t contain my excitement.