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Meet Kannan and Thamizh, the powerhouse artists at Basilic Fly Studio, India’s leading VFX Studio! Their journey from budding talents to VFX maestros is a living testament to our studio’s unwavering commitment to artist training and growth. Starting as Roto artists, this duo sprinted to the top, leaving their mark on blockbusters like Avatar: Way of Water, Spiderman: No Way Home, and Thor: Love & Thunder. Perfect shots and unmatched creativity are their signatures. And guess what? They’re not stopping there; a new adventure in Concept Art awaits! Concept Art, you say? Hold onto your seats! At Basilic Fly Studio, we’re more than proud – we’re ecstatic – to host a family of dedicated and talented artists. We don’t just preach about pushing boundaries; we live it. Our commitment to training artists in cutting-edge domains is no joke. When we say top-class training, we mean it. Case in point: Igor Staritsin from Industrial Light & Magic, an expert in Concept Art, leading the charge. He’s a VFX veteran, with a rich experience of 16+ years, shaping our artists with his impeccable training. Not many studios venture into this realm, but we’re breaking barriers. We are proud that Basilic Fly effortlessly navigates the VFX industry as a versatile full-service company, and setting the International standards in the VFX Training arena. This is definitely just the beginning! Our artists – our treasure, they aren’t just creating; they’re pioneering. Hats off to our young dynamic duo, Kannan and Thamizh, for diving headfirst into this uncharted territory! But wait, there’s more! Kannan and Thamizh are just the tip of the iceberg. Brace yourself for a wave of talent, with others queued up for upskilling in their departments and beyond. Elankathir from the paint department is up next – his story’s about to unfold!

Basilic Fly Studio is a hub of artists from many cities in India. We love the diversity and take great measures to preserve it. This ‘Far from Home’ series covers one such artist, shedding light on their experiences staying away from their hometown. In this edition, we interviewed Kuldeep Kumar, a junior compositor who comes from Agra, Uttar Pradesh. He started as a Jr. Paint Artist who worked as a Sr. Mentor and Trainer before taking up compositing. Now, let’s dive into a quick chat with Kuldeep to witness his adaptation to working away from home. 1. When did you come to Chennai? 2016. So, it’s been 7 years now. Before Chennai, I worked in Chandigarh. There, I previously worked as a stereo roto artist. 2. Favorite South-Indian food? Dosa and chutney. 3. Which Tamil word do you use most often? Machi. 4. Have you traveled anywhere in and around Tamil Nadu? Yes! So many places – Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Rameswaram, and Mamallapuram. Each place is unique, and I love them all. 5. What’s the one thing that made you suffer in the initial days? It took some time for me to adapt to the food. Now, I cook my own food. However, compared to a few years ago, I could find many North-Indian restaurants now. 6. What do you love the most about Chennai? People are very welcoming. Tamilians are some of the most loving and compassionate people I have come across. Also, I feel that Chennai is one of the safest cities in India. 7. Have you had any challenging situations? Yes, I recall a few. I managed all of them quite easily. But, the Covid-19 pandemic was difficult. Thankfully, BFS’ support got me through. I was given the WFH option for three months and got all the necessary facilities. My supervisors were helpful as well. Since there was no option to travel or spend time with my friends, I thought a lot about home. However, my wish to go back home was fulfilled during the second pandemic. During uncertain times, while manpower rationalizing took place across industries, management continued to leverage the financial and mental strength of BFSians. 8. Would you advise an aspiring VFX artist to take up a job and reside in a different city? Absolutely, they need to grab a good opportunity whenever presented. You have to take risks. Yes, it can be hard at times, but the rewards are worth it. I’ve grown in BFS due to my choice to move to another city. 9. Any habits/hobbies you developed in Chennai? Chennai is full of temples. You name any god, and he/she would have a temple here. I love to explore them, especially with my Tamil friends. I tag along with them, and sometimes they even act as a tour guide. 10. Which is your favorite movie you recently worked on? I would pick ‘’Dumb Money’’ for which my name was included in the post-credits. This was achieved in collaboration with my Pune colleagues. 11. List any two projects where you worked on the challenges with ease. 1. In “Dumb Money,” split-screen compositing and retime artifacts took meticulous effort and dexterity to match the edit references, which turned out well as per the client’s expectations. 2. In another project, a mountain needed to be added to the live plate as a background. It was received as a wide-angle, well-lit shot with numerous trees and branches, making it challenging to blend with the mountains. This was resolved using collaborative discussions and executed with advanced compositing techniques.   12. To conclude, tell us what you like about Basilic Fly Studio. I’ve been with BFS for more than 7 years now. There has been multiple positives substantiating in my tenure, such as upskilling of creative abilities, friendly- fun work culture, and enjoyed mentoring the senior resources, have made my journey a success here.

Dan is an esteemed and prolific VFX Supervisor and Producer who brings around three decades of experience in all aspects of Visual Effects. Dan Levitan is a Los Angeles based Visual Effects veteran with decades of broad-spectrum production experience. Over 85 Feature Films, 100 Series Episodes, National Commercial spots and Special Venue Projects have provided a wealth of knowledge and problem-solving skills. He has managed everything related to VFX from Pre-Production through Final Shot Delivery and his film and television credits include Ambulance, Hacks, Hail Caesar!, The Hangover (Pt. 2 & 3), Veronica Mars, Sneaky Pete, etc. Over the course of his career, Dan has held several key positions in reputed companies including Disney, Dream Works, Warner Bros, Paramount/CBS, Hammerhead, Cinesite, FuseFX, and Psyop. In his new role, Dan will collaborate with top film and TV production networks to develop and produce cutting-edge VFX for their projects, ensuring that all projects are completed on time and within budget. He will also oversee the creation of stunning visual prototypes, foster strong client relationships, and keep the company at the forefront of VFX innovation by exploring new technologies and techniques. “We are thrilled to welcome Dan to our team,” said Balakrishnan. ‘’His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the VFX industry will be invaluable to us as we continue to grow and expand our business. We are confident that he will play a key role in our success as we continue to create cutting-edge VFX for some of the world’s biggest films.’’ About Basilic Fly studio Basilic Fly Studio (www.basilicflystudio.com) is an award-winning visual effects company with operations in Chennai, Pune, Vancouver, London and Los Angeles. Delivering critically acclaimed work, the studio has won several awards including Indian Icon Awards for ‘’Company of the Year in Creative Media Solution’’, Nation Wide Awards for ‘’Most Promising Company of the Year – 2023’’ and Times Business Awards for ‘’Excellence in VFX & Post Production’’. The company recently got listed in NSE-SME (India), Sept 2023 broke records with the highest number of oversubscriptions of 286 times and the highest ever fund procurement of $1.72 Billion.

To begin with, could you share with us your favourite movie projects? Lakshmanakumar S: I prefer working on action-oriented projects, such as FX-relevant shots requiring set extensions, incorporating special effects in fight scenes. I have contributed to various projects, including ‘Gangs of London’ (2020) for Action FX, and most recently, ‘Dumb Money’. Please share your experience working on ‘Dumb Money’. Lakshmanakumar S: Dealing with 550 shots was a big task. We tackled challenges like setting extensions for background changes, adding snow to rooftops, trees, and streets, and turning sunny environments into winter settings. Additionally, we worked on screen composition, featuring content and images on blank mobile and laptop screens. What guidance would you offer to someone aiming to enter this field? Lakshmanakumar S: I’d emphasize the importance of relentless learning. In the dynamic field of VFX, staying updated with the latest tools and techniques is crucial. Keep your curiosity alive, be open to exploring new ideas, and foster creativity in your approach. The more diverse your skill set, the more resilient and successful you’ll be in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the VFX industry. Outside of the studio, how do you stay creative? Lakshmanakumar S: Beyond the studio walls, I indulge in a deep dive into movies and web series, dissecting their intricate VFX elements. This not only serves as a wellspring of inspiration but also sharpens my creative thinking. I actively practice and implement the insights gained from these visual experiences into my own projects, ensuring a continuous cycle of learning and innovation. It’s this blend of observation, hands-on experimentation, and real-world application that fuels my creativity and keeps it dynamic in and out of the studio environment. What are your predictions for the world of VFX in 5 years? Lakshmanakumar S: In the coming years, I believe there will be big advancements in how we create visual effects. Virtual production will change how movies are made, making the process more immersive and efficient. The use of Unreal Engine will also increase, making virtual environments look even more realistic. These changes are not just trends; they are the building blocks that will shape the future of the VFX industry. They will open up new possibilities for creativity and push the limits of what we can do in visual storytelling. For those in the VFX field, keeping up with these changes and adapting to new technologies will be important for success in the future. Rapid Fire questions: If not Chennai, where? Lakshmanakumar S: I’d prefer Malaysia. Malaysians are known for their hospitality and kindness. They are always happy to help visitors and make them feel welcome. It’s like a second home for me. You can eat one thing for the rest of your life—what is it? Lakshmanakumar S: That would be monotonous; I’d prefer to experiment with all cuisines for the rest of my life. Favourite way to relax? Lakshmanakumar S: Watching movies is my preferred way to unwind, allowing me to escape into different worlds and appreciate the art of storytelling. 2. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be? Be honest and loyal in your thoughts in any aspect, be passionate and mentor always. 3. If not Chennai, where? Ofcourse, Europe. 4. Favorite way to relax? Keeping Calm and being polite to everyone, spending more time with family and kids .  Finally, what are three words you would use to describe BFS? Lakshmanakumar S: Supportive, Good Environment and Collaborative.

1. Can you walk us through your journey into VFX? My professional journey involves acquiring relevant education, specializing in key software tools, building a strong portfolio through personal projects, internships, and continuous learning. I’ve actively networked within the industry, sought mentorship, and demonstrated adaptability to evolving technologies, with the ultimate goal of contributing creatively to the field of Visual Effects. 2. What brings you the most joy in your role? The most joy in your role is achieving project milestones, challenging problem-solving, collaborating with talented colleagues, and contributing to the successful completion of projects. I find satisfaction in the creative aspects of my work and the continuous learning opportunities that come with staying at the forefront of industry advancements. 3. What’s been your favorite project to work on? Few of my favorite projects are Venom, Deadpool, Hobbs and Shaw, Gangs of London, Dumb Money, Doctor Death, Orphan the first kill. All my projects were different and it was interesting, and it allowed me to further develop my skills and the success of the project solidified my passion for the VFX industry. 4. What does the day-to-day of a Head of Comp involve? As the Head of Comp, my day-to-day responsibilities typically involve overseeing the compositing department. This includes managing a team of compositors, collaborating with other department heads, ensuring the quality and consistency of visual effects shots, providing technical and creative guidance, liaising with clients, and overseeing the overall compositing workflow. Additionally, I am responsible for resource allocation, project timelines, Mentoring my ideas and techniques to all my teammates and colleague departments and staying abreast of industry trends to ensure the team’s work aligns with the latest standards and technologies in visual effects. 5. What advice would you give someone looking to get into this industry? My advice would be to focus on Education and Skill Development on VFX. Build a strong profile, stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and techniques in VFX. The industry evolves rapidly, and a commitment to continuous learning ensures you remain competitive and adaptable. Keep focus, passion, be a mentor for the upcoming generations once you are experienced in industry. 6. Outside of the studio, how do you stay creative? Outside of the studio, I find that traveling and experiencing diverse cultures contribute to my creative perspective, fostering a continuous flow of fresh ideas and inspiration. I always watch and listen to more inspiring speeches to keep me calm and active. 7. What is your favorite part about working for BFS? My Favorite part in BFS is the company’s commitment to innovation, positive work culture, HR Activities to make our mind and sense always relaxed, Friendly management in the aspects of approaching us, opportunities for professional development, the impactful projects and challenges that align with our career goals and values. 8. How did Basilic Fly Studio support you while you were working away from home? In the world of VFX, it’s reasonable to anticipate several developments over the next five years.  – Advancements in Real-time Rendering – AI and Machine Learning Integration – Virtual Production Techniques – New Creative Possibilities Etc. Rapid Fire questions: 1. What is your favorite movie? My Fav movies are City of God,Sherlock Holmes, Avatar, Steven Spielberg movies and a lot more. 2. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be? Be honest and loyal in your thoughts in any aspect, be passionate and mentor always. 3. If not Chennai, where? Ofcourse, Europe. 4. Favorite way to relax? Keeping Calm and being polite to everyone, spending more time with family and kids .  5. Finally, what are 3 words you would use to describe BFS? B – Best F – Favorite S – Success

1. How did your VFX career journey lead you to become a Show Producer at Basilic Fly Studio? Becoming a Show Producer was a natural development in my career as a Production Management professional. I started as a coordinator at a very young Basilic Fly Studio in 2014 and then moved on to roles at Prime Focus and Mr.X from 2016 to 2020. These alongside working through the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic greatly contributed to my professional growth. When the opportunity came to rejoin BFS, I eagerly accepted. I am proud to have witnessed the incredible transformation of BFS from a small team of 30 to a publicly traded company with over 450 employees and global offices. 2. Is there a particular project you’ve worked on that made you proud of yourself? Avatar 2! Being involved in a James Cameron epic was an unparalleled opportunity. At Basilic Fly, we were fortunate enough to contribute to over 200 shots. It was truly an incredible experience. 3. What key advice would you offer to someone aspiring to enter the VFX industry, specifically aiming for a producer role? As a producer, primary responsibilities include overseeing complex projects, coordinating between various teams, and troubleshooting any problems that may arise during production. It is important to develop and hone these skills in order to effectively handle multiple tasks, schedules, budgets, and deadlines. Beginning your career at the entry level will provide valuable exposure to the production processes, work alongside industry professionals, and learn the day-to-day operations of a VFX studio. It is crucial to possess effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills to successfully manage teams, resolve conflicts, and maintain positive relationships with clients and stakeholders. Additionally, adaptability plays a key role in this dynamic industry, as being open to new technologies, techniques, and approaches will ensure your long-term relevance and value. 4. How would you describe the culture at Basilic Fly Studio? The culture at Basilic Fly Studio can be best described as creative, collaborative, and inclusive. It is a diverse and welcoming environment where individuals from different backgrounds come together to work on various artistic projects. There is a strong emphasis on creativity and innovation, with everyone encouraged to express their unique ideas and perspectives. Collaboration is highly valued, with the creative and production teams working together to bring out the best in each other’s work. The studio fosters a culture of continuous learning, providing opportunities for professional development and growth. Overall, the culture at Basilic Fly Studio promotes a positive and supportive atmosphere that inspires artistic excellence. 5. Can you describe a day in the life of a show producer at Basilic Fly Studio? Emails serve as the breakfasts of champions. I begin by checking my inbox and schedule at 9 am to ensure I am well-prepared for the 10 am production call. Following this, I collaborate with the production and creative teams, discussing both ongoing and new projects, addressing any issues that arise, initiating bidding sessions with the creative team, and coordinating with the department production teams to establish shot schedules. Clearing any doubts or queries that the team may have is also part of my responsibility in order to ensure timely deliveries. Additionally, I keep Shotgrid ETA’s up to date, participate in weekly meetings at both the studio and project levels, and promptly respond to client inquiries.  However, in the world of a show producer, calling it a day is often a challenge with clients in different time zones and emails constantly at our fingertips. Rapid Fire questions: 1. What’s the one thing you always keep on your desk? My water bottle. Always stay hydrated! 2. Last present you bought yourself? I bought myself a Kindle for Christmas last year. 3. If you could be any superhero, who would you be? Flash! So I can beat traffic and get to places faster! 😂 4. What’s your favorite season of the year? Monsoon! 5. What’s a small thing that always makes your day better? A good cup of coffee or a beautiful sunrise/sunset. 6. Do you have any surprising hobbies? I love baking, gardening and reading. To try something new this year, I started an instagram page where I document my reading progress.

Home About Us Works Investors Blogs One of Us Contact X Contact 1. When did your journey to Chennai begin? 1st Jan 2022 when I shifted to Chennai from Mumbai and joined BFS. I have completed 2 amazing years and going on. Relocating to a new city and settling into a new job was a significant life change for me, and to embrace the opportunities and challenges that came my way. 2. What is your preferred South-Indian dish? Rasam Rice and variety on delicious Chutneys. 3. What Tamil word do you frequently use? Actually there are many frequent ones I use, starting with — What “DA”, Saptiya, Solunga, Polama, Nethiku, Inniku and Nalliku and many more, I am still learning. 4. Shruti, have you explored any locations within or near Tamil Nadu? I love Traveling!!! So, Yes a lot. Chennai and its surrounding areas offer a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, making it an ideal place for a travel enthusiast. Have explored places like ECR Beaches, Mahabalipuram, Rameswaram, of course Pondicherry and many more nearby ones have provided with diverse experiences ranging from beautiful beaches to historical monuments and spiritual sites. And still exploring as there’s so much more to discover. 5. Can you share a difficulty you faced during your initial time in Chennai? Yes, adapting to a new place can indeed present challenges. Mainly, Language is still the main barrier which I think I’m coping up quite well now from the past one year. Secondly, it’s the food and the climate which I’m still struggling with as it’s significantly different from what I’m used to. It’s a process, and with time, one likely finds their own ways to navigate and enjoy these aspects of the new environment which I’m presently doing right now. 6. What aspect of Chennai do you find most appealing? Chennai beaches, Temples and the Richness of the culture. Each of these aspects offers a unique and enriching experience. Also, people are so helpful and welcoming. Building connections and friendships especially at the workplace has enhanced the overall experience. 7. Have you encountered any significant challenges? Again mentioning about the language barrier we encounter in our surroundings and can indeed present its unique set of challenges. The language barrier, at times, may create a sense of disconnection, making it seem like there’s an invisible barrier between. However, I have managed to cope up with that so far with the help and support of my colleagues and friends at BFS. 8. How did Basilic Fly Studio support you while you were working away from home? For more than a decade, I have been away from home. I started working in the VFX industry from 2013 in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and now Chennai. BFS has a friendly and supportive environment. Having amazing colleagues who double as friends has truly made a significant impact on my work experience and overall well-being and speaks volumes about sharing the positive relationships within the team and company. Their throughout support, understanding and belief in me and my work has given me immense courage and confidence to stay my ground and face challenges head-on. 9. Would you recommend that an aspiring VFX artist move to a different city for work? Yes Absolutely!! As it gives more exposure and the holistic nature of the learning experiences that comes with working in a diverse work environment. This exposure can broaden one’s horizons, enhance problem-solving skills, and contribute to professional growth. Working away from home often entails navigating various aspects of life independently. This includes managing finances, handling responsibilities, and adapting to a new lifestyle. These experiences contribute to personal development and provide valuable life lessons.Building relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds can create a strong professional network. These connections may prove valuable not only for your current role but also for future opportunities and collaborations. Adapting to different situations, interacting with people from various backgrounds, and facing uncertainties can foster resilience, adaptability, and a well-rounded personality. 10. Did you pick up any new hobbies or habits while in Chennai? More of Traveling for sure and Yes, making a habit of eating more South Indian food. Jokes apart, yes due to flexible working hours at BFS, it also allows me to focus and manage my personal time and well-being. I’m somewhere a fitness freak in nature and the flexibility in my working hours provides me with the opportunity to structure my day in a way that accommodates my fitness routine and ensures to stay committed and achieve my daily close to 10k steps goals, hahaha!! This is a valuable benefit that contributes to a healthier work-life balance. 11. Share with us your most recent film experience you enjoyed working on. So there was this one show with one of our esteemed clients where we got multiple pipeline requests to work on a critical challenging scope of work with a very tighter timeline and quality check. Here we as a team made some strategic moves to execute this show with the expected timeline while presenting and delivering the best output. During the whole show execution thing what I most cherish and enjoyed was the Planning and the Team work execution we have put through with all the positive approaches. The regular catch ups were the most fun thing we hadon this project. As a producer, I feel privileged to work with our amazing team and talented creatives supporting in the best way and leaving no stone unturned to make this show a successful completion. And lastly to get a great appreciation email from our client stating that everything went so smoothly for them and they were very happy with the quality of work and completed the show with the minimal versions before the timeline. 12. Could you share any project experience where you managed challenges with relative ease? Successfully delivering over 250 plus creatively challenging shots, we navigated a demanding timeline with finesse, garnering client appreciation. Despite the extensive workload,

1. What’s been your favourite project to work on? Ramarajan R: My recent favourite project that I worked on is ‘Extraction 2’.  2. Please share your experience working on ‘Extraction 2’. Although the final output lasted around 5 minutes, the behind-the-scenes effort was extensive. We tackled a challenging climax rooftop action sequence with heavy motion and complex interactions, requiring intensive camera tracking and rotomation. The project comprised over 100+ shots, mainly focusing on the protagonist, Chris Hemsworth. Meeting the client’s expectations for perfection in a short timeframe demanded a significant amount of manual work, especially given the extensive CG elements involved. It was truly a one of a kind experience.  3. What does the day-to-day work of a Match-Move supervisor involve? Ramarajan R: We engage in client bidding, determining the necessary assets and resources for the project, and formulating a detailed action plan for seamless execution.  We keep a track record of the work and effectively communicate with the client throughout the project. Also, for every plan A, we keep ourselves backed up with a plan B. 4. What advice would you give someone looking to get into this industry? Ramarajan R: For those aspiring to enter this industry, my advice is to adopt a high level of ambition. Taking the practice of preparing for the future is very crucial for all. 5. What are your predictions for the world of VFX in 5 years? Ramarajan R: Over the next five years, the VFX industry is set to undergo a positive transformation. AI will proactively drive technological advancements, empowering professionals to harness its capabilities for more efficient and innovative workflows. Talent acquisition will prioritize future-oriented skills, creating opportunities for individuals to thrive in this dynamic industry. The increasing role of AI is expected to complement traditional manpower, fostering a collaborative and advanced VFX environment. Embracing skill development and multitasking will be key for professionals to excel and contribute to the industry’s positive evolution. Now, a Rapid Fire Session… 1. What is your favourite movie? Ramarajan R: The movie “Terminal” holds a special place for me, making it my personal favourite. 2. Any pets? Ramarajan R: No, I don’t currently have any pets. But in the long run, I’m willing to own one. 3. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be? Ramarajan R: Believe in yourself – that’s the advice I’d share with my younger self. 4. If not Chennai, where? Ramarajan R:  If not Chennai, I would consider relocating to Bangalore or Salem. 5. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you? Ramarajan R: For a Hollywood portrayal of my life, I’d envision Tom Hanks playing my character. 6. What’s the one thing you always keep on your desk? Ramarajan R: Headphones are a constant on my desk, essential for focus and productivity. 7. You can eat one thing for the rest of your life – what is it? Ramarajan R: If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be Biryani. 8. Favourite way to relax? Ramarajan R: I find my favourite way to relax is spending quality time with my kids. 9. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Ramarajan R: Given the choice, I would love to explore the beautiful landscapes of Tibet. 10. Finally, what are three words you would use to describe BFS? Ramarajan R: Perseverance, determination, consistency—these are the defining characteristics of BFS.

Movies and Visual Effects. They go together like rain and water, bow and arrow, milk and sugar. We can’t see one without the other. The inception of Visual Effects (VFX) in cinema revolutionized the way stories are told. Over the years, VFX has evolved from being a tool used solely in science fiction and fantasy movies to becoming an integral part of storytelling across genres. As the legendary filmmaker George Lucas sums it up, ”The technology keeps moving forward, which makes it easier for the artists to tell their stories and paint the pictures they want.” Let’s explore the captivating world of VFX and understand its significance in cinematic artistry. Dreams into Realties Imagine you are a director and your story involve prehistoric beasts, black holes, or characters with superpowers. How do you capture them? VFX is the answer! At its core, filmmaking is an art of illusion. A story that exists only in words and imagination must be brought to life on screen, and this transformation demands more than just camera work and actors’ performances. Enter VFX – a bridge between imagination and reality. When the script demands the impossible or when budget constraints hinder practical on-set execution, VFX studios step in to make the impossible possible. They help directors preserve the narrative flow without compromising the integrity of the story. Visual Effects (VFX) offers an opportunity to bring to life intricate action sequences, unconventional perspectives, and diverse visual styles that were once beyond the boundaries of practicality. These digital marvels empower directors to manifest their creative visions, transforming mere scripts into visual treats. Crafting worlds that captivate More than problem-solving, VFX unlocks the doors to boundless creativity, enabling storytellers to experiment with different visual styles and aesthetics. From the landscapes of Middle-earth in “The Lord of the Rings” to the digitally enhanced world of Iron City in ”Alita: Battle Angel” (the movie we worked on!), VFX lets filmmakers craft worlds that captivate and enthrall. Best sequences – Examples “Skinny Steve” in the movie “Captain America” (2011) The seamless execution of the visual effects, which transformed the tall and athletic Chris Evans into a frail 90-pound individual for the initial portion of the movie is a tricky work for VFX companies. The journey began with the casting of Chris Evans, who, while already an accomplished actor, was not yet a widely recognized superstar. This absence of a predetermined reason for the audience to reject the portrayal of a young, slight, and underweight soldier with a strong heart makes the eventual transition to Chris Evans’ real-world physique all the more striking and impactful. “Alien” confrontation in Sci-fi/Horror ”Annihilation” The climatic alien confrontation in Alex Garland’s 2018 film “Annihilation” is another wonder. Many VFX houses struggle for such visuals. While not ground-breaking in terms of technical visual effects, this sequence was incredibly effective in terms of its storytelling and character development. The encounter with the “alien” was truly mesmerizing. A double-edged sword As with any powerful tool, VFX is a double-edged sword. Although it has the power to achieve larger-than-life visual elements, the audience can feel even a minor flaw.  Making visuals appear “real” is way harder than it sounds. Failing this, some movies even become the most-shared meme templates. A seamless blend with live-action elements is crucial to prevent viewers from feeling disbelief. The art lies not only in creating the impossible but also in making the impossible feel undeniably real. To achieve this, most filmmakers opt for top VFX studios in India. Final Words From humble beginnings in the early 1900s to the sprawling digital landscapes of today, VFX has grown into an essential tool that empowers filmmakers to turn their visions into reality. Today, it is a tool that for any narrative, whether it’s a heart-warming drama, a nail-biting thriller, or a historical epic. This adaptability speaks volumes about the role of VFX in enhancing storytelling, irrespective of the genre. In short, VFX studios create worlds, characters, and moments that leave great impressions. So, the next time you watch a movie, remember the dance between imagination and technology that brings the impossible to life.

Welcome, VFX enthusiast, to the inside tour of a growing VFX Studio in India – Basilic Fly Studio. The fact that you’re reading this right now makes you a person fascinated by Visual effects. Just like us!  Before we step in, let us tell you what we do.  There’s nothing we can’t create. A bomb blast, a big purple alien who destroys half the universe (Yes, we worked on Avengers: Endgame), a blue planet full of blue aliens (Got the hint?). Let’s stop there. In short, we enhance the visual impact of movies, television shows, OTT, and commercials. We create realistic-looking environments and characters. Furthermore, we help filmmakers bring imaginary content to life, enabling them to display their ideas in ways previously impossible. If you’re curious, here are some of our favorite movies we worked on – Spider-Man: Far From Home, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Alita: Battle Angel, Gemini Man, John Wick: Chapter 4, Deadpool 2, Thor: Love and Thunder & Rampage. We have contributed to 800+ movies, 4500 episodics, and 8000+ commercials. Check out this section to know more.  Inside Basilic Fly Studio – A Tour We’re standing outside the doors of Basilic Fly Studio’s office in Chennai. Upon entering, a warm greeting awaits from a friendly face at the front desk. Glancing around the foyer, you’ll notice a stylish logo to the left, while to the right lies an admirable photo collage. Soon, Prabhakar, the Head of Studio accompanies us. With a decade of experience among many VFX studio in India, his expertise shines through. Prabhakar brims with enthusiasm as he ushers us through the tour.  Our journey begins with a sprawling open workspace where artists engage in light-hearted conversations, working on their craft. The strategic layout ensures that workspaces remain hidden from view, preserving the confidentiality of ongoing projects. While a series of offices flank the outer perimeter of the floor, the focal point is a multitude of pristine desks adorned with computer monitors sprawl across the area. The desks are organized into distinct zones to accommodate various departments – Roto, Paint, Matchmove, Comp and CG. Notably, we spot an artist tending to individual strands of an actor’s hair, underscoring the dedication to detail. As we continue walking, we see producers assess the progress achieved thus far, collaborating with artists to fine-tune scenes as needed. Down the corner, a relaxing collaboration room with ample sunlight greets us. A hub of creative relaxation The room is thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating and ambient lighting that reflects the company’s artistic spirit. In one corner, a well-maintained carrom board invites artists to take a break and engage in friendly matches, fostering healthy competition and team bonding. Further, the snooker table urges us to test our reflexes.  The collaboration area also features a cozy lounge space with couches, creating an inviting atmosphere for conversations and brainstorming sessions. Ultimately, this collaboration area goes beyond just a place for games – it’s a crucial part of the company’s culture, fostering connections, encouraging teamwork, and helping artists recharge their creative energies. High-profile Projects To know more about BFS’ journey as a notable VFX studio in India, we turn to Prabhakar who reveals the most challenging projects of all time. ”In the realm of visual effects, where imagination and technology converge, the journey from concept to screen is a testament to skill, innovation, and sheer determination. For a growing VFX company like ours, every project is not just a canvas to showcase our expertise, but an opportunity to surpass challenges and redefine creative boundaries.” – Prabhakar dives into the intricate narratives. The Legend of Hercules (2014): Crafting mythology with pioneering techniques Marking our debut in the world of visual effects, “The Legend of Hercules” catapulted us into uncharted territories. As we embarked on this journey in 2013, excitement and determination fueled our efforts to create something extraordinary. The narrative, rich in depth and mythology, centered around the enigmatic Son of Zeus. The challenge lay not only in the storytelling but also in the technical complexities that accompanied it. With a tight timeframe of three months, we undertook the task of delivering over 350 shots that would seamlessly integrate into the larger cinematic tapestry. What set us apart was our pioneering use of the Native Stereo technique across all departments – Roto, Paint, Matchmove, and Comp. This innovative approach positioned us as trailblazers in the field, with our studio being the sole Indian vendor amidst established US counterparts. Our team of 35+ artists displayed unwavering dedication, harnessing their skills to breathe life into this epic narrative. The end credits of the movie showcased their names – a testament to their contribution to the visual spectacle. “The Legend of Hercules” not only marked a remarkable beginning for us but also symbolized our commitment to innovation and excellence. Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016): Navigating fantasy realms The enchanting world of “Alice Through the Looking Glass” beckoned us to embark on a visual odyssey of another kind. With over 2500 shots awaiting our creative touch, we confronted the challenge of integrating high-complexity VFX into a star-studded, fantasy-laden cinematic masterpiece. The project’s intricacy was intensified by the fact that 90 percent of the movie was intertwined with our work, posing a formidable line to tread. Despite our relatively young age VFX studio in India – just 2-3 years old – we embraced the complexities head-on. Our team navigated the challenges of simultaneous projects while consistently meeting quality benchmarks. Working with blue screens as the basis for most shots, we tackled removals, prosthetic additions, and transparent object integrations with unwavering resolve. As the film’s vibrant universe came to life, our artists left an indelible mark on its essence. Their dedication and creative prowess resonated through each frame, earning them a place in the end credits – a testament to their artistic contributions. Alita: Battle Angel (2019): Merging realities with precision The visionary minds of Robert Rodriguez and James Cameron converged in “Alita: Battle Angel,” presenting us with a monumental task that