Abhishek Srivastav, a resilient Gorakhpur native, overcame personal tragedies and challenges to establish Reflection Pictures Studio in Mumbai. His journey from a medical store to VFX entrepreneur showcases his determination and passion for animation. Ashutosh Pandey, a Varanasi native, rose from adversity, excelling in VFX, co-founding Reflection Pictures Studio with Abhishek. Ashutosh perseverance and leadership navigated the studio through the pandemic, contributing to successful film projects, including India’s first globally released film.
1. Beginning your animation journey post-12th grade, what inspired your transition from a medical store to pursuing animation, leading to graduation at Arena Animation? Share insights into how this unexpected shift occurred and the motivations that fueled your commitment to building a career in the dynamic world of animation.
Ans. Embarking on my animation journey in 2011, I was captivated by the creative possibilities the field offered. The inspiration stemmed from a profound passion for animation and the aspiration to transform that passion into a fulfilling career after completing my 12th grade. Despite my initial role at a medical store, the magnetic pull of animation prompted a career transition. Motivated by the pursuit of formal education, I chose to undertake graduation at Arena Animation, recognizing it as a crucial step in honing my skills and translating my passion into a profession.
2. Facing personal tragedies in 2014 and 2016, including your father’s accidents and passing,
undoubtedly posed significant challenges. How did these experiences shape your determination and
resilience in establishing Reflection Pictures Studio? Additionally, relocating your family to Mumbai in
2016 was a crucial decision; how did you balance family responsibilities amid the challenges of
building your VFX career?
Ans. The personal tragedies became catalysts for unwavering determination. Motivated to triumph over adversity not just for myself but also for my family, the challenges propelled the establishment of Reflection Pictures Studio as a testament to resilience and a creative triumph. Relocating my family to Mumbai was indeed a pivotal decision. Balancing familial responsibilities with a burgeoning VFX career demanded meticulous planning and a robust support system. Strategic decision-making and an unwavering commitment to both family and professional objectives facilitated the delicate balance.
3. In establishing Reflection Pictures Studio in 2018, what key entrepreneurial challenges did you encounter, and how did overcoming them shape your leadership approach and business strategy?
Can you pinpoint a pivotal moment from the studio’s early days that significantly influenced your
entrepreneurial journey?
Ans. Entrepreneurial challenges, such as client acquisition, financial stability, and establishing the studio’s identity, were met with strategic networking, financial acumen, and an unyielding commitment to delivering high-quality work. Overcoming these hurdles laid the foundation for a positive reputation in a competitive market. Securing a significant project or client in the early days marked a pivotal moment. This success underscored the importance of a strong work ethic, effective leadership, and a client-centric approach. It shaped my commitment to maintaining high standards and fostering a collaborative, innovative environment within the studio.
4. Upon arriving in Mumbai in 2010, you transitioned into Visual Effects. Could you elaborate on the
story behind this shift and how you honed your skills in the industry? Your noteworthy tenure at Dneg,
working on Hollywood films from 2011 to 2016, is impressive. How did this experience contribute to
your growth, and what valuable lessons did you learn?
Ans. Upon my arrival in Mumbai in 2010, personal and family challenges prompted me to explore new opportunities. A friend’s suggestion led me to the field of Visual Effects, where I immersed myself in learning the necessary software. My journey began as a Roto artist at Prime Focus and Dneg, providing me with valuable hands-on experience and exposure to industry professionals. My time at Dneg working on Hollywood films was transformative. It not only enhanced my technical skills but exposed me to international standards of quality. The experience taught me the importance of collaboration, meticulous attention to detail, and the necessity of continuous learning in the dynamic landscape of the industry.
5. Among your successful projects like Ponniyin Selvan and Drishyam 2, can you highlight a film that holds special significance for you and explain why? Additionally, your venture into Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is forward-thinking. How do you envision these technologies shaping the future of the media and entertainment industry, and what inspired this strategic shift?
Ans. While each project is meaningful, "Ponniyin Selvan& holds a special place. Collaborating with A. Mani Ratnam was a career milestone, and contributing to a narrative of historical significance made the project particularly memorable. The exploration of AR, VR, and AI is a strategic response to evolving industry trends. These technologies offer immersive and interactive experiences, redefining the future of storytelling. The inspiration comes from a commitment to innovation and anticipation of the changing preferences of audiences.
6. How did your collaboration begin, and what role has your friendship played in the success of Reflection Pictures Studio?
Ans. In 2017, Ashutosh and I initiated our collaboration, driven by shared aspirations and a love for visual storytelling. Our friendship laid the foundation for Reflection Pictures Studio, where our complementary skills foster a collaborative and creative environment. The trust and understanding we share as friends translate into a robust professional partnership, playing a pivotal role in our studio success and growth. Simultaneously, in 2017, Abhishek and I crossed paths, and our collaboration naturally evolved due to our mutual passion for visual effects and animation. Our friendship forms the core of Reflection Pictures Studio’s success, built on trust, shared values, and a common goal. Our ability to understand and support each other has created a positive working environment, contributing significantly to overcoming challenges and achieving milestones in our studio’s journey.
7. Can you highlight a project from Reflection Pictures Studio’s diverse portfolio that posed unique challenges, showcasing your team’s capabilities? Additionally, with the global release of Kill , how does this film represent a milestone for both the studio and the Indian film industry?
Ans. Abhishek and Ashutosh both consider Drishyam as a standout project for Reflection Pictures Studio, showcasing the team’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise. The project’s success highlighted the studio’s adaptability and versatility in overcoming challenges within the dynamic field of visual effects and animation. Reflecting on Kill, both Abhishek and Ashutosh express pride in this project global release with Lionsgate, marking a significant milestone for both the studio and the Indian film industry. They emphasize its impact in elevating Indian cinema on the international stage and look forward to more collaborations that resonate with a global audience.
