Meet Abhilash | Cinematographer & Visual Effects Supervisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abhilash and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abhilash, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The Leap of Faith: Why I Started My Own VFX Studio

My decision to start my own VFX studio wasn’t a sudden whim, but a culmination of ambition, a deep understanding of the industry, and a desire for greater creative control and impact. Having worked in some of the leading VFX companies in India, I gained invaluable experience and a comprehensive understanding of the entire post-production pipeline. However, as an artist and a professional, I began to feel the familiar itch of wanting more.

My thought process was essentially a balance of three key drivers:

1. Desire for Greater Creative Control and Impact
While working for established companies, I was always contributing to someone else’s vision. I found myself frequently thinking about how certain aspects could be done differently, or how a specific effect could be enhanced to better serve the story. I wanted the autonomy to implement my own creative solutions and to push boundaries on projects that truly excited me. Starting my own studio meant I could directly influence the artistic direction of our work, ensuring a higher level of craftsmanship and a more personal touch. It was about moving from being a skilled executor to a creative leader who could shape the visual narrative from the ground up.

2. Recognizing a Market Opportunity and Building a Niche
Through my work, I developed a strong network and a keen sense of the industry’s needs. I saw a gap, or perhaps an opportunity, to provide high-quality VFX services with a more agile, client-focused approach. I believed we could offer not just technical expertise, but also a deeper understanding of storytelling that would set us apart. This wasn’t just about doing VFX; it was about doing story-driven VFX. I was confident I could build a team that shared this vision and could consistently deliver exceptional results on time and within budget, which is a constant challenge in this demanding field.

3. Entrepreneurial Spirit and a Drive for Ownership
From a young age, even while struggling to convince my family that a film career was proper. I’ve always had a stubborn streak and a desire to forge my own path. This translated into an entrepreneurial spirit. I wasn’t just passionate about VFX; I was passionate about building something of my own, about the challenge of leading a team, acquiring projects, and navigating the complexities of a business. The idea of being responsible for the entire process – from bringing in the work to ensuring its quality and delivery – was daunting but also incredibly motivating. It was a leap of faith, certainly, but one driven by a strong belief in my capabilities and the potential of my vision.

Ultimately, it was this blend of creative ambition, business acumen, and a deep-seated drive for ownership that led me to take that significant step and found my own VFX studio. It was a journey of passion, challenges, and immense pride, especially when our hard work culminated in accolades like the National Film Award.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Unpacking My Art: From VFX Architect to Storytelling Cinematographer
My art, at its core, is about transforming the intangible into the emotionally palpable. While I now primarily express this through cinematography, my journey began in the intricate world of visual effects, a path that profoundly shapes how I approach every frame today.

What Sets Me Apart and What I’m Most Proud Of
What truly differentiates me as a cinematographer is my holistic understanding of the entire filmmaking pipeline, particularly my deep roots in visual effects. Many cinematographers excel at capturing beautiful images on set, but my background as a VFX artist and studio owner means I’m constantly thinking five steps ahead. I understand how the lighting, the camera movement, and the framing on set will interact with post-production elements. This allows me to optimize for VFX, problem-solve creatively on the fly, and enhance the narrative through layered visuals. Beyond the technical, my cross-cultural journey from a small Indian town to Los Angeles enriches my artistic perspective, allowing me to approach projects with a broader, more nuanced understanding of how visuals can evoke specific emotions and cultural contexts.

I am immensely proud of the National Film Award we received for the VFX work on the movie Jal. That recognition, from the President of India, was a powerful validation of countless hours of dedication and creative problem-solving. Currently, I’m most excited about my evolution into cinematography and the prospect of ultimately directing my own films. This shift isn’t a departure but a natural progression towards a more direct form of storytelling. I find immense joy in crafting light and shadow, in guiding the audience’s eye, and in translating a director’s vision into compelling visuals.

How I Got Here and Overcoming Challenges
My professional journey has been a marathon of passion, perseverance, and overcoming significant hurdles; it certainly was not easy. My initial desire to enter the film industry, ignited by a magazine article about VFX, met with strong resistance from my family. In my small Indian town, working in films wasn’t considered a “proper job”. My stubbornness and love for movies, coupled with my mother’s quiet support, eventually swayed them. This was the first major challenge: convincing others to believe in an unconventional dream.

Later, as an indie VFX artist and entrepreneur, the road was even more challenging. I had to wear every hat imaginable: from tirelessly bringing in projects and managing client relationships to executing complex visual effects and finding talented artists who could deliver quality work on time. I was responsible for both the creative vision and the daily operational management of my studio. The biggest challenge here was balancing artistic integrity with business realities. I overcame this by learning rapidly on the job, honing my leadership skills, and fostering an environment of trust and collaboration with my team. Even in my transition to co-producing indie films like Nirmal Anand ki Puppy and Danny goes aum with Sandeep Mohan, the challenges persisted. Without big star power, finding distribution and suitable platforms was a constant uphill battle, overcome through relentless pitching and networking.

Lessons Learned and What I Want the World to Know
The most crucial lessons I’ve learned are that resilience is paramount in an industry that constantly throws curveballs, and adaptability is key as technology and trends evolve. Collaboration is everything, as no great film is made by one person; building strong relationships is fundamental. I’ve learned to embrace every experience, believing that every project, place, and challenging situation—even the “closed doors”—are teachers that force you to innovate and grow. Ultimately, passion fuels persistence; the genuine love for the craft is what keeps you going when the going gets tough.

I want the world to know that my brand is built on a foundation of relentless passion, innovative problem-solving, and a deep respect for storytelling. I am not just a technician; I am an artist who has cultivated a unique perspective forged through diverse experiences across the entire spectrum of filmmaking. My story is one of a small-town kid who dared to dream big, faced numerous obstacles, but never gave up on the magic of movies. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that they’ll get a cinematographer who brings not only technical prowess and an artistic eye but also a producer’s understanding of efficiency and a VFX artist’s insight into visual possibilities. I’m here to help tell your story, beautifully and effectively, and to continue my own adventure towards directing my own films.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’ll kick things off with a relaxing day at Manhattan Beach, soaking in the sun and enjoying fresh food, then catching a magical sunset over the Pacific from Terranea Resort. Day two is all about Hollywood – from the Walk of Fame to the Griffith Observatory for incredible city views, followed by an energetic KBBQ dinner in Koreatown.

Mid-week, we’ll dive into LA’s cultural heart: modern art at The Broad, the architectural marvel of Walt Disney Concert Hall, and then exploring the culinary delights of Grand Central Market and the vibrant streets of Little Tokyo or the Arts District. Day four is pure fun at Universal Studios Hollywood, enjoying the rides and the iconic studio tour.

We’ll then escape to the stunning coast of Malibu, hiking at Point Dume and visiting the ancient art at the Getty Villa, enjoying fresh seafood by the ocean. Our final full day will be about iconic LA style: window shopping on Rodeo Drive and soaking in the lively atmosphere of Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, culminating in a fantastic farewell dinner.

What sets LA apart, in my view, is its incredible diversity—from the distinct neighborhoods and world-class food scene to the palpable creative energy that permeates everything. It’s a place of constant discovery, where every sunset over the ocean feels like magic, and the melting pot of people makes every encounter interesting. It’s truly a city that defies expectations and constantly inspires.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey, from a small town in India to working as a freelance cinematographer in Los Angeles, has been anything but conventional. While the glamour of the film industry often highlights individual achievements, I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that my success and perseverance are deeply rooted in the unwavering, albeit sometimes challenging, support of my family. So, if I have a shoutout to dedicate, it’s to them.

However, despite their initial reservations, their love and stubbornness to see me happy ultimately won out. My mother, in particular, was my quiet champion, providing the emotional strength and understanding that allowed me to pursue my dreams. They might not have fully grasped the nuances of VFX or cinematography, but they saw my passion. They allowed me to take that leap of faith into an unknown world. This initial acceptance, even if hesitant, was the first crucial brick in my foundation. Without that permission, that space to explore my passion, I wouldn’t have been able to take the first steps.

Later, when I decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge and start my own VFX studio, it was another moment of significant risk. The financial and emotional stakes were high. Here, I owe a massive shoutout to my friends who worked alongside me in those early days. They weren’t just employees; they were passionate collaborators who shared my vision and dedicated countless hours to building something from the ground up. Their talent, trust, and hard work were instrumental in turning a dream into a tangible business that eventually won a National Film Award.

My collaborations with Sandeep Mohan, a truly popular and insightful indie filmmaker, also deserve immense credit. Working on Nirmal Anand ki Puppy and Danny goes aum with him pushed my creative boundaries and opened new avenues in co-production, teaching me invaluable lessons about independent filmmaking’s unique challenges and rewards.

Beyond specific individuals, I must give credit to every project I’ve tackled, every place I’ve visited, and every challenging situation I’ve encountered. Each experience, good or bad, has been a teacher. I truly believe that thanks to all the closed doors and obstacles, I am here now because of them. They forced me to innovate, to learn, and to grow beyond what I thought possible.

Finally, since coming to Los Angeles, the support system I’ve found here has been incredible. My friends and professors at UCLA, despite coming from diverse countries, backgrounds, and cultures, have been incredibly cooperative, collaborative, and inspiring. Their fresh perspectives and shared passion continue to enrich my journey every single day.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@abhilashnanda

Other: https://www.imdb.me/abhilashnanda