Vimal Raju
Deputy Course Director & Head, Virtual Production
Bio
Drawing on a dual academic background in Digital Visual Effects (MSc, University of Kent) and English Literature (BA, Mahatma Gandhi University), I have evolved into an immersive reality specialist with more than seventeen years of experience in crafting visual narratives through cutting-edge visual media.
My journey began by equipping myself with the foundations of storytelling through literary studies. I then transitioned into the world of 3D CGI and filmmaking.
Upon completing my Master’s in Digital Visual Effects and gaining valuable professional exposure, I returned and co-founded Truemoon Animation & VFX, leading the production of a 140-minute 3D animated series with an indigenously designed and developed Motion Capture facility. Leveraging this experience, I served as Head of the Animation & VFX Department at KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts for four years.
Returning full-time to Truemoon Animation & VFX, I took on the role of VFX Producer for prominent national and regional brands such as Flipkart, Medimix, Milma, Popy Umbrella, Surya TV, VST Mobility Solutions etc. My work has a global reach, collaborating with international production houses like Oman AD and 360 Degree Pro (Australia), as well as regional agencies such as Sweetwater and Front Row Films.
Always pushing boundaries, I am currently at the forefront of Virtual Production and immersive technologies like AR/VR. As a Virtual Production Consultant for the Ahalia International Foundation, I am contributing to the establishment of a cutting-edge media production and academic hub in Kerala, shaping the future of media production and film studies.
In addition to my professional work, I conduct workshops on Immersive Media at prestigious institutes like the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, etc.
Projects
Extensive Television Advertising VFX & GFX (2016 – 2024)
Key Clients : Flipkart, Veegaland Homes, Popy Umbrella Mart, Medimix, VST Global, Oxygen, and numerous other national and regional brands.
Roles & Responsibilities :
- VFX Producer : Led project planning, budgeting, and execution, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
- VFX Supervisor : Oversaw the creative and technical aspects of VFX production, maintaining quality and consistency.
- VFX Artist : Contributed directly to the creation of visual effects, compositing, and motion graphics.
Project Highlights :
- Consistently delivered high-quality VFX and GFX for a diverse range of TV commercials.
- Collaborated effectively with creative teams, directors, and clients to realize their vision.
- Maintained a strong track record of meeting deadlines and exceeding client expectations.
Virtual Reality Experience Center (2023)
Project Type : Entrepreneurial Venture
Key Contributions :
- Established a Virtual Reality Experience Center at home town, providing access to cutting-edge VR technology and diverse content.
- Curated a collection of VR experiences spanning education, film, and gaming, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups.
- Utilized VR headsets like Meta Quest, HTC Vive, and Gear VR to deliver immersive and engaging experiences to visitors.
Animated Series on Sustainability & Renewable Energy for Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) (2021-2023)
Roles : Animation Producer & Project Design
Key Contributions :
- Conceptualized and led the design & coordination of an animated series promoting awareness about reusing & recycling waste and solar-powered desalination.
- Oversaw all aspects of production, ensuring the series met OPWP’s educational and communication goals.
360-Degree VR Travel Experience (2020)
Project Type : VR Travel Documentary
Key Contributions :
- Filmed an entire snow trek in the Himalayas using 360-degree cinematography, capturing the breathtaking scenery and immersive experience of the journey.
- Edited and post-produced the footage into a long-format travel documentary, utilizing 360-degree video editing and VFX techniques.
- Developed and implemented a 360-degree post-production workflow, ensuring a seamless and captivating VR experience.
Animated Series for E-Spectrum Portal & App, Oman AD (2019)
Roles : Project Design and Animation Producer
Key Contributions :
- Led the design & coordination of an animated explainer video showcasing the E-Spectrum Portal (http://smu.tra.gov.om/) and the E-Spectrum mobile app.
- Ensured the project aligned with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s (TRA) communication goals.
- Oversaw the production pipeline, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
Breezer Vivid Shuffle Music Video VFX & GFX (2018)
Project : Breezer Vivid Shuffle by Bacardi
Role : VFX Producer
Key Contributions :
- Created dynamic VFX and GFX elements that complemented the music and choreography.
- Collaborated with the director and creative team to bring their artistic vision to life.
360 Degree High-Definition Virtual Walkthroughs (2016-2018)
Project Type : R&D, in collaboration with 360 Pro Australia
Key Contributions :
- Collaborated with 360 Pro Australia to pioneer the development of high-definition 360-degree virtual walkthroughs for premium projects.
- Successfully completed an impressive 360-degree virtual walkthrough of a luxury villa project, Mall of Joy VR walkthrough etc. showcasing innovative interactive content creation, walkthrough development, and 360-degree cinematography.
360-Degree VR Documentation : Watercolor Painting Exhibition 360 Degree VR Documentation (2017)
Key Contributions :
- Leveraged available resources to capture and edit a captivating 360-degree VR experience of artist Roney Devassia’s watercolor painting exhibition.
- Incorporated an artist interview within the VR environment, providing viewers with unique insights into the creative process and artistic vision.
The Story of Jesus 3D – a 90-minute 3D Animated Series (2012 – 2014)
Roles : Project Designer & Technical Director
Key Contributions :
- R&D and Workflow Development for Motion Capture System: Spearheaded the research, development, and implementation of an in-house motion capture system. This involved designing and fine-tuning the motion capture setup;
- Collaborating with professional actors to capture nuanced performances;
- Integrating the captured data into the animation pipeline;
- Led the development of stereoscopic 3D workflows, ensuring an immersive experience for the audience.