Vimal Raju

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.

Courses Taught

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