Hasta La Motion!

Where are all the women in the VFX industry? It is a question we shouldn’t have asked in 2020. But we do. Why? Because there are fewer women all over the world are associated with the industry. What can be the reason is dedication? Tight deadlines? Inflexible work hours? What is it?

Taking an example of myself- I am a woman with a progressive frame of mind, an avid explorer and curious about visual content, especially behind the scenes. Being the curious self, I landed at a place where I had the opportunity to explore and give my curiosity a shape through my words that’s how I started my journey with the VFX industry. No matter how progressive we think the fact is undeniable that there are still lesser women professionals in the VFX industry and women in leadership in the same is even less. To understand why it is and how acceptable the VFX industry for women leaders we reached out to Technicolor India head of studio for film and episodic visual effects Kranti Sarma.

Technicolor India head of studio for film and episodic visual effects Kranti Sarma.

“My journey has been a long one, but also a good one at that! I have had bosses and mentors who believed in me. And I also believed in myself. However confident one is, there will be people around us who will criticize, pull us down as well as those who push us to do our best and nurture us. One gets mixed emotions while at the workplace. I have always focused on the positive, and on what helps me move forward. There is a difference between men and women, however, at work, we are all the same. I would say whoever pushes the bar with conviction and dedication moves forward irrespective of their gender,” Sarma shared how she started her journey.

Sarma spearheads the India operations which have witnessed a growth of strength from 500 to 2000 artists and technicians who are today estimated as the crucial team that crafts visual marvel across all channels of entertainment including studio features, international co-productions, and high-end episodic series, connecting larger audiences. Definitely, to manage such a huge team it is not easy so we were curious to know what strategies she applies to manage the team. She replies, “There have been a few, such as being part of the team, fostering an environment of learning and growth, instilling trust, empowering an individual in challenging projects, driving through accountability and most importantly running a business with heart in it.”

Many might have this preconceived notion that for a woman at a leadership position it might be a challenging task. Is it? Breaking the stereotypes she said “I would not term them as challenges but rather define them as opportunities of learning to adapt. Every individual faces challenge and challenges are not gender-specific. Challenges are thrown at a ‘role’. It’s up to us, as to how we perceive it and take it on. My male colleagues have been very professional and supportive of my career. They push my limits and foster an environment for growth too. I think we are in an era where our counterparts treat us with respect and equality.”

We live in a democratic country where men and women have equal rights. But are we? Let’s not get into the cases of moral policing, body shaming and thousand others which are cocooning women behind the societal walls. And above all the fear within us has been the biggest culprit to the walk-in route of achievements. To actually ride upon the societal walls and our fear we have to first empower and accept ourselves the way we are.

And it is true because of it there are very fewer women in specific industries including the VFX industry. However, the scenario has started evolving as Sarma said, “Earlier women have not chosen VFX as a choice of career. It’s both a career option and an industry that’s matured rapidly over the last decade. Historically, the work hours restricted women from entering VFX, but companies are creating new policies that are making it more attractive for women to participate. There has been a lack of women in leadership roles and a lack of awareness of what is required to it as a career option. Technicolor has outreach programs at schools and at the college level to try and make women aware of VFX as a career option. Technicolor has added appx 600 women artists in India in the last few years. We are always striving for more.”

She is the woman leader in the VFX Scenario leading a workforce from India that strives to seek creative excellence and bringing accolades to the studio. She believes that “leadership is a responsibility and behavior “and her secret leadership mantra is “I think, I represent – strong emotional intelligence, passion, and accountability.”

She further enlightens that to empower more and more young female minds it is crucial to have outreach programs at schools and colleges and educate about the VFX industry. “It will be necessary by giving more women a chance while hiring freshers would be a good place to start,” she added.

On account of women’s day, she shares this inspiring message to those women who want to take VFX as a career option that, “Every challenge has an opportunity. Believe in yourself and grab the opportunity. Women have a natural flair for creativity and in bringing passion to what they do. These attributes are a great start to your VFX journey.”

With her I pledge to break the monotony and would try to empower women for crossing that boundary and take the route of achievements which they have desired to become one day.

Happy International Women’s Day!!

The post Women’s Day special: Spotlight on woman from VFX industry who believes challenges are opportunities appeared first on AnimationXpress.