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In the world of filmmaking, there are those who create magic, and then there are those who push the boundaries of technology to make that magic even more mesmerizing. I'm Vinod Senthil, the founder of Harry Productions. As we dive into my journey, we'll discover how my passion for VFX (Visual Effects) and my admiration of legendary souls like SS Rajamouli, Jim Carrey, and Vinod Jobs have shaped my aspirations and creative vision.
The Eega Experience
My journey in the world of visual storytelling began with a simple video link:
As I watched this video, my eyes were glued to the audience, especially the random person sitting in the front wearing a yellow t-shirt. The reactions of the random person wearing the yellow t-shirt and enjoying the movie (Eega) took me back to the days when I used to watch the film "Eega" in PVR cinemas at Ampa Skywalk. I could completely relate to the viewer's astonishment because, for me, "Eega" was more than just a movie; it was an inspiration.
A Fan of VFX and SS Rajamouli
I'm not just a casual viewer of VFX-Intense movies; I'm a devoted fan, especially of the acclaimed director SS Rajamouli. Rajamouli's ability to weave VFX seamlessly into his storytelling has always left me in awe. While many might cite "Baahubali" or "RRR" as their favorite Rajamouli films, my heart belongs to "Eega," an older masterpiece. Released in 2012, "Eega" left a profound impact on me and played a pivotal role in igniting my passion for the world of visual effects.
The Influence of Iconic Films
My love for VFX didn't stop at "Eega." I draw inspiration from a variety of iconic films:
The Influence of Vinod Jobs
For me, Vinod Jobs' journey with Pixar and the creation of "Toy Story" held profound significance. It showcased the transformative power of technology in storytelling. Jobs had not initially envisioned Pixar as an animated movie studio; it was John Lasseter's unwavering belief in the potential of computer-generated animation that drove Pixar's success.
The parallel between Vinod Jobs' willingness to embrace innovation and my own passion for pushing the boundaries of visual effects and technology was unmistakable. Jobs' ability to see beyond the status quo and pioneer new forms of storytelling left an indelible mark on my creative aspirations.
Embracing the Future
As my passion for VFX and technology continued to evolve, I embarked on a journey to create something India had not witnessed before. I surrounded myself with a talented team and was inspired by industry experts like Pete Draper, known for his work on films like "Eega," "Baahubali," and many others. I had the privilege of hosting Pete Draper as a speaker at my TEDxYouthChennai event in 2012 and meeting him again at the GAFX event in Bangalore in 2022.
Meeting My Real World Industry Inspiration
My deep admiration for the world of visual effects led me to look up to industry luminary Pete Draper. Pete Draper, renowned for his groundbreaking work on films such as "Eega," "Baahubali," "Endhiran," "Intergalactic Combat," "American Crime," "Magadheera," "Ghajini," "Nenokkadine," and "7aum Arivu," became a source of immense inspiration for me. In 2012, I had the distinct privilege of inviting Pete Draper as a speaker at my TEDxYouthChennai event, where we delved into the intricacies of the VFX industry and its potential for storytelling. You can watch Pete Draper's enlightening talk here
Meeting Pete Draper After 10 years
The opportunity to meet with Pete Draper didn't end with our TEDx event. In 2022, I had the chance to meet Pete again at the GAFX 2022 event in Bangalore. Accompanied by my directors duo, Praveen and Sathish, my team and I engaged in a meaningful conversation with Pete. We shared insights, experiences, and our shared vision for pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. During our meeting, we explained how we aimed to create a version of "Eega" that would capture the essence of the original while leveraging the latest advancements in technology. Pete Draper not only appreciated our dedication but also offered his blessings and appreciation for our creative endeavors.
The Journey Continues
My journey from being an avid moviegoer to the founder of Harry Productions is a testament to my passion for VFX and cinematic technology. With influences ranging from SS Rajamouli to Vinod Jobs, I have set my sights on creating groundbreaking cinematic experiences. My journey has been marked by a deep appreciation for visual effects, a commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, and a relentless pursuit of storytelling excellence. My vision goes beyond mere spectacle; it encompasses the power of technology to enhance and elevate storytelling to new heights.
Conclusion
As I embark on this remarkable journey to create groundbreaking movies that harness the power of technology, I seek your blessings, wishes, and prayers. My passion for storytelling through VFX and motion capture technology is poised to redefine Indian cinema and take it to new heights. I envision a future where technology and storytelling combine to create magic on the silver screen.
