Behind the [screens] #12
Welcome to the twelve part in our series of ‘Behind the [screens]’. A sneak peek into the worlds of our super talented folks here at FOTW and a little bit about them and what life looks like in lock down. Hieran Chauhan our Mid-weight motion designer who recently re joined us is up next to share his thoughts…
Name: Hieran Chauhan (Mid-weight motion designer)
Working for FOTW since: April 2018 and re-joined 10th May 2021
How long have you worked at FOTW?
Originally two years, I then went away and recently came back!
What’s your favourite piece of work to date at FOTW that you’ve worked on?
SYCS and Project Ocean (ROI Half Price Sale 2019)
Whose work inspires you / What Motion Designers do you admire and how does their
work influence your work?
Studio: https://www.alreadybeenchewed.tv/ have been a studio I’ve followed for quite some time, their work with shoes / trainers is always sooo good. I find they are a major player in trend setting when it comes to motion design, everything from their VFX, rendering to clever transitions is spot on and I often find myself trying to mimic their work.
What made you decide to get involved in the creative industry?
I think the answer here is pretty generic, but I was always the student who would be doodling in his books, always switched off from what the teacher was saying in class. I loved being creative from a young age, its where I’ve felt most comfortable – I’m grateful to be able to say I do something I love as my day job and work doesn’t feel like work at all.
How has COVID changed the way you work?
YES massively. Communication now more than ever is key, we must remind ourselves we simply can not shout across the office to a team member. So comms such as Slack and email play a huge role for me in documenting key decisions in the design process.
What’s the best part of working at FOTW?
The people here at FOTW are what make the company, I very much appreciate how hard we all work to keep a strong company culture. Its also very nice to see your work on TV now and again!
“FOTW is a place I hold close to my heart. It’s the main reason I left and came back as I missed it so much. Its hard to find a place you feel happy, supported and where work colleagues are your actual friends.“
How do you stay current with the technology and processes in the industry?
Social media plays a huge role for me nowadays. The industry has moved on rapidly from when I came out of university – traditionally I would sign up to magazines, now I can keep up with trends / tutorials and technology all form my mobile phone! I am signed up to some great platforms for learning and along side this IG plays a huge role in keeping me up to date!
Redshift or Octane – What’s your preference and why
Redshift – it’s the first render engine I encountered when I started in CG and I’ve been using it ever since.
Favourite Film?
Cheesy but I love the Fast and Furious films – I grew up around cars with my dad being a mechanic, and with the use of CG in these films it ticks all of my boxes.
Any advise for the next generation of Creative/ motion designer?
Stay hungry. Always want to know more and keep asking questions no matter how silly.
Being a sponge has helped get me to where I am today.
What are the best qualities to have as an employee at FOTW?
Willing and polite. Good communication is also important.
How do you stay updated with the ever changing compliance regulations?
Thankfully we have a fantastic team of producers who keep us up to date on this.
How does FOTW encourage work / life balance?
Having supportive and understanding colleagues, we all understand we are in this together and therefore collectively work hard to ensure we work hard but also play even harder.
What’s the most inspiring work you’ve seen recently?
https://mvsm.com/project/fender
What do you get out of being a smaller agency compared to the bigger ones out there?
Certainly more of a one to one and family vibe. You don’t feel like you are just a number but you can actually get to know people on a personal level and this in turn I believe has a positive outcome on the work ethic and output we produce.
What does FOTW mean to you?
FOTW is a place I hold close to my heart. It’s the main reason I left and came back as I missed it sooo much. Its hard to find a place you feel happy, supported and where work colleagues are your actual friends.
If you could attend any VFX event, what would it be?
Maxon Live events in Las Vegas (When the restrictions are lifted)
What are the perks from working at FOTW?
Flexible working / a good balance of work and play.
What websites / social media do you follow to get inspired?
Youtube / Patreon / IG / Motionographer
Like what you see?
If you fancy a chat about what we do, give us a call on 01582 881144 or drop us an email hello@falloffthewall.com. We’d love to hear from you!