Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC), India's leadingtraining institute for high-end 3D Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), and Digital Design, ispleased to announce a unique addition to its acclaimed "Behind the Screens" series. For thevery first time, MAAC welcomed Mr. Sandeep Kamalasanan, Creative Director at MihiraVisual Labs, for a special masterclass that highlighted the art and science of "BuildingInvisible VFX for Complementing a Story."
This exclusive session was streamed live to over 5,000 MAAC students across the 130+centres in the country, offering an inside look at how VFX can support storytelling without everdrawing attention to itself.
Mr. Sandeep Kamalasanan is a celebrated visual artist and storyteller with a rare blend oftechnical mastery and creative vision. A veteran of the VFX industry for over 28 years, Sandeep began his journey with a passion for computer games, going on to define thestandard for immersive visual storytelling in Indian and international cinema. His portfoliospans The Diplomat and Sitare Zameen Par, where "invisible" VFX played pivotal roles insilently enhancing narrative without overt spectacle. He has also contributed his expertiseto Mukhbir and Kahaani, cementing his reputation as a maestro of seamless visual effects.
His approach is defined by a keen eye for detail and the ability to distil complex concepts intoclear, actionable insights for filmmakers and artists. Sandeep is known for his minimalist touch-knowing exactly when to augment scenes with invisible CGI, when to trust live-actionfootage, and when to infuse emotion and drama through visual effects. His experience extendsbeyond film, encompassing animation, AR/VR/MR, ICVFX, and CGI post-production, makinghim a standout consultant for both feature films and directorial teams.
Webinar Highlights
- Live demonstration on how invisible VFX can subtly elevate storytelling withoutdistracting the viewer.
- Insightful anecdotes from real projects and experiences revealing the creativedecision-making behind each VFX choice.
- Q&A session allowing students to interact with a pioneer of the Indian VFX industry.
The "Behind the Screens" initiative continues to bridge the gap between academic learningand real-world industry demands, preparing MAAC students for the evolving landscape of theglobal Media & Entertainment industry. By hosting such industry pioneers, MAAC reinforcesits commitment to delivering cutting-edge training and professional exposure.
Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited, and BrandCustodian, MAAC, shares, "We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Sandeep Kamalasanan to the 'Behind the Screens' platform for the first time. His mastery in invisible VFX—where effectsserve the story, not the other way around—is exactly the kind of practical, forward-lookingexpertise our students need today. This session will empower our learners to think criticallyabout how visual effects can elevate narrative, not just spectacle."
Mr. Sandeep Kamalasanan, Creative Director, Mihira Visual Labs says, "It's an honour tocollaborate with MAAC and share my learnings with the next generation of visual storytellers.Invisible VFX is about restraint, precision, and emotional resonance—knowing when to stepback so the story can shine through. I was excited to discuss real-world examples and inspirestudents to push creative boundaries the smart way. Looking forward to many more suchinsightful discussions and meeting some of these students in the industry tomorrow!"
About MAAC:
Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC) is India's premier institute for 3D Animation,Visual Effects, Gaming, Digital Design, Filmmaking, Broadcast, VR & AR. Since its inceptionin 2001, MAAC has trained over a lakh of students worldwide, offering industry-recognizedcourses at more than 130 centers across 65+ cities.
MAAC's job-ready curriculum is delivered by expert faculty using state-of-the-artinfrastructure and industry-standard tools. Graduates find placements at leading studiossuch as Prime Focus, DNEG, Amazon, Redchillies VFX, Accenture, DQ Entertainment,Green Gold Animation, NDTV, IBN7, NY VFXWALA and more.
For further information, visit: www.maacindia.com
