Animated Dreams: Sijo Joseph

He was just another Malayali kid who focussed on science subjects and wanted to earn a degree — in biotechnology. But fate had something else in store for Sijo Joseph. Now a leading visual effects artist who has worked in films like Baahubali, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2, The Legend of Tarzan and Suicide Squad, Sijo looks back in awe.

Though he was interested in drawing since childhood, he never thought of it as a career option. “Only after I completed my graduation did I start thinking about what I really wanted to do in life. During that time, I attended a course in Photoshop and other editing software, which inspired me to take this path,” says the Kaladi native.

His first job was for 3D modelling at the Southern Naval Command at the Naval Base. Later, he turned to VFX. “I never felt satisfied with my work until I decided to teach about VFX,” says Sijo, who has been working as a teacher at the SH School of Communication for a year. He has tried to involve his students in his projects.

“When I teach, I get a satisfaction from that. I suggest every job which we undertake should be able to satisfy one’s real interest,” says Sijo.   Sijo has done the Digital Matte Painting (DMP) for Baahubali. He has been working for Dream Works Animation and Techincolor works for How to train your Dragon 2.

Apart from these, Sijo is working on his first-ever feature animation film, which was earlier planned as a short film. The film is in the pre-production stage.
Asked about his favourite project, he says, “Working with Dream Works Studio is always fun and comfortable. You get to have international artists as your colleagues.”

As much as he loves teaching, he is very happy doing VFX too. “I love to do the composition of video sequences. In Hollywood they expect and demand high quality works. To be a great VFX artist, one needs to aim high,” he signs off.