Hasta La Creative!

Vidya Sharma, the director and founder at RocketscienceLab lab writes: RocketscienceLab is a director driven mixed-media prodco. Since its launch, RocketscienceLab has become recognised for its combined interests in ideas and technology to create unique creative content for TV & digital. Founded in 2010 by Duo Directors Vidya Sharma & Rajesh Thomas, its built up an outstanding portfolio and a reputation to go with it. The lab’s works has been picked up by Fastcodesign, BBC Music video festival, London International Animation Festival, East End London Film Festival, HAFF, One screen, MUSE, Telly & many more & has been showcased in numerous international magazines and websites alike. Today RocketscienceLab is one of the most innovative production companies, consistently producing beautifully crafted intelligent work while maintaining a distinctive style working across the traditional and emerging mediums.

Why are you an Animator/motion creative?
At the start, we hadn’t planned on being in the field of mixed media or animation or anything of those sorts. We just jumped into film making after few years in the advertising arena. We first made a stop motion promo for ourselves in-house with all stationery and scrap lying around. Post which commercials projects started pouring in and we just moved with the flow. Having said that, we are picky about the projects we like to work on & take up projects we truly believe in.

Did you attend school for fine art or films?
While I am from fine arts background Rajesh is from academic background, however film making has been self taught for both of us.

You have a distinct style of animation/graphics. How long did it take you to develop your style?
We have always had a way of going about our projects however it started getting recognised as our style once a couple of our projects got featured / awarded in festivals and magazines. Also we try to do something new in each of our projects that makes it fun to work on.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Growing up was more about having a lot of fun, like any other kid. However there was an inclination towards art and movies here and there. But ending up in this field has been quiet a surprise for us.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in films?
Our stint in advertising was the most influencing factor that opened up a new perspective of film making for us. In the agency we were exposed to the world of shoots and film making & it was mesmerising and magical where your imagination would take shape in a physical format. It was intriguing and the possibilities stretched as far as our imagination could goes.

What made you decide to start your own company Rocket Science Films?
We both enjoyed the execution side of things and filmmaking was a natural shift that came with varied projects & requirements that we enjoy experimenting & evolving with. Ironically we named our prodco Rocketscience Lab with the intent to explore multiple techniques and ideas that has shaped up what we do today.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations/animations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or clients?
In India animation is still a rarity and all medias are still flooded with emotionally driven live action content. However things are getting better with internet taking over a large part of our lives that has opened up markets and we have been working with global clients alike. Likewise heavy competition among brands to look different and stand out in the market has pushed them to experiment and explore new horizons which instead has given us the freedom to be bold & take risks

Was there any time when you wanted to quit films?
We will quit films only to make feature films.

Have you considered turning your animations/films into web series of your own?
All the time. We have also been working on scripts for some of our projects to be turned into series.

Any other Indian Illustrators/Animators who you admire?
Eeksaurus & Vaibhav studios always come up with very intriguing projects and we love them.

Do you have any favorite fellow animators/illustrtors or resources relating to your fields?
We love projects from Andrew Thomas Huang, Dougal Wilson, Bruno Aveillan , Wes Anderson, Tim Burton, James Cameron & James Wan of course.

2D or 3D? What do you prefer?
We love 2d, 3d, stop motion, vfx & live action alike.

You have such a wide experience as a top working professional. What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on animation as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
Animation is a great career where you get to do things that you love doing and get paid for it as well. However its really important for each one to develop a style of their own and push oneself to the very best.

When hiring, what do you look for in a person?
Passion and urge to learn on a daily basis. Also he needs to have a style or a unique talent that needs to show up in the projects dealt with.

Whats your dream project?
Moving onto long format. That wouldn’t be one dream project but many.

Mac or PC?
Mac

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Wes Anderson

What’s on your iPod?
Currently Of monsters and men, Florence and the machine, Adele and all time Pink Floyd, Eddie Vedder

Whats your Twitter Handle?
@atRocketscience