DNEG Hosts Inaugural ‘DNEG Connect’ Event in Bengaluru, Showcasing Innovative Technology and Creative Expertise

India, 28 th March 2023: DNEG, a leading visual effects and animation studio for feature
film, television, and multiplatform content creation, hosted its inaugural ‘DNEG
Connect’ event on March 25, 2023, in partnership with the Bengaluru SIGGRAPH
Chapter and Asifa India. The event was held at the Good Shepherd Auditorium in
Bengaluru.

The event was a resounding success, offering tech and VFX enthusiasts an exclusive in-
person experience showcasing DNEG’s commitment to revolutionising the VFX process
with cutting-edge technologies. It was a visual feast with stunning visuals and
groundbreaking innovations that left a lasting impression on attendees. The event also
provided a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to learn from industry experts and get an
exclusive glimpse into the latest advancements in visual storytelling.

Merzin Tavaria, DNEG’s President of Global Production and Operations, delivered a
captivating keynote speech during the event. He shared his personal journey and
highlighted the studio’s remarkable achievements in creating visual effects and
animation for feature films, television, and multiplatform content. Mr Tavaria also
expressed his pride in the team’s dedication and hard work and how their pursuit of
excellence has made DNEG a leader in the industry. He emphasised the studio’s passion
for pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology to deliver unparalleled visual
experiences for audiences worldwide and their commitment to investing in the latest
technologies and talent to drive innovation and transform the VFX process.

DNEG Connect celebrated the magic of technology and creativity, with some of the
industry’s most distinguished speakers sharing their insights and expertise. Paul

Franklin, DNEG VFX Supervisor and multiple Academy Award®-winner, showcased the
studio’s revolutionary approach to visual storytelling. His session delved deep into the
team’s experience and creative process, showcasing their commitment to excellence
and innovation. Paul Salvini, Global Chief Technology Officer, DNEG shared his views on
technological advancements in the world of VFX, followed by Martine Bertrand, DNEG
Senior AI Researcher, who spoke on revolutionising visual effects production and how
virtual production, real-time technologies, and artificial intelligence are changing the
game in VFX production. Muralidhar Sridhar, Senior Vice President of Prime Focus
Technologies, spoke about ‘Transforming the M&E Industry with AI and ML.’
The event also featured Jigesh Gajjar, Head of VFX, DNEG India, who shared fascinating
behind-the-scenes stories about the visual effects work on the Oscar-winning film Dune.
He explored the intricacies involved in creating the impressive creatures that played a
crucial role in the film, showcasing the breadth of DNEG’s award-winning work. Vivek
Reddy, Co-Founder of Viga Entertainment, then shared insights regarding the
engineering behind Hollywood VFX on behalf of the Bengaluru SIGGRAPH Chapter.
DNEG’s pursuit of pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology continues to raise
the bar for excellence in visual effects, and the event was a testament to the company’s
passion and dedication.
Merzin Tavaria, President of Global Production and Operations, DNEG, said,
“Technology has played a pivotal role in my journey of 28 yrs in the VFX industry. We
have always pushed our teams to leverage the best that technology offers while
pioneering innovation in our industry. With DNEG Connect, we extended a glimpse into
our world to the Tech industry, showing that creativity and technology working hand-in-
hand takes the work that we do to unforeseen levels.”
DNEG Connect was just the beginning, as DNEG continues to lead the way in the visual
effects industry with groundbreaking innovations and a commitment to excellence. The
event was a reminder that when technology meets creativity, the possibilities are
endless.