Introducing the newest addition to our BA (Hons) Visual Effects degree programme, Senior Lecturer Rishi Dahiwad.
Rishi joins us following work on productions including Netflix’s We Have a Ghost and Knights of the Zodiac, as well as the TV series Halo. He has also worked with two of the largest and historically significant powerhouses in the global visual effects (VFX), animation and post-production industries: DNEG and Technicolor.
This summer, Rishi also finished working on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which he described as: “One of the biggest productions I’ve been part of, and the amount of work that went into creating Season 3 was huge. I really hope fans get to see that when it airs.”
Speaking about his skill set and experience, Rishi said: “I specialise in FX and CFX (Character FX) using Houdini, with a strong foundation in simulation workflows, including smoke, fire, destruction and procedural systems. My background includes both academic training and professional work on various projects, which has given me a practical, industry-relevant skill set. I also collaborate with other departments, such as BA (Hons) Model Making and Props, to demonstrate how VFX can enhance physical builds through compositing and digital extension.”
When asked what draws him to VFX, he said: “VFX is a unique blend of creativity and technical problem-solving, which really appeals to me. I enjoy the challenge of creating visually compelling simulations that feel grounded and believable, as well as the satisfaction of seeing digital effects bring a scene to life. The endless possibilities in Houdini keep the work fresh and exciting.”
Reflecting on his favourite films, he said: “Some of my favourites include Inception for its mind-bending simulations, Blade Runner 2049 for its atmospheric world-building, and The Avengers for its world-building. More recently, I admire the seamless integration of FX and practical elements in films like Dune, where simulations enhance rather than overshadow the narrative and design.”
Reflecting on what he is excited to bring to the course, Rishi said: “I’m excited about the increasing collaboration between departments, especially with BA (Hons) model making and Props and BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production. There’s a lot of potential to show students how physical and digital effects can work together to create more immersive and polished final shots. As tools become more accessible and workflows more integrated, students have an incredible opportunity to push their creative boundaries.”
Visual effects play a major part in creating the magic that brings worlds to life on screen. If you’re interested in a career in Visual Effects, our technical and creative programme will challenge you to plan and produce visual effects for a range of productions, using industry-standard software and processes.
Find out more and apply here.