VFX alchemist Pete Draper, known for his work on cinematic giants like ‘Baahubali’, ‘RRR’, and ‘Eega’, delivered an electrifying masterclass titled ‘The Complete VFX Production Magnanimity’ at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. Drawing a large audience of filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts in Goa, Draper underscored that successful visual effects hinge not on post-production wizardry but on meticulous planning, collaboration, and pre-production strategy.
With a career spanning over 25 years, Draper provided a deep dive into the art and craft of blockbuster VFX, covering everything from pre-production scheming to post-production polish.
Draper’s core message was clear: “The best VFX doesn’t replace reality; it enhances it.” He strongly cautioned against delayed decision-making, stating, “Leaving decisions for post-production invites chaos, cost overruns, and endless iterations.”
He showcased the detailed planning required to turn imagination into jaw-dropping reality:
- Pre-Visualization: Scripts must be broken down scene by scene, with lensing and camera moves pre-visualized.
- Precision: Props and digital doubles must be scanned to millimeter precision, and layered shots must be choreographed for maximum impact, even controlling elements like fire and crowds in real time.
- Problem-Solving: Draper highlighted the value of on-the-spot problem solving, citing a waterfall sequence where key beats were blocked and tested in minutes, which ultimately saved months of post-production time.
Draper stressed that collaboration is the real superpower of VFX, requiring tight coordination between directors, cinematographers, and the VFX teams to ensure every shot aligns with the artistic vision. He emphasized that attention to seemingly small details on set drastically reduces post-production headaches. For instance, logging lens metadata or simply clearing stray cables can save days of work later.
The masterclass proved that VFX is as much about strategy, planning, and teamwork as it is about advanced pixel work, covering techniques from storyboards and iterative concept work to crowd simulations and seamless digital extensions.
Concluding his session, Draper offered essential advice to the attendees: “Plan smart, log everything, and collaborate like your film depends on it — because it does. VFX is magic, but only if you orchestrate it with care.”
Key Highlights:
- VFX expert Pete Draper (known for ‘Baahubali’, ‘RRR’) gave a masterclass at IFFI 2025, stressing that effective visual effects are achieved through meticulous pre-production planning rather than post-production fixes.
- Draper warned that “leaving decisions for post-production invites chaos, cost overruns,” emphasizing the need for pre-visualization, precise scanning of props, and choreographing layered shots.
- He highlighted that collaboration between directors, cinematographers, and VFX teams is crucial, noting that details like logging lens metadata can save months of work.
- The session established that VFX success is rooted in strategy, planning, and teamwork, proving that “VFX is magic, but only if you orchestrate it with care.”