Gautam Purushotham, Co-Founder and the CEO/VFX Producer of Studio Rift, holds a Master’s in Digital Direction from Supinfocom, India, and brings over 8 years of experience to the industry as a Director and CG Generalist.

His career began in Finland, where he worked as a Generalist on various movies, commercials, and games. Upon his return to India and the completion of business studies at the Indian Institute of Management – Bengaluru, Gautam Purushotham, the Co-Founder and VFX Producer of Studio Rift, channeled his passion for filmmaking and storytelling into co-founding the studio.

Since 2020, Gautam has played a pivotal role as the VFX Producer, dedicating his efforts to producing remarkable projects and fostering a continuous creative drive within the studio. His expertise extends beyond technical skills, encompassing the ability to guide and inspire others to bring out their best in the realm of filmmaking.

Bhanu Khandelwal, Co-Founder and CFO of Studio Rift, holds a Master’s in Digital Direction from Supinfocom, showcasing over 8 years of rich experience in the industry. His journey began at Discreet Art Productions, contributing to noteworthy projects like Top Cat and Peter Pan. Transitioning into entrepreneurship, Bhanu founded “THE SOCIAL MIND”, where he immersed himself in virtual reality projects and web development.

Fueled by an unwavering passion for the cinematic and VFX realms, he joyfully redirected his path to co-found Studio Rift alongside Gautam Purushotham. In his role as CFO, Bhanu plays a pivotal part in shaping Studio Rift’s financial strategy and overall success. Leveraging his diverse background, he contributes to the studio’s innovative approaches within the dynamic landscape of digital media and entertainment.

Jit Kundu, Senior Animation Supervisor, at Studio Rift, brings over 15 years of industry expertise to the table. His impressive portfolio includes contributions to the Oscar-nominated film Love and Monsters and the VES-winning film Finch. With a rich background in feature films like Pinocchio, Peter Pan and Wendy, Monster Island, Top Cat, Anna, The Penguins of Madagascar, and more.

Jit has also made his mark in the gaming world, having worked on titles such as Diablo, Destiny 2, Halo Infinite, League Of Legends, Transformer 4D, Street Fighter, Final Fantasy, Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite, and BioShock Infinite. Jit is a catalyst for creativity and collaboration within his team, fostering an environment that brings artistic visions to life. Committed to delivering high-quality animation, Jit Kundu stands as one of the finest additions to our talented team at Studio Rift.

Jyoti Pramod Khatavkar, Senior Asset & Environmental Artist, with over 7 years of industry experience, has made her mark in Animated TV Series and AAA Games. Recognized for her leadership, she shaped the visual style of popular titles like FIFA ’21, GTA San Andreas, and Need for Speed: Heat by creating detailed assets for environments and props.

The exciting possibilities of storytelling through building new worlds, keeps her inspired and motivated even today.

Vivek, Senior Lighting Artist, serving as the Lighting Lead at Studio Rift, boasts over 14 years of experience in the industry. His diverse portfolio encompasses a range of projects, spanning from animated series to notable movies such as RA-ONE, RIBBIT, ALPHA & OMEGA, and Monster Buster Club. Known for his strong work ethic and self-motivation, Vivek is a proactive individual always seeking new challenges and pushing his own limits. In his role as a lead, he diligently ensures both quality and timely delivery in accordance with client requirements.

Beyond his technical prowess, Vivek serves as an inspirational figure, encouraging creativity among his colleagues and motivating them to efficiently complete tasks.

My role involves overseeing various aspects of production to ensure smooth operations and timely delivery of projects. I bring a blend of skills in organization, communication, and problem-solving. A diverse set of skills and experiences to the production team, contributing to the successful execution of projects. My background has equipped me with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in this role.

Initially starting with a background in web development, I was presented with an exciting opportunity to join Studio Rift and work alongside skilled animators, riggers, and other artists.

Over time, as I immersed myself in managing projects and collaborating with talented individuals, I realized that this is where my true passion lies. Working at Studio Rift has been a transformative experience, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and creative environment.

Throughout my journey at Studio Rift, I have learned invaluable skills in project management, creative collaboration, and production coordination. I have developed a deep appreciation for the intricacies of animation and storytelling, and I am constantly inspired by the dedication and talent of my colleagues.

I am proud of the progress I have made and the contributions I have brought to the studio. This experience has not only expanded my professional horizons but has also allowed me to pursue my passion and grow in ways I never imagined.