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Inside Scoops with Muzammil: The Creative Journey Behind 3D and 2D Animation

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Inside Scoops

Intro

Hello! I’m Muzammil Hussain, based in Dubai, and I run my own animation production house, FIFTH CHANNEL STUDIO (FCS). My journey into animation started with a love for video games and animated movies, which fascinated me since childhood. The way animation could bring characters and worlds to life inspired me deeply.

Inspiration & Motivation

Can you tell us how your journey into the world of animation began? What inspired you to pur-sue this path?

After college, I dedicated myself to learning animation and design. My early inspirations came from games and online content. When I attended my first job interview with SHARP IMAGE, my portfolio helped me secure an internship in Character Animation. Over the years, I gained experience working with companies like GEO TELEVISION, ABBTAKK TELEVISION, and BOL TELEVISION. Eventually, I started FIFTH CHANNEL STUDIO, where I now collaborate with both local and international clients on a variety of animation projects.

What’s your go-to process when starting a new animation project? Any tips you’d share with animators struggling to organize their workflow?

My process involves breaking down the project into manageable stages for better organization. Here’s a general workflow I follow:

Understand the Brief: I first review the project requirements and ask any necessary questions.

  • Create Storyboards and Assets: Develop a rough storyboard and design assets or style frames.
  • Camera Layout and Animation: Finalize camera movements, then animate objects accordingly.
  • Animation Preview: Share a preliminary animation with the client for feedback.
  • Rendering: After approval, I add lighting and composite the final frame.
  • Final Delivery: Once all is approved, I deliver the finished project as per the client’s specifications.

Challenges and Solutions

When working on both 2D and 3D projects, how do you decide which style fits best for the story or concept?

Usually, the client provides a brief with style references. But when I have the creative freedom, I choose the style based on the project’s requirements. For example, in the La Nwaqif project, I mixed 3D with 2D textures to reflect a travel-themed concept. For IRON HORSES, I used metallic 3D elements to convey a rugged, mechanical vibe, which suited the show’s theme about bike alterations.

Favourite Projects

Do you have a favorite project that you’ve worked on so far? What made it stand out for you?

I’ve worked on several projects that stand out, but here are a few of my favorites:

  • Mowaja Program Title for Abu Dhabi Media: The art direction and animation style made this project unique. It was a collaborative effort with an exceptionally talented team.
  • IRON HORSES: I spent a lot of time refining the look of this project, aiming for a realistic yet abstract aesthetic.
  • Kuwait Basketball Association (KBA) Program Package: I enjoyed designing and animating the entire package with a unique style.
  • La Nwaqif Program Packaging: This 3D project had a 2D painted texture style, perfect for an OTT platform.

You can check out some of these projects on my Readymade Work profile!

Tips for Aspiring Creatives

If you could give just one piece of advice to someone starting their career in animation, what would it be?

Always keep learning and stay adaptable. Focus on building a strong foundation, but also embrace new tools and techniques. Follow online portfolio platforms and find mentors to guide you. Hard work, combined with smart strategies, will take you far.

Trends and Future

The animation industry is always changing. How do you keep up with the latest trends and new techniques in both 2D and 3D animation?

It can be challenging to stay updated with new trends and techniques. My solution? I experiment with new methods in my freelance projects whenever possible. This way, I get to practice and learn on the job, which keeps my skills fresh and my portfolio diverse.

Future Goals and Projects

What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming animation projects or areas you’re excited to explore further on Readymade Work?

Absolutely! I love the concept of Readymade Work, and I’m currently working on some assets to add to my portfolio on the platform. I’m excited to share my work and help others benefit from it.

How does Readymade Work Help?

Lastly, what’s your experience been like as part of the Readymade Work community?

Dan:  its been an amazing experience with Readymade Work so far, receiving a lot of positive feedback and connecting with great clients. The best part is that you can also sell your design assets on the platform. This is a unique opportunity, because it not only increases profile visits but also boosts the chances of finding new opportunities.

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