Nakul Rajesh
Agle

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I chose NTU because of its strong reputation in creative technologies and its industry focused approach to teaching. The MSc in Virtual Production felt perfect for me because it combined real-time rendering, compositing, Unreal Engine workflows, and filmmaking, all areas that match my long-term career goals in VFX and virtual production. NTU also offered access to cutting edge facilities and tutors with real industry experience, which made the course feel practical and future driven.

What was your favourite thing about studying in the School of Art & Design?

My favourite part was the collaborative environment. The School of Art & Design brings together students from different creative backgrounds like filmmaking, animation, design, and VFX which helped me learn new perspectives and improve my own creative thinking. The supportive studio culture and approachable staff made it easy to experiment and push my skills further.

What do you think of the course facilities?

The facilities are excellent, especially the virtual production studio, green screen stage, motion capture system, and high end workstations with access to Unreal Engine, Nuke, and advanced VFX tools. They closely reflect what is used in industry, giving me confidence and familiarity when working on professional projects. The workflow setup real-time pipelines, LED wall preparation, and compositing suites are surprisingly industry-standard, which made the learning experience very relevant.

Did you get a chance to work on any live projects or competitions during your studies?

Yes, I worked on multiple real-time and compositing projects, including my final term’s virtual production project, where I integrated Unreal Engine with Nuke using the Unreal Reader. These projects gave me hands-on experience with real production pipelines and taught me how to work under deadlines, handle feedback, and solve technical challenges. It felt very close to working in a studio environment.

Did you get involved with any other opportunities at NTU?

I engaged with several opportunities, including portfolio development support, technical workshops. These experiences improved my confidence, expanded my network, and helped me better understand the expectations of VFX and virtual production studios. The extra learning outside the classroom made a big difference in shaping my career goals.

How has your experience at NTU helped you in your current role?

NTU strengthened my technical foundation in Unreal Engine, Nuke compositing, lighting, and virtual production workflows. I use these skills daily when creating environments, integrating real footage with CG, editing, and preparing assets for real-time rendering. The course also improved my teamwork, problem-solving, and project management abilities, all essential in production environments.

What would your advice be to current Art & Design students?

Experiment as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to try new pipelines, software, or ideas. Use the facilities and ask tutors for feedback. NTU gives you tools that many students outside don’t have access to. Build your portfolio from day one, stay organised, and collaborate with your classmates. Most importantly, enjoy the creative process.

What was the process of getting to where you are today?

My journey involved constant practice, building a strong portfolio, learning advanced tools like Unreal Engine and Nuke, and taking opportunities at NTU to strengthen my skills. I focused on real-time workflows, compositing, and environment creation, all of which shaped my direction toward VFX and virtual production. Along the way, I applied for internships, freelanced through my company NS Films, and kept improving my technical and creative abilities. Each step helped me move closer to my career goal.