We were lucky to catch up with Jeasy Sehgal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jeasy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you ever experienced a times when your entire field felt like it was taking a U-Turn?

I recently relocated in 2022 from New Zealand to Atlanta, Georgia, USA to take up a new appointment as a Professor of Practice in Virtual Production and VFX at the Creative Media Industries Institute at Georgia State University to spearhead the new MFA in Digital Filmmaking and Virtual Production.

I specialise in Virtual Cinematography, Realistic Digital Humans, and Emerging Technology Methodologies in interactive gamification and narrative design. I am also actively involved in cutting-edge research in Ethical AI and Computer Human Interface design at the Center for Integrated AI Research at the Edge (CiARE), a distinguished DoD-sponsored Center of Excellence in Advanced Computing and Software (COE-ACS), led by Georgia State University, Creative Media Industries Institute in partnership with Duke University and collaborators from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.

Jeasy , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Jeasy Sehgal is an International Award-Winning Filmmaker and emerging Technology Specialist in Film, Motion Capture, AR/VR/MR, Animation, and Game Development. Experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the design industry. Multi-talented creative with a recent Diploma in Film and Television focused in Postproduction from South Seas Film & Television School. Industry Best Practice Certification from Weta Group Park Road Postproduction.

Completed Master of Technological Futures from Tech Futures Lab-Auckland, New Zealand, Research focus in Digital Humans, Virtual Production, Empathic and Emotional Responses in Digital Humans, Virtual Production and Interactive Production.

Jeasy Sehgal is the founder of Graphic Monk Ltd., a multi-disciplinary Production House with multiple brands incorporated under the umbrella, Imperial Swords, The Imperial School of Swordsmanship, Dynakinetix: Motion Capture & Virtual Production Dojo Training Academy.

Jeasy established Virtual Production Dojo, New Zealand’s first Unreal Engine Authorized Centre and Reallusion Certified Training Centre, offering industry-specific, hands-on training and talent development training for the Screen and Games Industry for Virtual Production Methodologies.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I am New Zealand’s inaugural and only Epic Games Unreal Engine Authorized Instructor, Reallusion Authorized Instructor, Avid Certified Editor, and Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Certified Editor.

My focus has always been on becoming a solution architect rather than focusing on a particular software toolset.

• In a groundbreaking stride towards the future of entertainment, Graphic Monk Ltd. stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity. This multidisciplinary production house is pioneering the use of hyper-realistic digital humans, stretching the boundaries of realism in films, games, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and virtual productions. Their recent venture into full-body motion capture for film, VFX, games, commercials, and immersive VR/AR experiences heralds a new chapter in storytelling. By harnessing emerging technologies, Graphic Monk Ltd. is not just keeping pace with the industry’s evolution but actively shaping the trajectory of immersive storytelling. Their work promises to transform audience experiences, offering a new level of engagement and realism. Through VR filming and game development, they aim to craft stories that are not only seen or heard but felt, marking a significant leap forward in how stories are told and experienced. As they explore the frontiers of technology and creativity, Graphic Monk Ltd. is poised to redefine the landscape of digital entertainment.

• Virtual Production Dojo stands at the forefront of digital filmmaking and storytelling innovation in New Zealand. As the country’s inaugural and only Epic Games Unreal Engine Authorized Training Center, it offers unparalleled opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts to dive into the world of virtual production. This field combines real-time rendering capabilities, virtual reality, and traditional filmmaking techniques to create immersive, visually stunning narratives. Through hands-on training and access to cutting-edge technology, participants are equipped with the skills needed to excel in an increasingly digital entertainment industry. The academy’s courses are designed to foster talent and innovation, preparing individuals for the future of content creation.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

VR (Virtual Reality), XR (Extended Reality)/Spatial Computing, AI (Artificial Intelligence), and machine learning are being utilized extensively in the film and games industry. These technologies enhance storytelling and gameplay by creating more immersive and interactive experiences. VR and XR offer new ways for audiences to experience stories, allowing them to step inside the worlds being created. AI and machine learning are used to develop more lifelike characters and environments, automate tasks such as animation, and personalize user experiences by adapting to their preferences and behaviors. These technologies are revolutionizing content creation, offering tools that enable creators to push the boundaries of imagination and realism.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graphicmonk.com/ https://virtualproductiondojo.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeasysehgal/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@Graphicmonk