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Introduction
My name is Nitesh Nagda, I am a Lead/Senior Lighting Artist at The Mill LA with over a decade of experience in the visual effects industry. Throughout my career, I have worked at The Mill, Digital Domain, and Psyop, contributing to high-profile projects such as Ready Player One, Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, Valorant, The Elder Scrolls Online, League of Legends, Apex Legends, Destiny, Brawl Stars, Clash of Clans, and many more.
My expertise spans feature films, commercials, and game cinematics, where I specialize in crafting visually compelling lighting that enhances storytelling and elevates the final shot. I am passionate about the artistic and technical aspects of lighting, always striving to push boundaries and refine my craft.
Beyond my professional work, I enjoy working on personal projects to explore new techniques, experiment with different styles, and stay at the forefront of industry advancements. I am always eager to collaborate, learn, and contribute to projects that challenge and inspire me.
I have a deep passion for photography, and it complements VFX perfectly. In visual effects, we constantly strive to enhance and replicate the real world in CG. Photography sharpens our understanding of light, composition, and realism, allowing us to either mimic reality with precision or creatively bend its rules.
Maintaining Consistency Across Shots
My most recent gig was a live-action commercial for YouTube, where I worked as a Senior Lighting Artist. My primary task was stitching the HDRIs captured on set and ensuring they were properly graded using the Macbeth chart. After cleaning up the HDRIs in Nuke, I tested them within the shot to ensure the lighting matched the chrome and gray ball references from the set.
To maintain consistency across shots, I created a light rig by extracting controllable light sources – such as those from TVs, softboxes, and other practicals – so that other lighters could seamlessly use the same setup. When building a light rig, I focus on simplifying it as much as possible, providing clear instructions so any artist can pick it up and start working immediately.
Alongside the light rig, I also developed a Nuke template to help visualize how passes are broken down, making it easier for both lighters and compositors to understand the lighting decisions behind a shot. I believe in creating clean, efficient light comps, as they save valuable time and prevent unnecessary adjustments down the pipeline.
Previously, I was a Lighting Lead for The Elder Scrolls Online and Valorant cinematics – two vastly different challenges in terms of style. While one required a hyper-realistic full-CG approach, the other demanded a very stylized approach
Getting Into 3D
It all started with me when I watched The Mummy and Terminator 2 with my brother. I was also captivated by animated films like Wall-E, Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Kung Fu Panda, and Ice Age. But, the film that truly made me want to pursue a career in CG was Final Fantasy: Advent Children.
Determined to learn more, I came across a magazine on 3D animation that broke down the visual effects behind films like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. That was a turning point – I started devouring these magazines to understand the magic behind VFX. Eventually, I took the next step by teaching myself through YouTube tutorials and online resources. That’s when I discovered Gnomon – not just their workshops, but their full-fledged school dedicated to CG education
Necessary Skills For Aspiring Artists
In today’s industry, having a multidisciplinary skill set is a huge advantage. Specializing in one area while maintaining a broad understanding of others will set you apart from the competition. The industry evolves rapidly, with new software and updates emerging constantly. While larger studios tend to be slower in adopting new tools, smaller studios often stay on the cutting edge. The fundamentals remain the same, but adapting to new techniques will keep you relevant.
One skill that will take you far is Python scripting. Being the person who streamlines workflows and creates helpful tools for the team makes you invaluable. Everyone appreciates someone who makes their job easier, and you can be that person. Additionally, real-time rendering is becoming increasingly important, so learning Unreal Engine or Unity is a must.
Don’t get too comfortable working at just one studio. The future is unpredictable, so gaining experience across different studios early in your career will help you understand what type of work you enjoy and where you’d like to settle in long-term.
Lastly, connections are everything. A strong network can land you job opportunities faster than any portfolio. Always leave a positive impression on the people you work with – be the kind of artist that others want on their team.
Communication may seem like a basic skill, but it’s absolutely essential when working with different artists. As a Lighter, I prioritize clear and open communication with other departments, including Animators, FX Artists, and Compositors.
A Lighter's role goes beyond just lighting a scene – we set up the entire shot, ensuring every element looks as intended. By actively engaging with other artists, they know who will be lighting their shots, making it easier to catch and address any issues early on. This proactive approach not only prevents wasted time but also helps maintain a smoother and more efficient workflow.
Never hesitate to ask for clarification during dailies – it’s better to get it right the first time than to waste time on revisions. Always be open to sharing your ideas and insights with the team. When completing a task, follow the given instructions first, then, if time allows, create an alternate version that you believe enhances the work. Directors and supervisors take note of this initiative, and it makes them more likely to want to work with you in the future.
Things to Avoid
For the longest time, I aspired to be a Texture/Lookdev Artist. During my final term in school, my instructor encouraged me to apply for lighting positions as well. However, I wasn’t confident in my lighting skills, so I focused solely on Lookdev roles – until I realized how much I truly loved lighting shots.
This experience taught me the importance of staying open to different opportunities. Sometimes, we stick to what feels comfortable, follow industry trends, or try to emulate certain artists without exploring other possibilities. But growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. If you ever get the chance to try something new, take it – you might discover a passion you never expected.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is: "You'll learn it on the job." No one expects you to know everything right away. The industry thrives on teamwork, and your colleagues are there to help. Never hesitate to ask questions – learning from others is part of the process. That said, mistakes that might be overlooked as a junior artist can be less forgivable at a senior level, so take every opportunity to improve and refine your skills.
As a junior artist, I often hesitated to request specific assets or shots I wanted to work on, assuming more experienced artists would handle them. Looking back, that was a mistake. You should always communicate your interests to your supervisor or lead, and actively seek out the work you’re passionate about. Once you get the opportunity, put in your best effort – because doing great work is the best way to earn more of the projects you truly want.