Shish Aikat
Lecturer

Brief Biography

Shish Aikat has an extensive background in postproduction, learning systems, global training, and workforce development for Animation/VFX. He is the former Global Head of Training-VFX at DNEG, having previously held the Head of Global Learning position at Tau Films. Aikat also led the deployment of global learning systems and initiatives as the Head of Global Learning at Rhythm & Hues (R&H) Studios, where he oversaw operations in the U.S., Canada, India, Malaysia, and Taiwan. During that time, he co-founded Rhythm & Hues University (RHU) during his time at R&H, to create and foster a global learning ecosystem for the company.

Aikat is one of the co-founders of the John Hughes Institute, established to promote training and education related to the art and science of entertainment. He was also Vice Principal of Exceptional Minds, a vocational academy/studio in animation and VFX for young adults on the autism spectrum, and a technical communicator for systems/engineering design in the Los Angeles area and Silicon Valley. Aikat earned his MFA in Film, Video, and Computer Animation and his M.A. in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. He holds a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering (B.M.E.) from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

Areas of Expertise: Visual Effects (VFX), Production Management for Animation and VFX, Communication Management, GenAI for Animation/VFX, Agentic AI workflows for Content Creation

Research 

Narrative Film Production

Connections