In this series, we ask Imagination talent all about the experiences that have made them who they are. This month we spoke to Juzer Saifuddin, Senior Multimedia Designer from our Dubai studio.
A bit about me…
I’m a motion graphics and multimedia specialist by day and a bit of a movie and gaming geek by night. I’ve always been drawn to sci-fi and action films; there’s just something about world-building and high-stakes storytelling that fires up my imagination. I’m a casual gamer, but I’m super fascinated by the world of gaming and interactive platforms, especially how they blend design, narrative, and tech. I even dabbled in game development at one point, just to explore that creative intersection, but my real groove has always been in visual storytelling, bringing ideas to life through motion, design, and animation.
The creative experience that influenced me the most…
It all started with my fascination for the early CGI and VFX work from the ’90s. Watching those groundbreaking effects back then (when everything was still raw and experimental) completely hooked me. That curiosity pushed me to dive into the world of 3D and animation. I ended up taking classes in 3ds Max, Maya, and After Effects, just trying to figure out how the magic was made. Once I got a taste of creating visuals myself, there was no turning back. That spark is what set everything in motion, and it’s still what fuels my work today.
My industry hero is…
I wouldn’t say “hero” in the traditional sense, but someone who really inspires me is Ian Hubert. The way he approaches design challenges especially with his one-minute VFX techniques and clever hacks, is a masterclass in creative problem-solving. He’s got this ability to simplify complex ideas without compromising on impact, and that shift in perspective really stuck with me. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions aren’t about throwing more at a project, but about thinking smarter.
The piece of work I’m most proud of…
One of the standout projects in my career has been the Beyond the Blue Oval event for Ford Middle East. This two-day immersive experience at Dubai Studio City showcased Ford’s innovation, electrified future, and diverse vehicle lineup to over 500 stakeholders, including media, government officials, and customers. The event featured six interactive zones with everything from gamified content and kinetic charging bikes to immersive racing experiences and customised commercial vehicles. Being part of the team that brought this ambitious vision to life was incredibly rewarding, and it’s a project that truly stands out in my journey.
The piece of work that makes me cringe…
In our final year at university, my classmates and I ambitiously created an action-comedy film inspired by the iconic character Maula Jatt. We aimed to blend the gritty essence of the original with a humorous twist, paying homage to the 1979 classic that redefined Pakistani cinema with its intense action and memorable dialogues. Despite our enthusiasm, the execution was, in hindsight, a learning experience. The acting was over-the-top, the editing choppy, and our attempts at humour often missed the mark. Yet, this project was a pivotal moment in my journey, teaching me the importance of planning, collaboration, and the nuances of storytelling. I still have it on YouTube if anyone wants to experience a cringe Ha Ha.
The experience I wish I had created…
I’ve always been captivated by in-game cinematics, especially those presented from a first-person perspective. There’s something uniquely immersive about experiencing a narrative directly through the protagonist’s eyes, blurring the line between player and character. Games like Half-Life and Call of Duty have masterfully utilised this technique to draw players deeper into their worlds. Crafting such an experience – where storytelling and gameplay seamlessly intertwine – remains a creative aspiration of mine.
Advice to my 18-year-old self…
Don’t wait for the perfect project to start creating. Make stuff, share it, get better. Also, learn storytelling just as much as software. Good visuals are great, but a compelling message is what really lands.
What’s next?
Excited to continue to discover cool projects, experiment and collaborate more!
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