Today we’d like to introduce you to Tarik Saran.
Hi Tarik, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into visual effects started in an unexpected place—mortgages. I was born in Bosnia and my family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1998, as war refugee’s. For years, I worked as a mortgage loan officer. But when I started marketing my team with video content, I discovered a whole new passion, more like an obsession in visual effects and storytelling
In 2017, I took a leap of faith, left my lucrative mortgage career behind, and committed fully to my dream of becoming a filmmaker specializing in VFX.
Although I had no connections to the film industry, no formal film degree, I took It upon myself to learn everything I could on YouTube, Reddit, paid courses and best of all, trail and error..
Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the biggest brands in the world, I travel All across the country supervising visual effects on set and working on numerous major motion pictures .
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road was far from smooth. I had No idea what I was doing, Going from a six figure income to absolute zero as I had No experience in film and VFX.
Everyone around me thought I was crazy for quitting a lucrative career to running around with a cell phone filming and editing low budget music videos just trying to learn.
My wife and I had to move in with my parents for 2 years as I took on every project regardless of budget just so I could gain experience and build my portfolio.
I lost over 40 pounds, skin and bones, during those 2 years because I hardly slept since I was Taking on projects that I had no clue how to do and I would spend my nights researching and learning and my days were filled with filming and editing.
But the first few years were crucial, I was putting in 80 hour work weeks for over 3 years straight just trying to speed up my learning curve and become profitable. I managed To squeeze 6 years of work in only 3 years and finally saw a light at the end of a very dark and tunnel.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work spans every stage of the VFX pipeline—from pre-production to final render. I specialize in compositing, animating, rigging, modeling, texturing, 3D environments, and virtual production design. Whether I’m working independently or supervising a team, my goal is always the same: to bring powerful visuals to life and help stories leave a lasting impact.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to outwork anyone. My obsession with visual effects is unmatched. I will Forever consider myself a student of my art, forever yearning to learn the newest techniques, softwares and technology.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
AI is definitely impacting our industry but as many people fear the changes that are coming, I am excited because it’s giving us technological advances that are allowing smaller studios like myself to compete against Hollywood studios.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tariksaran.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarik_saran?igsh=MWVibDBiY3Y5b3lzbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100018135270364&mibextid=LQQJ4d
