Picture credit: Antonio Sáez-Benito
As technology continues to shape the creative industries, professionals like Aryan Sachdeva are finding ways to bridge the gap between art and innovation. With a deep understanding of VFX and advertising, his work stands out for its ability to combine technical expertise with artistic vision. He works to create visuals that push the boundaries of what's possible in modern media.
Growing up in India, Sachdeva was obsessed with Hollywood movies. He marveled at how they brought to life things that did not exist. After watching the first Avatar movie in 2009, he was undeniably hooked.
Sachdeva now leads major projects at one of the largest advertising production companies in the US. His forward-thinking approach to VFX, real-time graphics, and advertising has led to collaborations with some of the biggest brands in the world.
A Transformative Approach to VFX and Real-Time Graphics
Sachdeva's deep knowledge of VFX and real-time graphics sets him apart in the advertising world. His work with technology software like Unreal Engine and Houdini has helped brands more effectively communicate with their audiences.
Realizing that advertising isn't just about selling products anymore, Sachdeva says it's about creating experiences that engage and resonate with people. By leveraging AI-driven graphics and real-time visualizations, Sachdeva enhances brand storytelling and allows for dynamic advertising experiences.
His experience in immersive technologies and UI/UX design has further solidified his role as a thought leader in the industry. He has also worked on several projects for clients seeking to create cutting-edge digital experiences. His work continues to evolve as he explores how immersive tech can transform advertising.
High-Profile Collaborations and Global Impact
In his role as a Senior FX Artist at The Mill, Sachdeva produces high-end visual content for global brands. His work spans numerous high-profile campaigns, including famous commercials and collaborations with major brands, including Amazon, Disney, Meta, Visa, and Riot Games.
Teaming with such industry giants has allowed Sachdeva to work on some of the most trailblazing visual effects in advertising, including contributing to several high-profile Super Bowl commercials in 2025, such as the Reese's Lava, Disney's Lilo & Stitch, Tide x Marvel, and P&G Spruce spots, which included him working on the groom and fur simulations for Stitch and the collision of the cart with the goal post. In the Tide x Marvel commercial, he was responsible for the dust explosion caused by Hulk's impact with Captain America's shield. These projects collectively garnered millions of views, with the Lilo & Stitch spot reaching 8 million views and Tide x Marvel reaching 5.5 million.
In addition to his work at The Mill, Sachdeva has garnered recognition for his contributions to some of advertising's most iconic campaigns. His efforts on famous commercials and high-profile projects have earned him a place among the top VFX artists in the field.
Image credit: Valorant, UNITED TOGETHER // China Launch Official Cinematic
Still a young and hungry professional, Sachdeva is thrilled to be part of projects such as Valorant's United Together and other high-stakes projects with so much visibility. Projects he has worked on have also been nominated and short-listed for British Arrows and Webby Awards.
Concerns Around Advertising and VFX
Sachdeva notes that every project recently completed at The Mill requires a cut for TikTok and short-form media. Noting that a lot of people are worried about how advertising will change because of the rise in influencer marketing, his opinion on advertising and marketing is that it is still all about making your product stand out from the crowd. "I don't think the big-budget productions are going anywhere. We have even seen companies include TikTok influencers in their commercials recently," he adds.
Another elephant in the room is AI. "We are starting to use more and more AI-powered tools in our production pipeline, especially in tasks like Roto, green screen removal, camera tracking, etc.," Sachdeva notes, validating concerns about what is to come. But on the other hand, he believes this fear isn't valid for the near future as they just help accelerate workflows.
"The current tools that have people worried are generating the final product; in our case, they are generating videos from text, which is something I don't believe AI models do a good job at," he states.
Regarding Unreal Engine's role in the future of VFX, Sachdeva sees a growing interest in real-time work. "While we're still using Houdini for complex effects, Unreal Engine is becoming a powerful tool for assembling assets and rendering," he says. With improvements like the ability to import VDBs and Alembics, he believes that Unreal Engine will become an essential skill for VFX professionals in the near future.
A Leader in VFX Inventiveness and the Road Ahead
Aryan Sachdeva's story reveals the power of creativity, inventiveness, and persistence. His ability to blend VFX artistry with advanced technology makes him a valuable force in advertising. Equipped with his expertise in real-time graphics, immersive technologies, and AI-driven solutions, Sachdeva stands ready to help shape the future of advertising and VFX.
Looking to the future, Sachdeva is determined to continue pushing the envelope in VFX and advertising. His aspirations include not only becoming a creative director but also leading his own company that specializes in immersive digital experiences. He wants to keep innovating, pushing the limits of what's possible in visual effects and real-time graphics.
Sachdeva's long and winding trek from India to Culver City—and his rise within the competitive world of VFX and advertising—highlights his dedication to his craft and his vision for the future.
Excited about his upcoming venture, Foton Labs, Sachdeva plans to focus on creating immersive experiences for people and making them accessible. The company will specialize in real-time art installations for homes, offices, and public spaces. He believes that real-time interaction with art can connect people on a deeper level, which can be leveraged in advertising to improve conversion rates.
In addition, Aryan Sachdeva will be speaking at the upcoming Houdini Hive conference at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects. He will share his insights on where the industry is headed, the future of the field, and how professionals can better prepare themselves for this dynamic and volatile landscape.
This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzinga's opinions and has not been edited for content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.
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