News Headline
Framestore hires former shuttered MPC senior creative talent
MUMBAI: London’s award-festooned visual effects powerhouse Framestore has swooped on two high-profile creative talents following the dramatic collapse of competitor MPC. Patrick Ledda and Daniel Blacker have joined the London studio’s leadership team, bringing with them a treasure trove of experience from blockbuster franchises including The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The pair’s arrival comes hot on the heels of Technicolor’s shock decision to shutter MPC a few weeks ago—a move that left the VFX industry reeling and talented artists scrambling for new berths. Framestore has wasted no time in grabbing the cream of the crop.
With a PhD in Computer Graphics, Patrick Ledda is driven by a fascination with the convergence of creativity and technology. Starting as a generalist at Terry Gilliam’s Peerless, Patrick joined MPC 15 years ago, initially as a Lighting Lead, ascending to Head of Lookdev working on high profile productions including Prometheus, 47 Ronin and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. His supervisory debut on Disney’s Cinderella paved the way for boundary-pushing work on Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge, Lady and the Tramp, Dumbo and The Little Mermaid.
“I’ve long admired Framestore’s innovative approach and this is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with some of the industry’s most talented minds across a global network of studios,” states Ledda. “Hugely motivating to be joining a company that continually pushes the boundaries of creativity and technology in filmmaking.”
Blacker’s appointment represents something of a homecoming—the animation maestro began his career at Framestore some 18 years ago before defecting to MPC for a 15-year sojourn. His CV reads like a Disney shareholder’s fantasy, having guided animation teams on Maleficent, Cruella and most recently Mufasa: The Lion King.
“Framestore has always championed handcrafted, animated performances,” Blacker noted. “Coming back to guide these teams and collaborate too with Art Department, Visdev and FPS to tell these stories for our clients is really exciting.”
.
Framestore, CEO of film & episodic Fiona Walkinshaw could barely contain her glee at the appointments. “Patrick and Daniel join us at a pivotal time, as we embark on film productions that are both creatively ambitious and technologically demanding. We know that they are more than up to the task and are really looking forward to seeing what they create.”
Framestore’s upcoming slate includes How to Train Your Dragon, F1 and The Fantastic Four: First Steps—projects that will surely keep the new recruits busy creating impossible worlds while the very real world of VFX studios continues its dramatic consolidation.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
