More Rookies recognition for animation alumni

Graduate Gihan Fernando has received some of the highest accolades at the Rookie Awards 2024.  

Gihan studied BA Animation & Visual Effects Top-Up at a partner school, AMDT (the Academy of Multimedia Design and Technology), in Sri Lanka. He received recognition from The Rookies last year for his project entitled Far from Heaven. 

His new project, Guardian of the Death, was awarded an A ranking for game development and B rankings for visual effects and 3D animation. By gaining recognition in The Rookies for the project, Gihan has secured a highly sought-after certificate endorsed by a number of top industry judges. 

Guardian of the Death is a digital landscape inspired by Japanese folktales, created with Unreal Engine 5 over a two-month period. 

The Rookies is a platform where non-professional digital artists can showcase their work and connect with professionals in the industry. Earlier this year, Falmouth University retained its Rookies credentials in the UK and globally. 

We caught up with Gihan to ask him about what the award means to him and his career. 

Congratulations on your award wins—how important is The Rookies to the industry? 

I can't even begin to describe how crucial The Rookies is in our industry, especially when it comes to making connections globally. In the weeks leading up to the submission deadline, I had the amazing opportunity to chat with some Technical Directors from major animation and VFX studios like MPC and Weta to get feedback on my project. 

Despite not winning the Rookie of the Year award, being recognised in The Rookies will hopefully open up incredible job opportunities and internships, as many top studios actively seek talent through this platform. I am thrilled to have discovered this community in the first place. 

Can you talk us through your project? 

I created the concept for Guardian of the Death based on an intriguing Japanese folktale about a guardian protecting the afterlife. I also drew inspiration from the Assassin's Creed franchise. 

My main aim was to bring to life a realistic yet enchanting environment that captures the mystical and tranquil atmosphere often found in traditional Japanese stories. I worked on building a vast outdoor environment in Unreal Engine 5, which was both challenging and ultimately very satisfying. It took a lot of time and effort to achieve the level of detail seen in the final render. Planning was one of the toughest parts of the process. Luckily, I received some valuable advice from Louise Melin, a Technical Artist at Substance 3D, who suggested breaking down the project into simpler parts. One of the greatest hurdles I faced was creating shaders for textures that would complement both the natural and supernatural elements of the scene. 

Balancing realism with the folklore-inspired aesthetic required careful adjustments to materials, lighting, and atmospheric effects. Working within a tight two-month timeframe pushed me to optimise my workflow and make bold creative choices. All the hard work paid off when the project was recognised with an official 'Rank A' in the Rookie Awards 2024, and I also received The Rookie of the Year Judges' Ranking A Award, confirming that my work is industry-ready. 

What skills from your university course contributed to the project, and what additional skills did you have to learn? 

The course would be a great choice for those seeking a challenge. This university and my course are well-suited for individuals passionate about creativity and eager to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, especially in animation, game design, or digital arts. The course is ideal for those who thrive in a hands-on learning environment where practical assignments are crucial for skill development. It's also perfect for those looking to enhance their technical skills and ability to manage large projects under tight deadlines. If you enjoy collaborating with like-minded peers and learning from experienced professionals, this course will provide the foundation needed to succeed in the creative industries. Falmouth's strong focus on real-world applications and industry connections makes it an excellent choice for aspiring artists looking to turn their passion into a career. 

Do you have any plans to develop the project further? 

I’m planning to develop Guardian of the Death further; however, I plan to start again entirely from scratch. Despite the current version looking near-perfect, I believe there is still room for improvement. My goal is to reuse all the existing elements but push the project further by creating a fully functional, playable level. This will allow me to enhance the interactivity and storytelling aspects, making the environment not just visually appealing, but also engaging for players. 

What's next for you? 

I'm currently focused on developing my skills in Creative Direction and Lighting Supervision. My goal is to enhance my ability to oversee the visual storytelling process from a broader perspective, ensuring that all aspects of a project align with the intended narrative and emotional impact. Additionally, I'm deepening my expertise in lighting from both a technical and creative standpoint to support the overall creative vision. I'm actively seeking roles that will allow me to contribute to and learn from experienced teams, especially in studios that utilize USD or similar industry-standard pipelines. I aim to gain more industry experience, work on larger projects, and continue to push the boundaries of what I can create within game environments and animation. 

Gihan Fernando | Rookies

Gihan Fernando | Artstation

Gihan Fernando | LinkedIn