Nishith Singhai

AI & creative technologist.

📍 Mumbai, India  |  ✉️ singhai.nish@gmail.com

🎬 Pipeline Technical Director & Full-Stack Developer

I bridge VFX pipeline development with full-stack software engineering, and I’m currently exploring how AI/ML can enhance creative workflows. With 20+ years in technical roles, I architect creative pipelines, build production tools, and deliver end-to-end solutions for animation and VFX studios.

🔧 Technical Stack by Domain

🎬 Pipeline Technical Direction

  • Python (Maya/Houdini/Nuke APIs): Expert

  • PySide/PyQt: Expert

  • Shell Scripting: Expert

  • DCC Tools (Maya, Houdini, Nuke): Advanced

  • Rendering (Arnold, Deadline): Advanced

  • Production Tools (ShotGrid, custom pipelines): Advanced

💻 Full-Stack Development

  • JavaScript/React/Vue: Advanced

  • Node.js: Intermediate

  • Python (Django, Flask, FastAPI): Advanced

  • HTML5/CSS3: Advanced

  • Jekyll/GitHub Pages: Advanced

  • DevOps (Docker, AWS, CI/CD): Intermediate

  • Databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB): Intermediate

🧠 Exploring AI & Machine Learning

  • PyTorch/TensorFlow Basics: Exploring

  • OpenCV/PIL: Learning

  • Prompt Engineering: Learning

  • OpenAI/Stable Diffusion APIs: Testing

  • Jupyter/Colab: Familiar

Currently expanding my knowledge in this area

🧱 Featured Projects by Domain

🎬 Pipeline TD Projects

  • Automated Render Submission System: Python-based tool for Maya/Arnold rendering
  • Asset Versioning Pipeline: Git-like system for 3D assets with automated backups
  • Production Tracking Dashboard: Real-time monitoring of VFX shot progress
  • Batch Processing Tools: Automated texture/conversion workflows

💻 Full-Stack Projects

  • BuildYourHome – Real Estate Landing Page: Jekyll + GitHub Pages site with CMS integration
  • Portfolio Starter Template: One-page personal site hosted on GitHub Pages
  • Website Fix & Hosting Demo: Debugged Liquid includes and restored Jekyll deployment

🧠 AI/ML Learning Projects

  • AI-Assisted Image Processing: Testing automated background removal tools
  • ML Quality Control Prototypes: Learning to detect rendering artifacts
  • ChatGPT Pipeline Experiments: Exploring natural language commands for TD tasks Note: Learning projects as I explore AI/ML applications

💼 Professional Experience

Free-Lancer

Freelancer | Jan, 2024 - Present | Remote

  • Built a Maya batch scene cleanup tool automating file management via CLI (Python, Shell, Bash)

  • Designed a ShotGrid-style publishing system for Natron from scratch (Python, YAML) — in progress

  • Developed a real estate website for a Mumbai client (Jekyll, Ruby, GitHub Pages)

  • Exploring algo trading automation tools (Python, SmartAPI) — in progress

Rocket Science

Sr Pipeline TD | May 2023 – Sep 2023 | Toronto, Canada (Remote)

  • Extended HDRI publishing tool with new features improving artist workflow (Python, PyQt5)

  • Rebuilt Photoshop–ShotGrid pipeline integration, reducing manual handoff steps

BOTVFX

Sr Pipeline TD | Oct, 2021 — Mar, 2023 | Chennai, India

  • Upgraded publisher tool based on direct VFX Supervisor feedback — improved usability across departments (Python, PyQt5)

  • Mentored TDs and artists across departments, sharing pipeline knowledge and best practices

  • Built foundational support structure for new pipeline API

BaseFX

Sr Pipeline TD | Oct, 2018 — Sep, 2020 | KL, Malaysia

  • Built PlateQC publishing tool from scratch, streamlining quality review in Nuke (Python, PyQt5, Bash)

  • Created unified preset manager — one UI to configure settings across all tools (Python, PyQt5)

  • Built auto-comp tool for Houdini, reducing manual compositing setup time (Python, PyQt5)

  • Extended TaskStarter tool with new automation features (Bash, TCL)

Atomic Arts

Sr Pipeline TD | Oct, 2017 — Aug, 2018 | Mumbai, India

  • Integrated ShotGrid into the studio’s existing pipeline from zero (Python, PyQt5, Nuke, Bash)

  • Built Nuke publish tool with ShotGrid sync for seamless shot tracking

  • Developed 3DEqualizer asset publishing tool (Python, PyQt5)

Prime Focus

Sr Pipeline TD | Sep, 2014 — Aug, 2017 | Mumbai, India

  • Provided floor-level technical support across Maya and Nuke productions

  • Built file publishing tool used across multiple production pipelines (Python, PyQt5)

Early Career — Barajoun · FutureWorks · Eyeqube · PrimeFocus · Skyworks

Sr Pipeline TD / Pipeline Lead | Jan, 2007 — Dec, 2013 | Mumbai, India · Dubai, UAE

  • Held Sr. Pipeline TD and Lead roles across 5 studios over 7 years

  • Core work: floor support, inhouse tool development, and asset pipeline infrastructure (Python, MEL, Maya, Nuke)

🎓 Education & Continuous Learning

  • Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, Wilson College
    1989 — 1993 | India

  • Language Study (German), Max Mueller Bhavan
    1994 | Mumbai

  • Continuous Learning & Professional Development, Self-Directed
    Ongoing | Online

Recent Learning Focus

  • AI/ML for Creative Pipelines (PyTorch, OpenCV, Stable Diffusion APIs)
  • Modern Web Development (React, Vue, Node.js, AWS)
  • Pipeline Architecture & Optimization (USD, Cloud Rendering)

🧠 The Value I Bring

Instead of managing multiple specialists with communication gaps, you get a technical Swiss Army Knife. I connect pipeline issues with tool solutions and creative workflows, seeing integrated solutions where others see separate problems. This means:

  • 🔄 End-to-End Ownership: Architect tools, build interfaces, deploy to cloud—no handoffs
  • ⚡ Faster Problem Solving: Understand both creative workflows and software engineering
  • 🔗 Future-Proof Mindset: Continuously learning to bring modern solutions to traditional challenges

Looking for a Pipeline TD who can also build your production tools? Let’s connect.