Upendra Pinnelli
Miyapur
Summary
Innovative and results-driven professional with over two decades of hands-on experience in the Media & Entertainment industry, specializing in creative, animation and graphic content development and production. Demonstrated expertise in leading large teams, developing and delivering high-quality content, and successfully executing projects. A strategic leader with a deep understanding of production process, complemented by strong communication and organizational skills.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
M&E Category Manager(AGM)
Proalley (Aptech Ltd)
10.2022 - 4 2023
- Spearheaded the Media & Entertainment category for "PROALLEY," an ed-tech brand under Aptech
- Orchestrated end-to-end course development, from concept finalization to successful launch
- Implemented production workflows, SOPs, and guidelines for various departments, ensuring content development standardization
- Led team building, course planning, vendor identification, and cost-effective quality content production.
Associate Producer
Xentrix Studios
07.2021 - 10.2022
- Directed production teams, managed resources, and maintained budgets while achieving delivery goals
- Headed team of more than100.
- Successfully produced 19/40 episodes of the Emmy award-winning show "Stillwater" for Apple TV
- Completed production of 25 episodes each for "Novelmore" & "Ayuma" in a record 5-month time frame for Playmobil.
Director - IP & Distribution
Mesmor Studios (formerly Pixstar Studios)
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Developed original animation content for both domestic and international markets
- Facilitated acquisition of international animation content for domestic broadcasters through the Distribution vertical.
Independent Animation & Creative Producer
02.2019 - 06.2020
- Advised and consulted for clients, including Ramoji Group, in their Kids broadcasting channel ventures
- Served as a member of the advisory committee for VEDA College of Animation
- Provided creative consultancy for multiple animation projects.
Creative Head
Rural Yellow Times Pvt Ltd
07.2018 - 01.2019
- Led the creative aspects of the company and managed design approvals for various media marketing materials
- Played a pivotal role in event and publicity material designs.
Studio Director
IACG Animations
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Initiated and established an incubation center, transforming it into a full-service animation studio
- Mentored 70+ team
- Key player in the acquisition by Cosmos Maya Studios, subsequently converted into their Hyderabad Branch.
Creative Head
Ardnepu Art Labs
08.2014 - 12.2017
- Founded and managed Ardnepu Art Labs, focusing on original animation concepts for a global audience
- Developed many automation tools to streamline production processes and offered CG production services
- Supervised shows including 1001 Nights, Swan Princess 7, Sheriff Callie, Shabiaat, Ladybug.
Creative Supervisor/Animation Director
Discreet Arts
08.2013 - 07.2014
- Served as an Overseas Animation Director/ CG Supervisor for international features and TV shows
- Managed Animation department with more than 120 animators
- Directed team building and animation quality supervision, while contributing to establishing animation styles for shows including Tashi, Wicked Flying Monkeys, Topcat Begins, Ana & Bruno.
Animation Supervisor
Digitales Studios
12.2011 - 07.2013
- Played a pivotal role in studio formation, building the first animation team, and successfully delivering international projects
- Managed over 50 animators
- Managed projects including Bing, TreeHouse, Tash ma Tash, Wendy, and Interplanetary Lizards.
3D Senior Animator
DQ Entertainment Int Ltd
07.2006 - 10.2011
- Contributed as a Senior Animator to various international projects and pilot test projects
- Worked on projects such as Skyland, Tak - the Power of juju, Penguins of Madagascar, Fanboy and Chumchum, Ant City Builders, Galactik Football 3, Kung fu panda, Lanfeust Quest, Peterpan, Jungle book, 5 & IT, Casper.
3D Character and Facial Animator
UTV Toonz
12.2005 - 06.2006
- Started as a QC team member and later specialized in facial and 3D character animation
- Worked on projects including Kong, Freej, Magic cellar.
2D Cleanup Artist
Escotoonz Animation Studio
02.2004 - 10.2005
- Progressed from junior to senior 2D cleanup artist, contributing to projects like King II, CHRISTMAS DINOSAUR, and CYBER DODO.
Education
High School Diploma -
Board of Intermediate Education
Hyderabad 06.2000 - 03.2002
Skills
Effective project management and leadership skills
Comprehensive understanding of end to end creative production pipeline
Strategic thinker with creative, technical, and production acumen
Proficient in interpreting client requirements and ensuring quality consistency
Proven track record of building and nurturing teams from inception
Expertise in planning, scheduling, execution, and on-time delivery of projects
Strong belief in maintaining a motivating and collaborative team environment
Profound knowledge of production processes, enabling creative and technical problem-solving
Maritalstatus
Married
Timeline
M&E Category Manager(AGM)
Proalley (Aptech Ltd)
10.2022 - 4 2023
Associate Producer
Xentrix Studios
07.2021 - 10.2022
Director - IP & Distribution
Mesmor Studios (formerly Pixstar Studios)
07.2020 - 06.2021
Independent Animation & Creative Producer
02.2019 - 06.2020
Creative Head
Rural Yellow Times Pvt Ltd
07.2018 - 01.2019
Studio Director
IACG Animations
01.2018 - 06.2018
Creative Head
Ardnepu Art Labs
08.2014 - 12.2017
Creative Supervisor/Animation Director
Discreet Arts
08.2013 - 07.2014
Animation Supervisor
Digitales Studios
12.2011 - 07.2013
3D Senior Animator
DQ Entertainment Int Ltd
07.2006 - 10.2011
3D Character and Facial Animator
UTV Toonz
12.2005 - 06.2006
2D Cleanup Artist
Escotoonz Animation Studio
02.2004 - 10.2005
High School Diploma -
Board of Intermediate Education
06.2000 - 03.2002
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