Jeasy Sehgal is a Master of Technological Futures Alumni

In this next installment of our Student Series, we had the privilege of featuring Jeasy Sehgal, whose innovative spirit found its perfect match in academyEX's forward thinking environment. Drawing on three decades of filmmaking expertise, Jeasy transformed his craft into groundbreaking research in virtual production and digital human technology. His secret? Asking "what if?" and specialising in the impossible.

"Most people shy away when they hear the word impossible," Jeasy reflects, "but if you take that next step and be courageous, you establish a benchmark and that's when you become a specialist." This philosophy has served him well – from his roots in traditional filmmaking to becoming one of only 30 worldwide specialists in virtual production and realistic digital humans.

Despite his extensive industry experience, Jeasy found himself at a crossroads during the lockdown. "I never thought of necessarily going back to [study]," he admits. "I knew I was a researcher and an industrial professional, but I never thought myself to be an academic per se." That moment of reflection led him to academyEX's Master of Technological Futures programme, where he discovered that true innovation comes from listening rather than just hearing.

The program didn't just add to his technical skills – it transformed his approach to innovation. "It wasn't so much about how many lectures I attended," Jeasy explains. "It was about listening and understanding, comprehending to bring what is the best part of each of [their] wonderful lecturers and adapting it to your own skill sets."

This blend of technical expertise and innovative thinking led to breakthrough research in realistic digital humans with emotional and empathic responses. His work caught the attention of major institutions, including Sydney University and Georgia State University, where he now serves as a professor of practice at the Creative Media Industries Institute.

For businesses, Jeasy's journey demonstrates the power of investing in innovation through education. His Virtual Production Dojo, New Zealand's first and only Unreal Authorized Instructing Academy, helps industry professionals quickly upskill in emerging technologies, such as game engines. "We're actually getting talent ready in Aotearoa," he says, "helping them be courageous and take that step forward."

The impact extends beyond individual success stories. Jeasy's students are now winning international awards and creating broadcast-ready virtual environments used by major media networks. This ripple effect showcases how investing in education can lead to industry-wide transformation.

But perhaps the most valuable lesson from Jeasy's story is his redefinition of success. "Success for me now is about connections, genuine, authentic connections," he shares. "Your success is my success. I never go asking people, 'Do you know who I am?' The world will know who I am when my students, my peers, and my colleagues are successful."

This commitment to collective growth reflects academyEX's approach to learning – where community support and practical innovation meet. Whether you're an individual looking to pivot careers or a business seeking to develop cutting-edge capabilities, the programmes provide the space to explore, reflect, and innovate while building on professional experience.

Watch this webinar on our YouTube channel

From Behind the Camera to Beyond the Impossible