9 Questions with Sahar Kausar

Describe what you currently do, and tell us the best thing about it.

I am a CG technical director and animator at Walt Disney Studios, where I leverage my hybrid background in computer science, engineering, and art to create immersive experiences through animation and storytelling. I bridge the gap between art and technology across various segments of the company, including Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Disney Television Animation. In my various roles, I’ve supported animatronics, feature films, and television.

My favorite aspect of this work is being able to fuse both my passions — art and engineering — together through technology to amplify underrepresented voices, promote social good, and share stories that can reach the hearts of people around the world.

What led you to the ETC?

I developed a strong foundation in both engineering and art in my undergrad at University of Florida, but I knew I wanted to find a way to combine the two. I also felt called to explore the entertainment industry and to expand my repertoire across platforms like feature films, games, television, mobile applications, and location-based entertainment. I knew that Carnegie Mellon University was the place to do it. After reading Randy Pausch’s “The Last Lecture,” I found the strength to be brave like the “first penguin” Pausch described and to leave my home state on my own and pursue my childhood dreams at the ETC.

What projects did you work on at the ETC?

At the ETC, I was fortunate enough to work on the animation project Studio Duat, where my team and I created an environmental experience that guided viewers through Egyptian mythology — leading them through Duat, the realm of the dead, with Oculus and our CAVE. I also worked on the client project Simtopia, where we worked with the development team at EA’s Maxis Studios on an exploratory project with the HTC Vive and Vive Pro. I worked on Project Neverland, a project for CMU’s School of Drama where I helped create a fully-realized animated character that could interact with live human actors on stage. In my last semester, I did a co-op that ultimately led me to working with Disney after graduation.

What’s your favorite ETC memory?

My favorite ETC memories all have to do with the Fall Festivals I participated in, during 2017 and 2018. In 2017, my team and I had the opportunity to demo our chosen world — an underwater submarine experience — to guests. It was so exciting to see how people embraced the surprise of an underwater sea monster attacking the submarine and how they solved the puzzle in virtual reality. I had a blast building the world and decorating our themed area at Festival with my team, a fond memory for all of us still.

I was also fortunate enough to serve as a BVW TA the following year and I got to see all of the wonderful students I worked with absolutely knock it out of the park with their own creative virtual worlds — another heartwarming experience.

How did ETC prepare you for your career, and what impact has it had on your life?

The ETC prepared me for my career by teaching me teamwork, innovation, and how to take risks. In courses like Building Virtual Worlds, we built rapid prototypes on randomly-assigned teams, which taught me the importance of camaraderie and quick iteration in the workplace. I learned to step out of my comfort zone in Improvisational Acting class, something that carried me through competing in Disney’s Imagineering Imaginations competition and led to me being awarded the ETC’s EA Fellowship. The ETC’s impact was life changing for me, and I am truly grateful. I still utilize everything I learned in my time there today.

What is the most interesting or enjoyable thing that you’ve gotten to do in your career so far?

I had the privilege to work on the Oscar-winning animated film “Encanto” during my time at the Walt Disney Animation Studios! It was an absolute dream to be able to bring the animated characters to life, leveraging my skills while working on the film production pipeline. “Encanto” was my first feature film, and it was a rewarding experience. I was lucky to work with an incredibly talented team — especially because it was during the pandemic and we were all virtual at the time. I saw just how strong innovation can be when we come together in difficult times to tell a beautiful story.

What advice would you give current students?

You have the ability to rewrite your own narrative; there’s strength that comes from breaking the status quo. Believe in yourself, lean into your skillset, and be a sponge — soak up all you wish to learn. There is value in bringing your knowledge to those around you and sharing your life experiences with them, but there’s also value in making room for others at the table. It’s an exciting time to be an ETC student so keep learning, growing, and enjoy the ride!

Describe the ETC in one word.

Imaginative. The possibilities at the ETC are truly endless, and there are no limits when it comes to storytelling, artistry, and technology. It’s a special, uniquely rewarding experience allowing — one that, in the words of Randy Pausch, is all about pursuing your childhood dreams.

What are you working on now that excites you?

Stay tuned!