In this fascinating episode of The Ajyal Show, we take a look behind the pixels with Mohammad Zohaib, award-winning Visual Effects Supervisor at Katara Studios. From his early fascination with the magic of 'Harry Potter' and 'Jurassic Park' to introducing virtual production to Qatar’s film scene, Zohaib charts a career built on curiosity, persistence, and technical mastery.
A self-taught artist who began with just his trusty MS Paint and Movie Maker before mastering industry-grade tools, Zohaib recalls his first big break, a DFI-supported short film that needed a car crash sequence brought to life. That project opened the door to collaborations across commercials, music videos, and feature films, each with its own VFX challenges and opportunities to grow as an artist.
Mohammad pulls back the curtain on the many moving parts of visual effects, such as modelling, rigging, simulation, compositing, and the cross-department coordination that ensures every shot serves the story. Now specialising in complex simulations like water, fire, and cloth, Zohaib blends raw computing power with artistic patience to craft photoreal moments that audiences might never know were even digitally created.
As one of the first to use LED volumes and Unreal Engine for real-time in-camera effects in Qatar, he discusses how virtual production is reshaping the way directors and crews work on set. With characteristic humour, he likens his multitasking to “working like an octopus,” always managing timelines, backups, and last-minute adjustments.
From his perspective, the future of VFX will see AI as a collaborator, not a competitor, simplifying processes while keeping the real creativity firmly in human hands. His advice for newcomers is grounded and clear: start with accessible and free software, explore the breadth of VFX disciplines, and build a portfolio that tells your story as powerfully as any CV could.
This episode is both an insider’s guide to the invisible art of visual effects and a celebration of the innovation driving Qatar’s screen industry forward.
To learn more about Doha Film Institute's initiatives, workshops and funding that help support Qatar’s filmmaking community, visit our website here.
