STEPHEN MASCARENHAS
CEO, CINEGENCE
With over 28 years in the Media and Entertainment industry, Stephen has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and leadership. A National Award recipient for his contribution to “Stem to Steam” at the 3rd National Teacher’s Congress 2019, Stephen’s journey began in theatre in the mid-’90s and quickly evolved into an expansive career. His early roles ranged from junior theater artist with Dinyar Contractor Productions to a Hindi Sports Commentator for ESPN Star Sports.
Stephen’s career took a transformative turn in 2001, when he joined Famous Studios and entered the world of animation and VFX. Joining Prime Focus in 2004, he rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming Senior Vice President of VFX & 3D Stereoscopic Conversion. There, he led the delivery of over 40 high-profile 3D conversion projects, including The Martian, Ant-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Gravity. A true visionary, Stephen was instrumental in building Prime Focus’ 3D Stereo Conversion & setting up Gener8 Media Services in India.
Now, as the founder and CEO of CINEGENCE, Stephen continues to innovate and shape the future of filmmaking. He is deeply committed to promoting DEI initiatives, having led efforts at Prime Focus to train and place over 30 individuals with disabilities in VFX roles. Stephen’s passion, expertise, and dedication to empowering people through technology define his leadership at CINEGENCE, driving success and innovation in the industry.
VANITA MASCARENHAS
Director & Head Of Finance And Operations
Vanita is the Director of CINEGENCE and has held various positions such as Director, Business Development, Procurement, Banking, Marketing, Interior Design, and HR & Operations over a cumulative career of over 20 years. She is respected for her ability to manage the overall operations of the organization and her results-oriented approach.
She has a lot of experience with different aspects of running a business, like personnel management and corporate policy implementation. Plus, she’s great at leading a team and helping them work towards meeting the company’s goals.
Vanita is an amazing individual with a wealth of knowledge and great taste in design, architecture, and cinema. She has a passion for the media and entertainment industry and brings a unique aesthetic approach to her work.
At CINEGENCE, she pairs up with Stephen to make an unstoppable leadership duo. Together, they guide and support the team – always striving to help them do their best work.
LILY KARJATKAR
Director & Chair Person (POSH Committee)
Lily is the Director and the most valuable mentor of CINEGENCE with expertise in statutory compliances, international business, information technology, supply chain management & logistics.
Lily has mentored CINEGENCE right from its inception. Lily has a lot of experience working with brands in India and the global market. She’s worked with some of the biggest brands out there and knows what it takes to deliver perfect results.
Lily developed a pathway for Tata called “Partners in Progress” where she helped unorganized vendors achieve structured processes to meet industry quality standards. This way, they could supply apparel to major brands across the globe. Thanks to Lily’s efforts, Tata was able to work with more brands and provide them with high-quality products.
Lily and Nitin Karjatkar have worked together for the past 24 years to drive success at LINIT Exports Pvt. Ltd.
GARGEE GANGOPADHYAY
Senior Line Producer
Gargee is the Line Producer of Shows and the lead member of the Show Production Management Team at CINEGENCE.
With more than 12 years of experience in VFX, Design, Motion Graphics, CG, VFX 2D, and 3D Compositing. Gargee is also well-respected as well as a renowned VFX and animation teacher, technical instructor, and executioner.
Her creative acumen and technical knowledge of the visual effects and animation Industry, along with her exceptional skills in managing her team as well as her clients with great energy and enthusiasm, give her work ethic a different edge, adding immense value to the core management team at CINEGENCE.
PRITAM SHETTIGAR
Chief Creative Officer (Advertising)
Pritam is a creative genius with over 25 years having hands-on experience in the creativeā process, marketing, advertising, films, and graphic design including branding, identity, packaging, brand development, digital and more.
His core competence is ART, with a habit of making everything look beautiful. With an eminent career working with India’s top creative agencies.
Being a former ECD at Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi for about 15 years and worked on top brands like Jockey, Hero Motocorp, Pepperfry, Sterling Reserve whisky, Skoda, ABOF Fashion, Indian Terrain, Celio, ITC Skin Care, Times Now, Godrej Furniture and other well-renowned freelance projects.
Pritam has won creative awards at the national level, namely, Adclub’s Goafest, and was shortlisted at Cannes and One Show Festivals.
Pritam is now partnering with CINEGENCE to create impactful and meaningful communication across all streams.
PRAKASH D’CUNHA
FINANCE & STRATEGY
Prakash is an MBA from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies. He has over 20 years of practical expertise in Private Banking, specializing in advising high-net-worth clients across asset classes.
Having worked with renowned domestic and international private banking institutions such as HDFC Bank Ltd, Reliance Wealth Management Ltd, ICICI Bank Ltd as part of the International Banking Group, and Citigroup Global Markets Ltd., he is also the Founder and Managing Partner at Compass Finserve LLP, which was incorporated in May 2017 as an Investment Services firm offering a wide range of financial products and services to High Net-worth as well as Ultra High Net-worth Individuals (Resident Indians and NRIs), Family Offices, and Corporates with total assets of US$46Mn.