Masters Showcase 2024 Student Spotlight - Nithish Pajeer
Student Spotlight featuring MSc Design: Products and Technology student, Nithish Pajeer and his project, 'Crater by MoonShot'.
By Antonio Cuyas | Published on 1 August 2024
Categories: Student Showcase; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;

The Project
Crater is an AI-based camera designed to create pitch films for independent filmmakers, paired with a digital platform called MoonShot. In the modern world of cinema, indie filmmakers often struggle with securing funding, resources, and time. Pitching to studios and crowdfunding platforms becomes essential, but traditional materials like slide decks and images often fall short in conveying a film's full essence.
MoonShot assists indie filmmakers by creating concise pitch films of up to one minute from a full script of any length, genre, or style. Driven by the director's vision, MoonShot uses AI to establish guidelines for making a pitch film that accurately communicates the film's tone, content, genre, and themes to the audience and investors. Crater, the accompanying camera, utilizes these guidelines to generate templates with LUTs, aesthetic corrections, live suggestions, and adjustments based on the director's preferences.
Crater and MoonShot form a perfect symbiosis, empowering indie filmmakers to tell their stories, connect with their audience, and place their narratives in the right contexts while respecting the existing framework.
The Inspiration Behind the Project

Crater by MoonShot harnesses cutting-edge AI technology, fueled by a deep understanding of industry dynamics, to elevate independent filmmakers. Imagine a camera blending the nostalgic charm of the classic Super 8 with the modern versatility of a GoPro—that’s Crater. While the current prototype is slightly bulky, future versions promise a sleeker, pocket-friendly design perfect for filmmakers on the move. The web app and UI draw inspiration from top-tier screenwriting software, ensuring a seamless transition for users. This thoughtful integration transforms Crater into more than just a camera; it’s a comprehensive tool designed to empower filmmakers, making their creative process smoother and more enjoyable.
Being Part of NTU

Nithish’s career at NTU has evolved from being a Human-Centred Designer with expertise in multimedia to a product design practitioner focused on creating meaningful products and valuable experiences. His time at NTU has been extremely rewarding, providing him with a refreshed understanding of design research practices, polished training in design tools, and a complete transformation into a scientific and methodical designer. Nithish would especially like to thank his mentors, workshop staff, and electronics experts for being incredibly resourceful in bringing his products to life.
Closing Remarks

Nithish envisions launching MoonShot to revolutionize the storytelling landscape, enabling artists worldwide to bring their visions to life with accessible large-format camera technology. As he plans to continue collaborating with other design teams, companies, and products, he remains dedicated to making Crater a globally accessible tool. Nithish also intends to maintain strong ties with the NTU community, leveraging design initiatives, workshops, and collaborative projects to foster innovation and integrate MoonShot into this vibrant ecosystem.
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