Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Apoorva Choudhary. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Apoorva, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think being successful takes resilience, adaptability, and a solid sense of humor—because let’s be honest, the universe loves throwing curveballs, and sometimes all you can do is laugh and figure it out.

One time, during an early production gig, we were shooting a horror scene in a creepy old house. The budget was tighter than a pair of jeans after Thanksgiving, so I hit up thrift stores for props. I found this perfect, ominous rocking chair that screamed haunted. On set, the lead actor dramatically sat down, ready to deliver a spine-chilling line—only for the chair to collapse beneath him. What followed was less “haunted” and more slapstick comedy.

Instead of panicking, we turned it into a bit of on-set humor. By the end of the day, we had reworked the broken chair into the script as a ghostly, self-destructive prop. It actually ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the film.

That moment taught me that success isn’t about having a flawless plan—it’s about staying flexible, keeping your cool, and finding the funny when things go sideways. A little laughter goes a long way in turning disasters into opportunities, and honestly, it makes the journey a lot more fun.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Apoorva Choudhary, and I specialize in production design, with a particular focus on set design, prop procurement, and creating visually immersive environments for films. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, but growing up in a family of doctors, I had to take an unconventional route to get into the creative world. My passion for classic films, especially the ones I watched with my family every Saturday, sparked a deep interest in filmmaking. This led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in arts and then a master’s in Cultural, Media, and Governance, before eventually completing my MFA in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles.

I got into the industry in a somewhat roundabout way, starting with small student films and gradually building my way up through freelance work and collaborations with production houses like The Cinema Junkies, Un Collective, and Wrightway Enterprises. Over the years, I’ve worked on 20-plus films in the art department, handling everything from props to set dressing and production design. My work ranges from horror and comedy films to documentaries and high-profile projects for brands like Sephora.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to blend creativity with resourcefulness. I’m not just about making a set look pretty—I’m about telling a story through every element in the environment. I’ve mastered the art of sourcing unique props and materials while working within tight budgets, and I have strong relationships with local rental houses and thrift stores to find those special items that make a set unforgettable. On top of that, my experience navigating the technical side of production, from permits to union rules, ensures everything runs smoothly.

I’m most proud of my ability to turn a set into a character of its own, whether it’s creating an eerie, tension-filled space for a horror scene or crafting a quirky, whimsical atmosphere for a comedy. One project I’m particularly proud of is Rooh on Netflix, where I worked as an Assistant Director and helped design the visually immersive world for a docu-fiction film.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that I’m driven by a passion for storytelling. Whether it’s designing a set or working behind the scenes, my goal is always to enhance the narrative and make sure the visuals serve the story. I’m committed to producing high-quality, visually impactful work, and I’m always excited to collaborate with others who share a love for film and creativity.

Above all, I’m constantly learning, evolving, and striving to create work that pushes boundaries—whether it’s a one-of-a-kind set or a completely new way of looking at an old idea.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Reflecting on my journey, there are several resources I wish I had discovered earlier. The first is the wealth of online communities and platforms that foster collaboration across different departments in filmmaking. I didn’t realize how much the online production world had to offer until later on. Websites like Stage32 and ProductionHub, for example, offer networking opportunities, industry insights, and even job postings that could have expedited my growth earlier.

Another resource that would have been invaluable in my early days is the sheer volume of free or low-cost educational content on platforms like MasterClass, Skillshare, and YouTube. While I was learning on the job, some structured courses in areas like cinematography, sound design, or even the business side of production could have saved me time and helped me become more versatile as a creative professional.

Lastly, I wish I had learned earlier the importance of building relationships with mentors who have walked the same path. It wasn’t until I made more intentional efforts to reach out to experienced professionals that I truly began to see how much I could learn from their guidance. Sometimes, it’s not just what you know, but who you know—and how they’re willing to share their insights that can elevate your work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is deeply rooted in a personal mission to make my parents proud. From the very beginning, they entrusted me with everything they had—their values, their hopes, and their unwavering belief in me. As a result, every step of my path in the world of film and production is not just about achieving my own success, but about honoring that trust. I carry their hopes with me as I navigate this industry, knowing that every milestone I reach is a testament to the sacrifices they’ve made and the dreams they’ve supported.

Growing up in an academically driven family, where everyone pursued high-level careers in medicine, I found my passion for creativity and filmmaking as a way to chart my own course. But despite choosing a different path, I always felt a profound responsibility to honor the foundation my parents gave me. Their constant encouragement has been my anchor, guiding me through the highs and lows of this unpredictable journey.

When I face challenges or moments of doubt, I remind myself that their belief in me is not just a source of motivation, but a bond that runs much deeper. I feel that every success, every project I work on, and every creative endeavor I take on belongs not only to me but to them as well. It’s a sense of purpose that drives me forward—a desire to give back what they gave me in their trust, love, and sacrifices. My work, whether it’s on set, in the production room, or in the creative process, carries their legacy and a promise to make them proud in ways that words alone can’t express.

Ultimately, this journey isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about a shared story, one where their unwavering faith in me is the true backbone of every success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://apoorvadotchoudhar.wixsite.com/website-1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apoorva-choudhary-a068bb9a/

Image Credits

@shotbypranavmehta
@Kushagrajain