We were lucky to catch up with Vishaal Desai recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vishaal, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I am fortunate enough to say yes I have, but this journey has been a bit of a rollercoaster — thrilling, occasionally terrifying, and far from a straight shot to success. It started over 15 years ago in the U.K., where I first went to film school. After cutting my teeth as a writer and videographer, and making short films, I quickly realized that passion, doesn’t pay the rent. So, I headed back to India, determined to build something from the ground up.

That’s when I founded my production company, A Thousand Faces Productions. The goal was to create a platform for my work whilst running a business that could actually keep the lights on. The first couple of years were… let’s call them “character-building.” But eventually, I built a steady client base, that gave me the breathing room to focus on my creativity. A few years after that, I co-founded another company with friends, to focus on commercials, which led to five years of churning out ads and corporate films, mastering the delicate art of making even the dullest products look exciting.

Then came a breakthrough when I directed and edited my first feature documentary, Uniting Through Yoga, which eventually streamed on Amazon. Immediately after, I was offered the chance to produce a TV show, Bhak, for the Hooq network. And then COVID hit, and projects vanished overnight. So I had to pivot quickly and I leaned into my editing skills to freelance as a video editor. This not only kept me afloat but also reignited my love for storytelling through post-production.

This realization brought me to the U.S., where I pursued a Master’s in Editing at DePaul University. Now, two years later, I’m back on my feet as a freelance editor and colorist and gearing up to direct a new short film. The journey has been full of twists, but each one has shaped me into the filmmaker I am today — passionate, resilient, and (hopefully) a little wiser.

Vishaal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Vishaal Desai, and I am a storyteller – or at least that’s how I see myself. Professionally, I’m a writer, director, and editor, but storytelling has always been more than a career to me — it’s my lens for understanding the world, both around and within. Whether through a film, a song, a painting, or even a plate of food, I believe stories are the threads that bind us together.

Born and raised in the city of Mumbai, for much of my career, I’ve worked as a writer, director, and producer to craft emotionally compelling visual narratives. I believe that every individual, object, and moment has a story worth telling — whether it’s a character-driven drama, an inspiring documentary or a creative commercial.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of directing and editing the award-winning documentary feature Uniting Through Yoga, which streamed on Amazon, and producing the Asian Academy Award-winning TV show Bhak. These projects hold a special place in my heart, not just for the accolades, but for the deeply human stories they brought to life. I have always desired to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level, to make them feel seen, understood, and inspired. This philosophy informs everything I do, from narrative films to commercials — ensuring that every project resonates with authenticity and purpose.

Outside of filmmaking, my other great passion is food. Much like art, food tells a story — of culture, history, and connection. Through my Instagram page, I indulge in food exploration, diving into the flavors and cuisines of the world. Just as I craft stories in film, I enjoy exploring the narratives behind flavors and dishes, connecting with the cultures and histories that shape them.

While I have much to learn and many milestones ahead, I am proud of my ability to adapt and thrive under challenging circumstances. The pandemic tested all of us, and for me, it was a chance to embrace change, expand my skillset, and grow as an artist. Filmmaking is, at its core, a collaborative art form, and I am deeply grateful for every opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who help bring these stories to life.

If there’s one thing I would want my collaborators to know about me, it’s that I am fiercely passionate about what I do and ultimately, every frame I create is an opportunity to connect, inspire, and share a piece of humanity — and it’s this purpose that fuels me every day.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When COVID hit in 2020, it felt like the world stopped overnight, and for those of us in creative industries, the ground beneath us completely shifted. Projects I had poured months of work into evaporated in an instant, leaving me feeling uncertain and untethered. I was faced with a stark reality: I could either wait indefinitely for the world to right itself, or I could pivot.

I chose the latter. Recognizing that I already had a strong foundation in editing, I decided to lean into those skills and rebrand myself as a freelance video editor. At first, it was a means to stay afloat — a way to keep doing what I loved while adapting to the constraints of a pandemic-stricken world. But what began as a practical solution quickly became a passion rediscovered through a different lens.

Editing has always been one of the most fascinating parts of the filmmaking process for me. It’s where a story truly comes to life, where moments of magic emerge, and where every frame and cut has the power to evoke emotion. As I dove deeper into this craft, it reminded me of why I became a filmmaker in the first place: the joy of shaping narratives, creating meaning, and connecting with audiences.

This shift in focus didn’t just sustain me through uncertain times; it set the stage for my next chapter. It motivated me to pursue a Master’s program in Editing at DePaul University, where I deepened my craft and honed my skills. Two years later, I’m working as a freelance video editor and colorist, while also preparing to direct a new short film.

Looking back, the pandemic was an incredibly challenging time, but it also taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and rediscovering passions in unexpected places. Sometimes, the biggest setbacks can lead to the most transformative growth.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to connect with people on a deeper, emotional level — to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings in ways that resonate and potentially inspire. There’s a unique magic in creating something that can touch the hearts and minds of others, sparking reflection, emotion, or even change.

Historically, art has straddled a delicate balance between social critique and entertainment. It can offer us an escape, transporting us to worlds beyond our own, while also holding up a mirror that reveals the truths of our society. As a filmmaker, I strive to walk both sides of this line. I believe escapism is a vital outlet for emotional health, a sanctuary that cinema has often provided for me personally. But at the same time, my creativity is also a platform to address realities that cannot be ignored. Whether through allegory or direct storytelling, I would like for my work to comment on the world as I see it and to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.

To me, this dual role of entertaining and enlightening is a profound privilege. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work may have the potential to make someone feel seen, challenge their perspectives, or simply bring a moment of joy or solace. Creativity is both a gift and a responsibility, and having the opportunity to harness it in ways that contribute meaningfully to others’ lives is what drives me as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vishaaldesai.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v1shd
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vish83
• Other: www.imdb.com/name/nm2925060 (IMDb Page)
  www.instagram.com/v1shfilms

Image Credits

Kyle Anne Grendys
Gianna Clarke
Lam Thai
Srikar Rao