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

Alright, Vedant thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My name is Vedant Dave, and I’m a cinematographer and Chief Lighting Technician based in Los Angeles, originally from Mumbai, India.

My journey into filmmaking started at a young age—I was always shot videos and photos for myself, friends, and family. In seventh grade, my best friend and I were inspired by creators like Casey Neistat and Dude Perfect, which led us to start our own YouTube channel, making trick-shot videos and prank videos. That experience introduced me to cameras, lighting, and editing, and I kept refining my skills through hands-on practice and YouTube tutorials. Over time, this passion turned into a profession, and I began working in the film industry in Mumbai in 2019 before moving to Los Angeles in 2023.

Looking back, I realize the importance of patience and learning to say no—something I wish I had applied earlier in my career. In the creative field, it’s crucial to be selective with projects and understand that growth takes time. Another essential skill is communication; working with a crew and collaborating with creatives requires clear and effective interaction.

For me, learning has always been more valuable than chasing big projects or money. I’ve often worked for free on major sets in Mumbai and Los Angeles just to gain experience, absorb knowledge, and expand my network. Those experiences have been invaluable in shaping my career. and eventually gaining more work.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was convincing my parents about my choice to pursue filmmaking. Additionally, I initially struggled with communication, which made it difficult to navigate the industry. However, with time and experience, I’ve improved, and I continue to grow and refine my skills every day.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into filmmaking began at a young age—I was always capturing videos and photos for myself, friends, and family. In seventh grade, my best friend and I were inspired by creators like Casey Neistat and Dude Perfect, which led us to start our own YouTube channel, making trick-shot videos. That experience introduced me to cameras, lighting, and editing, and I kept refining my skills through hands-on practice and YouTube tutorials. Over time, this passion turned into a profession, and I began working in the film industry in Mumbai, initially as an Assistant Director and in the Art Department. During that time, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate on major projects with renowned creative brands and celebrities in India.

Currently, I’m based in Los Angeles, working as a Cinematographer and Chief Lighting Technician. While cinematography is my main focus, I also have a strong interest in writing and directing, which I plan to pursue further in the future.

As a cinematographer, my work is not just about capturing images—it’s about telling stories. I approach cinematography with the same passion for storytelling as a director or writer, aiming to create visuals that feel immersive and authentic. My style leans toward realism, making the audience feel as if they’re experiencing the story firsthand through the director’s lens. I am particularly drawn to narratives that hold deep cultural significance, reflecting the values, talking about real human nature and emotions. I believe that embracing and celebrating one’s emotion feeling is crucial in creative expression, and I strive to bring that perspective into my work.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Aujla, OneRepublic, and Shubh. I’ve also collaborated with major brands and companies such as Disney, Star Sports India, Gujarat Titans, Fassos, US Polo, RBI, T-Series, and Bisleri. Each project has been a learning experience, shaping my growth as a filmmaker and expanding my creative vision.

More than anything, I want my work to resonate with people—whether through compelling storytelling, emotionally driven visuals, or narratives that reflect cultural depth. My goal is to continue creating impactful films that leave a lasting impression, and I’m excited for the journey ahead.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most incredible aspect of being a creative is the ability to transform a simple thought into a full-fledged cinematic experience. It’s fascinating how an idea—something as small as a grain of rice—can evolve into a powerful visual story through dedication, time, and artistic vision. As an artist, I feel truly blessed to take those initial sparks of inspiration, refine them, and craft something that resonates with audiences in ways they’ve never experienced before. The process of shaping an idea into a compelling narrative, building emotions through visuals, and creating an immersive world for people to connect with is what makes this journey so rewarding.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

What drives me in this industry is witnessing the audience’s reaction to my work. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing people deeply invested in a film or a visual piece I’ve helped create. Whether it’s an emotional connection, a moment of awe, or simply a smile on their face, knowing that my craft has had an impact is what keeps me going.

I truly love being on set and immersing myself in the cinema process. I can’t imagine working or making a living in any other field—this industry offers endless opportunities for creative exploration and innovation. The ability to experiment, push artistic boundaries, and bring stories to life is what excites me every day. My ultimate goal is to continue crafting meaningful, visually compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression on audiences and makes me smile at the end of the day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedantxdave?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16005191/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk