We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Abhinay Pandit a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Abhinay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Dedicating time, energy, and resources to your personal growth, artistic development, and well-being is the wisest investment, and I recommend this to all fellow storytellers. Being a cinematographer or pursuing any creative endeavor demands knowledge and experience. Allocate as much time and effort as possible to hone your skills and expand your expertise; the rewards will ultimately surpass your expectations.

The industry can become quite demanding at times, leaving us feeling overwhelmed. It’s crucial to stay in the present moment and find inner calm. When things get tough, take a break, maintain a nutritious diet, and devote some time and effort to your physical well-being.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, I’m Abhinay Pandit, a versatile artist specializing in cinematography and film editing. I hail from the vibrant city of Mumbai, India, and now call Los Angeles my home. My journey into cinematography began under the mentorship of luminaries like Tony Richmond ASC BSC, Pascal Lebegue AFC, David A. Armstrong, and more.

Growing up in a family steeped in artistry, I was exposed to my father’s passion for crafting sets and sculpting, igniting my love for the arts. Crafting stories has always been my passion, whether it’s trimming clips or documenting events. Inspired by writers who evoke emotions through their words, I express myself through visual storytelling.

My journey in cinematography has been diverse, with experience in various industries, including commercials, music videos, fashion films, and narratives. I’m not confined to any one purpose; I love telling stories as much as a director or writer does. My cinematography focuses on realism, aiming to make the audience feel as if they’re looking through the director’s lens and connecting with the emotions as if they were real.

I relish shooting on film and experimenting with unconventional filmmaking techniques. I am particularly passionate about storytelling when a narrative embodies deep cultural significance rooted in a nation’s values, traditions, and authenticity.I believe it’s important to embrace and be proud of one’s cultural background when expressing creativity.

My previous collaborations include working with a diverse range of clients, encompassing well-known brands like Adidas, Puma, Budweiser, Bacardi, Mahindra, Tira Beauty, Renee Cosmetics, DaMENSCH, and artists such as AR Rahman, Divine, Amit Trivedi, Monica Dogra, and many more.

If you have a narrative you’d like to bring to life, whether it’s a music video, commercial, or short film, I’m here to paint your vision.

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

My only goal is to make myself happy with my work and my loved ones proud.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

This message is for all the budding creatives out there who are eager to dive into this field. Its purpose is not to discourage you but to equip you with essential knowledge.

In the creative world, not everyone plays fair. Some individuals might try to take advantage of your talent and hard work. Therefore, always remember your worth and don’t allow anyone to undercut you. You’ve rightfully earned what you deserve.

There have been instances where producers and colleagues failed to compensate me fairly, despite making significant profits. A substantial portion of my work remains unpaid. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a legal agreement in place before getting involved in any production.

In the creative industry, even close friends can sometimes become envious of your success, leading to complex emotions. However, it’s vital not to let these emotions affect your work. Keep pushing forward, stay dedicated, and continue creating.

I’m sharing this because no one informed me about these challenges when I started, and I want to spare you from facing the same difficulties that I and other filmmakers have encountered. So, stay well-informed, stay resilient, and keep pursuing your creative dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abhinaypandit.com/about-1
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abhinaykmr/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhinay-pandit/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13477210/

Image Credits
Profile photo credit: Yves Arispe Still1 from film “Asahaya” Dir/ DP: Abhinay Still2 from film “Asahaya” Dir/ DP: Abhinay Still3 from film “Asahaya” Dir/ DP: Abhinay