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

Hi Arnav, thanks for joining 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 journey into the world of filmmaking is a bit like a good movie plot itself – it started with a simple tradition: watching films during dinner. I still try to uphold that tradition when time allows. However, I soon realized that merely being a spectator wouldn’t cut it. It was when I picked up a camera and began creating that the real learning began.

Hindsight being 20/20, I wish I’d kickstarted this creative adventure earlier. he early you start the better. Only after coming to film school I understood all the grit and bones of it. If I had started earlier, It would’ve been like fast-forwarding through the dull parts of a movie.

The essential skills I’ve developed? Determination and an unwavering belief in my vision. If you’ve got faith in your ideas, you’re already halfway to a blockbuster. Yes, the journey had its fair share of hurdles. One of them was the classic villain: finances. Filmmaking isn’t cheap, and finding the funds for projects can feel like a heist at times. I’ve gotten creative, chasing grants, forming partnerships, and even moonlighting to make it all happen. These financial challenges taught me to stretch every dollar and script a budget with flair.

Another formidable antagonist on my journey was homesickness. Moving to the epicenter of the film industry, Los Angeles, meant leaving my familiar turf. It’s a bit like moving from one cinematic universe to another. Adjusting to new surroundings can be a plot twist, but it’s a character arc that’s made me more adaptable and connected within the industry.

Despite these obstacles, my determination to see my ideas come to life on the screen and my unwavering belief in the magic of storytelling have been my superpowers. Overcoming financial limitations and homesickness has only added depth to my character as a filmmaker. Every challenge has been a plot twist, propelling me toward becoming a better storyteller.

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

Absolutely! I’m the cinephile who evolved from an intern into a director, armed with a master’s degree in film and more than 50 film credits to my name.

My journey began during an internship where I found myself capturing stand-up comedy sets. The camera may have been static, but my enthusiasm was always in motion. As time went on, I delved deeper into the world of film. I transitioned into the realm of PR, honing my skills in shooting promotional videos. Simultaneously, I directed my very first short film, igniting my lasting passion for storytelling and filmmaking.

Shortly thereafter, I joined a production house specializing in short-form content, marking the beginning of my adventure on film sets.

I have a profound love for directing, designing shots, and orchestrating edits. This is where I truly thrive, crafting my own unique stories.

What sets me apart is my multifaceted experience that spans directing, producing, editing, and scriptwriting. I’ve worn many hats in the film industry, granting me a comprehensive understanding of the intricate world of visual storytelling.

I take immense pride in my work. It’s crucial for my clients to know that I’ve been to film school, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of every dollar invested in creating something truly exceptional. Consequently, I never settle for anything less than creating something truly spectacular.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect, hands down, is the reactions I get from my audience. When I create, it’s not just about making something; it’s about crafting an experience. Seeing people laugh, gasp, or break into smiles in response to my work is like hitting a bullseye in a game of darts. It’s the thrill of knowing that my art can stir genuine and spontaneous reactions that keeps me fueled and fired up in my creative pursuits.

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

I wish I knew how to present better earlier. I used to be the one who wrote a page here and the next page on some other document. No final draft, no script writing software, keynote, nothing to compile it together When it was presentation time, I wouldn’t be able to gather everything.

Now, things are different.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arnav-shah.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnavvshahh/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/contactarnav/