We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lakshmi Nymisha Gummadi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lakshmi Nymisha below.
Hi Lakshmi Nymisha, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
After completing my undergraduate degree in Architecture and gaining industry experience, I took a bold step. I relocated to the USA to pursue a career in Production Design at the prestigious American Film Institute. Although my architectural background provides a solid foundation for production design, leaving a stable job and a promising career path was a significant risk. I am embracing the challenges and opportunities of freelancing in the art department. While I often question my decision, the thrill of seeing my work on the big screen and making a lasting impact on audiences makes it all worthwhile. I am proud to have taken the leap and excited to continue growing as a production designer
Lakshmi Nymisha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Growing up, I was often teased for being overly emotional while watching movies. However, films had a profound impact on me from a young age, and I became fascinated with the idea of becoming an actress. At the time, I didn’t understand the behind-the-scenes process or the roles of directors, cinematographers, and producers. As I grew older and gained more knowledge about filmmaking, my interest shifted from acting to production design, which aligned with my passion for architecture and design. After completing my degree in architecture, I worked in the field for a year before moving to the US to pursue a master’s degree in production design from the American Film Institute. Upon arrival, I felt like I had a lot to catch up on, as many of my peers had prior experience in film or theatre. This motivated me to seek out opportunities beyond the student world. And said yes to a lot of projects even though I was not sure of a lot of things and learnt it on the go, similarly I took on a feature film project, despite initial uncertainty, and I’m proud to say that it’s now streaming on Amazon Prime – the movie is called Tahanan.
During my time at AFI, I utilized my summer and winter breaks to gain hands-on experience by working on short films, music videos, and commercials. After graduating in 2023, I had the opportunity to work on various independent films, commercials, and music videos. A highlight was working as a PA under Ethan Tobman on Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight” music video. I’m grateful for the experiences that have shaped my journey in production design.” And looking forward to meeting more amazing people and new experiences.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
“The funny thing about my job is that I know I’ve done it well when my work blends into the background. I mean, if people notice the production design too much, it can take away from the story. But when it all comes together seamlessly, that’s when the magic happens! I’ll never forget working on a Filipino feature film, where people thought some scenes were shot on location in the Philippines. But, surprise! They were actually filmed right here in the US. As an Indian designer, I loved learning about the culture and traditions that inspired the film. And when people appreciated my work, it meant the world to me. It was like, ‘Wow, I made the right choice pursuing this career!’ It was a huge confidence booster, and I’m so grateful for that experience.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey is fueled by a passion to tell stories that not only resonate with me but also leave a lasting impact. I’m driven by a desire to explore new horizons, challenge myself, and learn something fresh with each project. Whether it’s delving into diverse cultures and traditions, experimenting with innovative technologies, or tapping into uncharted emotions, I’m always eager to discover and grow. For me, the thrill of creating something new and original is what makes the journey truly unforgettable.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isha.gummadi/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakshmi.nymisha
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nymishagummadi/
Image Credits
Headshot – Nicholas James Barber