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

Prem, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Like any discipline, filmmaking is best learned through a mix of practice and study. I’m no exception. I try to watch and make as much as I can. Every project I’ve directed–from my first short film to my recent music video–has taught me valuable lessons. After each one comes a reflection period: What parts of the process and result worked? What parts didn’t?

My second short film was a creative failure. But it taught me how to manage all the logistical elements of filmmaking. It was the first time I had worked with a budget, a crew, and schedule. Successfully navigating all those elements was a significant confidence boost for me, even if I was disappointed with the film. And even in that disappointment there were lessons. I learned that my rehearsal process with actors wasn’t translating into better performances for them. I had let my cast down, and I took those mistakes as motivation to learn and prepare more for future projects.

The biggest obstacle to my growth is distraction. It’s so easy to get caught up in other responsibilities-whether it’s work, school, or family. Don’t get me wrong: those things are important. But they’re never going to go away. You have to carve out time to consistently create and learn. Even when you don’t feel like it.

Prem, 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?

Hi! My name is Prem. I’m an indie Filmmaker and Story Analyst based in Los Angeles. I started off making short films while working as a Production Assistant and attending DePaul University’s film program.

A few years ago I built up my portfolio and moved out to Los Angeles to pursue for-hire work. Most recently I directed a music video for Delilah Brao’s single Seats For Ghosts. I’m currently in post-production on a MiniDV short film called Fading.

Another large portion of my work is as a Story Analyst, primarily through Slated, Inc. I offer development notes and coverage on feature film scripts and cuts. I work with wide variety of independent and studio productions. Some clients are seeking a strong evaluation to secure financing and distribution. Others just want feedback on their first screenplay. I aim for a consistent and rigorous process. The clients get thorough, incisive analysis, and I get to hone my critical-thinking skills. Those skills carry over well to independent filmmaking.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

At least when it comes to starting out, I’ve found reaching out to people who are just outside of your circle can be really promising. Friends of friends, colleagues of people in your circle.

This is a much larger pool of people to draw from than your inner circle. But it’s not so far removed that there isn’t a level of trust and familiarity. People are naturally more hesitant to interact engage with strangers, personally and professionally. Having that shared connection helps.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I find it incredibly rewarding to collaborate with others on a creative vision. When the trust and communication is strong enough, it unlocks an infectious sense of play.

Collaboration can also raise the ceiling of what’s possible creatively. My collaboration with Delilah Brao on the Seats For Ghosts music video ended up being an ideal example of that.

She brought an incredibly strong vision for how to bring her song to life. But she was also incredibly receptive to my ideas and vision for what we could accomplish. The combined result was better than either of us had imagined.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premelicious/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prem-desai-b96316187/
• Other: My Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/premelicious/