Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shranjay Arora. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shranjay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Success.
Success is more than just a word. It’s an experience, a journey, and, for many, an ultimate goal. For some, it means fame and fortune & for others, it means achieving personal goals, with or without public acknowledgment. The definition of success is as varied as the individuals who pursue it. The journey to achieving success often has mutual universal truths.
In cinematography, a single shot can change the entire narrative. In video editing, a single cut can shift the perspective. Similarly, in the journey of life, every decision we make can redirect our lives toward or further from success.
My experiences as a filmmaker taught me that success is a complex harmony of network, authenticity, mindfulness, and a genuine dedication to your craft and conditions.
Success in filmmaking starts with a simple idea that, through teamwork and dedication, becomes a masterpiece for everyone to enjoy. This process reflects real life, where we must refine our raw potential to succeed.
Connections are Key:
“It’s not what you know, but who you know.”
In the filmmaking business, if you don’t have connections or a network, it’s like trying to eat soup with a fork!
While that is true, this isn’t just about networking in the traditional sense. It’s about having genuine & meaningful connections. And not just in your work. Recollecting my early days as a newbie video editor, I remember being mentored by a seasoned filmmaker. He may not have been famous or extremely wealthy, but he was successful in the truest sense. His vast network wasn’t just professional contacts but genuine friends and family members. These connections provided him with opportunities, feedback, and the invaluable gift of perspective. I learned from him that in order to truly succeed, one must build and maintain sincere connections, not just with colleagues but with everyone you encounter on this journey of life. Our relationships, both professional and personal, are the bedrock upon which we build our aspirations, making them as vital as any skill we might possess.
Patience & Perseverance:
I remember a project where I had to shoot a series of scenes that depicted the changing seasons. While the concept sounds simple on paper, capturing the essence of each season in its natural glory was not easy. Repeated visits to a location and waiting for the perfect shot required immense patience and persistence. This journey is much like the pursuit of success. Talent and tools are vital, but without patience & perseverance, achieving one’s vision remains a distant dream.
The Right Cut:
As a video editor, one is constantly making decisions about what to keep and what to discard. I call this “Decisions and Sacrifices.” Sometimes, you must sacrifice a beautiful shot because it doesn’t serve the story. Similarly, there are tough decisions and sacrifices on the road to success in life. It could be as simple as the decision to invest time and money to improve your skills. Sometimes, it’s about sacrificing immediate gratification or removing distractions to maintain focus.
The Gateway to Innovations:
The world of filmmaking is everchanging. New techniques, technologies, and storytelling methods emerge often. Similarly, life is also in constant flux. To truly be successful, it’s essential to remain open-minded and keep evolving. This means listening more than speaking, embracing new ideas, and always being ready to adapt. I once met a documentary filmmaker who shifted her career to the world of finance. Her ability to pivot, learn, and absorb the complexities of an entirely new field was not just respectable but also a testament to the power of an open mind.
The Art of Being Present:
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of daily life and dopamine-inducive content. Success, however, often lies in the moments of silence between the chaos. Being mindful or fully present at the moment allows us to appreciate life’s nuances, learn from our experiences, and genuinely connect with our work and the people around us. Editing taught me the importance of being present, immersing myself entirely in the narrative, and ensuring every cut, every transition, and every effect serves the story. It also brings authenticity to our work, which is appreciated the most in the art of filmmaking.
Nature and Success:
In pursuit of success, we shouldn’t disregard our connection to nature. Just as a film is lifeless without its audience, our lives would be void without nature. Being mindful of our ecological footprint, giving back to nature, and ensuring we play our part in its preservation are integral to a life well-lived and a career well-executed.
The Final Frame:
Success is a blend of craft and character in both filmmaking and life. While honing your skills is essential, the harmony of patience, perseverance, mindful decision-making, and authenticity play equally vital roles. As filmmakers and as individuals, our success lies not just in the accolades we earn but in the lives we touch and the difference we make. And just as every frame contributes to a film’s story, every moment, every connection, and every decision shapes the narrative of our lives.
Success is a journey, not a destination.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Behind the Lens: Get to Know Me
Born in the vibrant culture of India, a land filled with storytelling and visual magnificence, I embarked on a journey that crossed oceans, bringing me to the dynamic world of Los Angeles, where dreams take flight in the most vivid colors. I’ve found my purpose not just as a filmmaker but as a healer. Yes, a healer. My philosophy is that film has the power to heal. Every story we tell, every emotion we capture, and every theme we explore in the world carries the potential to heal.
I always thought that there was something almost magical about filmmaking. It has the power to touch souls and heal hearts, transcending the ordinary. It offers escape, comfort, and a chance to reflect and catharsis.
With a deep understanding of the artistic nature of cinematography and the craftwork of video editing, I approach every project with the intention of bringing stories to life that resonate with viewers. Driven by a passion for visual storytelling, I’m committed to delivering high-quality work that exceeds expectations, whether a short project or long-form content. With my skills and expertise, I can help artists take their projects to the next level and bring their imagination to life.
My Work: Crafting Visual Stories
Every shot and every clip is like a puzzle. I perceive music, visuals, and narratives as individual entities existing in perfect harmony. Editing is more than just cutting footage; it’s about finding the missing pieces and connecting them to create a masterpiece. The filmmaking journey isn’t just about learning the technicalities; it’s about engaging with every story, every character, and every frame, understanding that each element in a film is a note in a larger symphony. I can feel the heartbeat of the story through the rhythm of sounds and visuals, understand their subtle interactions, and use that insight to enhance the creation.
Editors are usually viewed as the “fixers” of the project. “We’ll fix it in the post” is a common saying on film sets. But I discovered my innate ability to not just ‘fix’ films but to enhance, elevate, and transform them into art pieces that speak more profoundly and intimately to the audience. I dive into the narrative, tweak the arcs, adjust the frames, and sometimes, when needed, salvage the unsalvageable. It’s like nurturing a seed into a blossoming tree. My services are not just technical but also creative in essence. I solve the chaos of raw, unfettered creativity and streamline narratives in a way that resonates with the audience on a deeper level.
Intuition: The Invisible Tool in My Kit
If there’s anything I’m proudest of, it’s my gut feeling. Call it a sixth sense or a mystical connection, but I’ve grown to trust my intuition implicitly when it comes to editing. It guides the way I perceive the rhythm of stories, telling me when a cut is perfect or when a scene feels ‘just right.’ My intuition guides each decision, knowing when the narrative hits the perfect emotional pitch or when it needs a nudge to flow better. This intuitive approach, combined with patience and dedication, sets me apart in this highly competitive industry. I firmly believe that the stories we choose to tell and how we decide to tell them can greatly impact our collective psyche, offering moments of respite, understanding, and even clarity.
Reach Out: The Dream Continues
I offer a range of services in the world of film and video, all delivered with skill, creativity, and the kind of flexibility only a freelancer can offer. Here’s what I can do for you:
Cinematography: I don’t just take videos; I capture feelings, create an atmosphere, and tell stories through my camera. I’m here for your commercials, music videos, shorts, indie projects – you name it. I’ll help bring your vision to life while painting with light and staying in the proper perspective & angles. It’s not always about the prettiest shot but the most stunning shot that conveys the emotion.
Video Editing/Post-Production: I turn raw footage into the story you want to tell. It’s more than cutting and joining clips; it’s setting the pace, hitting the right emotional notes, and making content that strikes a chord with anyone watching. I ensure that every edit and every transition feels just right. I’m also experienced in color grading, sound design, and visual effects.
All-in-One Service: Need someone who can do both? I’ve got you covered. I can handle shooting and editing, ensuring the process is smooth and consistent and that the final product feels cohesive. It works great for anyone mindful of their budget or who needs a constant creative hand throughout the project.
With me, your stories are not just heard but meticulously sculpted into the best versions they can be. I am here to offer not just my knowledge and skills but my unique perspective, ensuring every project truly comes to life.
To all the dreamers, storytellers, and artists — I invite you to embark on this journey with me. Together, let’s create more than just art. Let’s craft experiences that resonate, reflect, and, above all, heal. After all, if stories are the medicine, cinema is the elixir that brings it all together.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The entertainment business is always ruled by outcomes and hard data. The value of the creation is usually determined by the end result and measured in monetary values or widespread recognition.
For me, the most rewarding aspect of this journey is not found in prizes, nor is it hidden within the applause. It resides in the more profound impact of our creations on the human soul.
-The Dance of Creation
The act of creating is a reward in itself. Each time I embark on a new project, it’s like a dance – sometimes graceful, other times clumsy, but always full of passion. The joy of interweaving fragments into a coherent narrative, the thrill of envisioning a scene in the mind’s eye, and bringing it to life on screen are moments of pure, unadulterated bliss.
-The Impact of Stories
Then, there’s the potential impact on the audience. There’s no greater reward than watching someone engage with my creative work, seeing emotions play out on their faces, knowing that something I created moved them in some way. I wanted to make films because they were medicine for all my problems. Providing the same to others has been a dream of mine. Art, as a whole, possesses a therapeutic essence. So, every narrative I craft is an attempt to understand myself better and provide a mirror through which viewers might see themselves. When a troubled soul finds solace in my work or someone derives strength from the characters I create, it hardens my belief in the restorative power of art. Whether it’s evoking the joy of laughter, drawing a tear, or simply making someone reflect on their life, it’s a reminder of the power and responsibility I hold as a storyteller.
-The Privilege of Freedom
As a creative, I’m always in the realms bound by imagination. This freedom to explore, express, and experiment is an incredible feeling, something I always wanted in my career. Each project is a new adventure, a blank canvas promising limitless possibilities. In this space, mistakes aren’t just inevitable; they’re welcome, for they lead to growth and innovation. It’s a privilege to not be confined by the conventional 9-to-5 grind, and this uncharted territory of creative liberty is where I find my reward.
-The Legacy of Influence
The thought of leaving a legacy, however modest, is rewarding. Every creative piece becomes part of a larger dialogue that transcends time by inspiring upcoming generations of creatives, offering new perspectives, or even challenging the status quo. As people say, art defines culture, and culture defines art.
-In Conclusion: An Ongoing Journey
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is not found in the awards or the accolades but in the process itself. It’s in the little victories, the challenges overcome, the personal growth, and the privilege of impacting others through art. In a world increasingly overshadowed by divisiveness, I believe that art — in every form — serves as a bridge, and being one of its architects is the greatest reward there is.
It’s an ongoing journey of joy, struggle, learning, and fulfillment. While the destination is unknown, the rewards along the way make every step worth it.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
In the vast universe of entrepreneurship and management, an endless pool of wisdom exists — distilled in books, quoted in lectures, and visualized in documentaries. While my filmmaking journey has been fueled by intuition and passion, several influential resources have shaped and refined it. They expanded my understanding of the business world and resonated deeply with my creative mind.
1. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek’s book, “Start with Why,” revolutionized my approach to filmmaking and entrepreneurship. Sinek’s golden circle theory, which centers on the ‘Why’ before the ‘How’ and ‘What,’ has instilled in me the importance of purpose-driven creation. Every project I undertake, every story I tell, now stems from a more profound ‘Why.’
2. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
Though mainly catered to startups in the tech space, “The Lean Startup” has been essential in refining my entrepreneurial approach. Ries’s emphasis on building a minimum viable product, gauging real-world feedback, and iterating accordingly resonates deeply with my post-production work.
3. “Creativity, Inc.” by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
Ed Catmull’s inside account of the workings of Pixar Animation Studios is a masterclass in creative leadership. “Creativity, Inc.” demystifies the challenges animation studios face worldwide. The book emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture where creativity thrives, feedback is honest, and failures are embraced as stepping stones.
4. TED Talks: “The Clues to a Great Story” by Andrew Stanton
One of the most impactful resources has been Andrew Stanton’s TED talk, where he dives into the unique elements that make a story relevant and memorable. His ideology of making the audience care deeply about the story has been a game-changer. It helped me evolve from being a mere storyteller to someone who crafts experiences and builds an emotional connection with the audience, which is crucial to any successful entrepreneurial venture in filmmaking.
5. “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield
“The War of Art” has been a critical companion in my journey, shedding light on the internal battles creatives face. Pressfield’s candid lesson on ‘Resistance’ and how it hinders us from achieving our true potential was a wake-up call. It reinforced my resolve to fight external challenges and confront inner deterrents like procrastination and self-doubt. It’s a daily battle but a fulfilling one.
6. “In the Blink of an Eye” by Walter Murch
“In the Blink of an Eye” shifted my paradigms about editing and storytelling. Murch’s insights into the art and science of editing films resonated with my core, enhancing my understanding that editing is much more than just cutting and joining clips. It’s about breathing life into the story.
7. Video Essays by Every Frame a Painting
This YouTube channel by Tony Zhou is about the art of film. While not strictly entrepreneurial, these essays have significantly shaped my thinking about storytelling, pacing, and the nuanced techniques that make cinema a compelling medium. The analytical approach of the channel reminds me to be conscious and deliberate in my creative choices.
8. Honorable mentions: [Books]
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
“Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” by Cal Newport
“Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
“The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life” by Twyla Tharp
“Busting Loose from the Money Game” by Robert Scheinfeld
“Never Split the Difference” by Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz
“How to win friends and influence people” by Dale Carnegie
“Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
“First, Break All the Rules” by Curt Coffman and Marcus Buckingham
In an industry that blends artistry with business, these beacons have helped me stay true to my artistic integrity while successfully navigating the entrepreneurial side of filmmaking. These pillars of wisdom continue to light the path ahead, reminding me that success in any creative endeavor is as much about introspection and learning as it is about external achievement.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shranjayarora.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shranjayarora/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shranjayarora
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shranjayarora/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/cowboyfarts
- Other: CONTACT: contact.[email protected] IMDB: https://imdb.me/shranjayarora
Image Credits
@zeel.sangoi @vashishtarora @kathrinasmus