We recently connected with Shriya Rana and have shared our conversation below.
Shriya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
It’s about my former boss – one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She didn’t just help me out during work but also when I was applying for the job. This happened during COVID. I had interviewed with her, and I was waiting for the results. Surprisingly, she gave me tips on my resume, telling me how to make it better before sending it to the big bosses. I was just someone applying, and she didn’t have to do that. She could’ve just sent my resume as is, and they might’ve said no. But she cared about my qualifications more than how they looked on paper. It might sound simple to her, but it was a huge deal for me. She knew I really wanted this job, and she helped me out.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I come from Himachal Pradesh, where my family has a strong background in academics, mainly comprising teachers, officers, and engineers. Surprisingly, no one in my family is associated with the film industry. My journey began in a different field; I started as an engineer, pursued an MBA, and then, quite dramatically, decided to follow my passion. In 2017, I took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dream in the world of film.
Beyond my role as a Director/Producer, I’m a huge movie enthusiast with a passion for art, dancing, and music – shoutout to Taylor Swift, my ultimate jam. My formal education in filmmaking at the New York Film Academy, coupled with directing and producing studies at UCLA, paved the way for my venture into the film industry.
I’ve had the privilege of contributing to notable films such as “Moonage Daydream” (2022), “Ayesha” (2021), and “Procrastination” (2018). “Ayesha” holds a special place in my heart, winning six directing awards and the prestigious “Audience Choice Award” at UCLAxFF ‘2021. The film garnered over 40 official selections in various film festivals.
Currently, I’m excited about two new projects in post-production. “Creatures of the Night (COTN)” addresses women’s safety, exploring the dark side of the inner city through the perspective of a drugged woman. On a lighter note, “The Serene Place Where the Stars Poop (TSPWTSP)” is a tongue-in-cheek satire on breaking-in, showcasing our film school kinfolk’s admiration for the land where stars choose to relieve themselves.
What sets me apart? It’s not just the diverse journey or the accolades. It’s the commitment to creating films that hit you right in the feels and make you ponder life’s mysteries. I’m not just making movies; I’m crafting experiences that stick with you. So, for potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is an open book of genuine passion for storytelling and filmmaking. Each project is a piece of my heart, carefully curated to leave a lasting imprint. Stay tuned for the adventure!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As a filmmaker, the best part for me is sitting in a big cinema and seeing people enjoy your movie. It’s like creating a whole new world, creating characters, and watching real people in the real world appreciate what you’ve made. It gets even better when they laugh at the jokes, feel the emotions, and connect with the story. The joy comes from sharing stories and making people feel something.
And here’s the best part: after the movie, when people talk about how much they got into the story, it’s like they discovered something special. Those moments make the whole moviemaking journey awesome because, in those conversations, it’s not just a movie; it’s like we went on an adventure together in the cool world we created.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Coming from an academic background, I had to shift my mindset. I let go of excessive competitiveness and the pursuit of perfection. In the world of art, especially for someone like me, it’s more about expressing passion and being true to yourself. I’ve learned that art doesn’t have to be flawless; its beauty lies in its unique imperfections.
Everyone is on their own journey, so there’s no point in comparing yourself to others. My journey into filmmaking started after my MBA, having never held a camera before. Initially, I tried to compete with those naturally born into the art and film world, which now seems a bit amusing. Understanding that everyone’s path is different, I stopped comparing and focused on learning and growing at my own pace. Filmmaking became much more enjoyable when I embraced my unique timeline.
In a nutshell, being from an academic background, I realized that always chasing perfection stifles creativity. True art, I’ve discovered, comes from genuine expression and individuality. Now, my goal is simple: I aim for good work, valuing the joy in the creative process and appreciating the beauty found in imperfections.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/shriyarana?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=724cb921-3b67-4230-95eb-fadceb357680
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shriyarana/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shriya-rana/