We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sruthi Alagappan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sruthi, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
When I moved to LA 4 years ago and was finding my footing in the industry I came across an opportunity to produce a comedy sketch for South Asian AF, a team of south asian writers, directors, comedians, improvisers, actors, and storytellers. Being a part of this team and producing a sketch is an experience I hold dear.
Being Indian and having spent the majority of my life in India, this opportunity helped me find like minded individuals here in LA and opened a door into the world of production at a time when I was trying to build my network. I worked in a variety of capacities with the team to achieve the goal of creating an intriguing video for audiences.
It was a meaningful collaboration and a great learning experience that enriched my understanding of the creative process.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a video producer and project manager who is curious and fiercely focussed. My passion is production and content creation. Effective multitasking through organisational skills and a detailed-oriented approach is of second nature to me.
A media elective in high school set the ball rolling and led me to where I am today. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Mass Media and Advertising and started off as a production assistant working my way up to producing content.
I spent the majority of my life outside of the United States where I’ve held positions in multi-cultural and diverse environments. I’ve led as a Producer for a Digital Media Agency as well as an Assistant Director at a Production House. I have also assisted on music videos and photoshoots. All of these opportunities collectively opened the door to producing videos for Sparkhouse, a video production company based in Orange County, CA.
Thriving amidst the chaos of production, I have developed my unique methods to keep things organised. My ultimate goal is a successful shoot day, and I take pride in navigating time and budget constraints inherent in the production field, consistently delivering excellent results.
Currently, I am focusing on opportunities that allow me to broaden my industry knowledge and enhance existing skills while acquiring new ones. I am eager to contribute my expertise to further elevate the realm of video production.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Bringing a script or the client’s vision to life on screen is the most rewarding aspect of being a creative. Video production involves meticulous planning, and that single day of filming has the power to bring the entire project to life. With numerous elements at play, the seamless convergence of each component is crucial in crafting a video that successfully accomplishes its intended goal.
The satisfaction derived from witnessing the transformation of a script or concept into a visual masterpiece is unparalleled. The energy and creativity invested during the filming day, coupled with the anticipation of seeing the edited footage come together, contribute to the overall sense of accomplishment for everyone involved. Successfully translating a vision into a compelling video is not only a testament to the creative team’s skills but also a source of pride and fulfilment in the realisation of a collaborative artistic endeavour.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Relocating to the US marked a significant chapter in my life — a journey filled with challenges that not only overwhelmed me but also served as a crucible for developing resilience. The bustling city of LA , renowned for its opportunities in the entertainment industry, presented a landscape of immense possibilities but also daunting uncertainties.
The quest to find a community where I could connect with like-minded individuals who shared my passions and aspirations, became an initial hurdle. The vibrant yet vast social scene of LA demanded both patience and perseverance as I navigated through diverse circles to discover where I truly belonged.
Simultaneously, the pursuit of securing employment in a competitive job market added another layer of complexity. This period of uncertainty taught me to be resourceful, to view challenges as opportunities for growth, and to persist in the face of adversity.
In retrospect, the overwhelming nature of these experiences transformed into a valuable learning curve. It was through overcoming these initial hurdles that I not only found my tribe and secured employment but also discovered my strength and determination.
Image Credits
Paul Bivens Daniel Tayenaka