We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vinay George a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vinay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My journey toward pursuing a creative path professionally was a bit unconventional. Unlike many others who knew what they wanted to do since they were kids, I only discovered my passion for filmmaking at the age of 23. Even though I was aware that filmmaking was a career choice, I didn’t know how to pursue it.

It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I took a 4-week online cinematography course to keep myself occupied. I found myself getting more and more interested in it as I continued with the course. Eventually, I got my first on-set gig thanks to a friend who offered me a position as a 2nd AC. Although I had no prior experience working on an actual film set, I jumped at the opportunity and quickly familiarized myself with the responsibilities of a 2nd AC. This experience gave me the confidence to pursue filmmaking professionally.

Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to win awards for my films and to write stories that explore a world beyond our understanding. Looking back, I realize that the pandemic and the online course I took during that time were the catalysts that set me on this path. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with pursuing a creative path, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the progress I’ve made so far

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Vinay George and I’m a writer and director based in New York City. Growing up in a musical household, I was always drawn to creative pursuits, but it wasn’t until I moved to the US in 2015 that I discovered the world of photography and videography. After dabbling in photography for a year, I realized that my heart wasn’t fully in it, but I became enamored with videography and the possibilities of filmmaking.

I began immersing myself in the world of filmmaking through Youtube tutorials and by connecting with other professionals in the industry. During the pandemic, I took an online cinematography course which solidified my passion for filmmaking. In 2021, I co-directed and produced a film called SNAP with a friend, which went on to win several accolades and be screened for audiences worldwide. This experience inspired me to pursue filmmaking full-time and move to New York City, where I recently completed a project called I SEE YOU, which I’m incredibly proud of.

As a filmmaker, my goal is to create movies that people can connect with and see themselves in. I also strive to bring more representation for people of color, especially within the South Asian community, which I believe is still an area where there is a lack of opportunities due to systemic barriers. I am proud of all of my projects and excited to continue creating impactful and meaningful films

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson i had unlearn was that everyone who is in the same field as me was going to never put a helping hand. The backstory comes from a lot of imposter system as a Artist. Every Artist no matter what they do have had the same feeling or thought that we have had to work twice as hard and not sleep because someone was always working more than us.

Only for me to realize that every artist is on their own path and that no one is out to get you and if anything its just better for us to lend a helping hand regardless because who knows where someone might be in a few years. In reality it is just better to come together as a community and rise each other up no matter how fast or slow someone is coming up the ladder.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Getting the peoples reaction to whatever you put out. I think the most rewarding stage is getting peoples feedback for me. like how can i make it better next time when i put a film out and also on how do people resonate with the film I make.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vinaygeorge123.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinaygvisuals/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinay-george-6a289119a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vinaygeorge/videos