Filmmaking

Sarthak Chawla | Creative Head & Co-founder | Mahakaal Productions

What is Filmmaking?

A Career in Filmmaking is very interesting. One should first understand What a Career in Filmmaking entails before investing time and effort to figure out How to start a Career in Filmmaking. The most authoritative source of information on Filmmaking is someone with real experience in it.

Creative Head & Co-founder Sarthak Chawla has 1 year & 3 months of professional experience in Filmmaking. Here is how Creative Head & Co-founder Sarthak Chawla detailed Filmmaking:

Filmmaking is the process of making a film, generally in the sense of films intended for extensive theatrical exhibition. Filmmaking involves a number of discrete stages including an initial story, idea, or commission, through screenwriting, casting, shooting, sound recording and reproduction, editing and screening the finished product before an audience that may result in a film release and exhibition. Filmmaking takes place in many places around the world in a range of economic, social, and political contexts, and using a variety of technologies and cinematic techniques.

How Creative Head & Co-founder Sarthak Chawla got into Filmmaking?

After doing my schooling from Amity International School, Noida, I did my graduation in Journalism & Mass Communication from VIPS, IP University, Delhi and after that I did one year internship from NDTV, India. During my internship I realized that I have an inclination toward Filmmaking, so after that I did Post Graduate Diploma in Film Making from AAFT, Noida. In 2017, I started my own Production House named Mahakaal Productions. Our services range from Ad Films, Corporate Films and Documentaries to Coffee Table books, Industrial Photography, Hospitality Photography, etc. Mahakaal Productions is a one stop to end your quest for creativity. I am the Co-founder and Creative head of Mahakaal Productions.

Creative Head & Co-founder Sarthak Chawla's Talk on Filmmaking

The Art of Filmmaking: A Journey through Creativity and Passion Filmmaking is a beautiful blend of storytelling, art, and technical skill that has been captivating audiences for decades. For aspiring filmmakers, it offers a unique opportunity to express their creativity and connect with people in profound ways. Sarthak Chawla, a passionate filmmaker and the creative director of Mahakal Productions, shares valuable insights and experiences that reveal what it truly means to embark on a career in this dynamic field. What Is Filmmaking? Filmmaking is the art of creating visual stories that engage and inspire viewers. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including scripting, shooting, directing, and editing. According to Sarthak, “Filmmaking is all about patience, perseverance, and passion.” It’s not merely about operating a camera; it’s about understanding the heart of the story you want to tell. Therefore, filmmakers must connect with their narratives emotionally to convey their messages authentically. Filmmaking isn't confined to a single genre; it spans documentaries, shorts, feature films, and corporate projects. Each project presents a new canvas, offering storytellers the chance to showcase diverse human experiences and perspectives. Education in Filmmaking Human Psychology Understanding human psychology is paramount in filmmaking. Sarthak emphasizes that filmmakers must observe people closely to capture genuine emotions and motivations. "If you can't observe people and understand their basic psychology," he explains, "you cannot direct your actors effectively." By delving into this field of study, aspiring filmmakers can enhance their ability to create relatable characters and compelling narratives. Film History Knowledge of film history helps filmmakers appreciate the evolution of storytelling techniques and technological advancements. Sarthak notes the importance of learning about past achievements in cinema to ground your own work. This foundation not only enriches creativity but also informs future innovations in filmmaking. Without an understanding of history, filmmakers risk reinventing the wheel rather than building on established art forms. Editing Editing is a critical aspect that can make or break a film. Sarthak describes editing as the “juxtaposition of scenes together to create a meaningful story.” A well-edited film can elevate even poorly shot footage into a cohesive masterpiece, while bad editing can ruin a fantastic script. Understanding editing techniques allows filmmakers to control pacing, build suspense, and evoke emotion—key elements that enhance the storytelling process. Acting While many may not see the value in acting training, Sarthak believes it is crucial for directors to have a strong grasp of performance. "Learning acting makes you a more sensitive person and helps understand how to extract the best performances from actors." By appreciating the challenges actors face, directors can create an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration, yielding better results on screen. Camera & Lighting Techniques The technical aspects of filming, including camera and lighting techniques, are essential skills for filmmakers. According to Sarthak, lighting is vital as it sets the mood for a scene. Understanding how to manipulate light and shadow can significantly impact the visual storytelling in a film. This expertise allows directors to create aesthetically pleasing images that resonate with audiences and convey deeper meanings. Skills Essential for Filmmaking Script Writing Script writing is a fundamental skill every filmmaker should possess, as it forms the backbone of any production. As Sarthak mentions, a clear screenplay is crucial and represents about 80% of the shoot’s success. By mastering this skill, filmmakers can articulate their vision effectively, ensuring that every scene contributes to the overall narrative arc. Communication Skills Effective communication is vital in filmmaking, not only for storytelling but also for collaboration among the cast and crew. "Filmmaking is all about expressing your feelings," says Sarthak. The ability to clearly articulate a vision fosters teamwork and ensures that everyone involved is aligned toward a common goal, which is essential for the production process's smooth operation. Vision A strong vision is what separates successful filmmakers from the rest. Sarthak notes that a director must possess clarity about what they want to achieve. This vision drives decision-making during pre-production and guarantees that the final product aligns with the intended message. Visualization is fundamental; when a director can see the film in their mind, they can effectively communicate that vision to the team. Observation A keen sense of observation can transform mundane experiences into compelling narratives. Sarthak illustrates this point by sharing how his interactions with an elderly badminton player inspired a documentary project. Filmmakers must develop the ability to see potential stories in everyday situations and individuals, exploring the richness of the human experience. Leadership Being a filmmaker often means stepping into the role of a leader on set. Sarthak emphasizes that effective leadership involves guiding a team toward a shared vision while managing diverse personalities and talents. This skill fosters a collaborative atmosphere and makes the filmmaking process more enjoyable for everyone involved. Positives of Filmmaking Meeting New People Filmmaking offers the opportunity to meet a wide array of fascinating individuals, from actors to crew members to collaborators across different disciplines. According to Sarthak, this interaction with creative minds is one of the most enriching aspects of the job. The connections made on set can lead to lifelong friendships and further collaborative opportunities. Fame & Money While passion should drive filmmakers, it is important to recognize that hard work can lead to recognition and financial success. Sarthak mentions that those who are dedicated and willing to put in the effort will eventually reap rewards in the form of fame and recognition. This encourages newcomers to stay committed to their craft and continue learning. Growth Filmmaking is a continuous journey of growth, both personally and professionally. Sarthak highlights that the challenges faced during production help filmmakers develop resilience and adaptability. As filmmakers navigate various projects, they improve their skills and build confidence, ultimately enhancing their capability as storytellers. Travelling For those with a wanderlust, filmmaking opens doors to explore the world. Sarthak enjoys the travel aspect of his work, which allows him to visit new places and immerse himself in different cultures. This broader perspective enriches a filmmaker’s storytelling and brings authenticity to their work, as they draw inspiration from diverse environments and experiences. Challenges of Filmmaking Time Management One of the most pressing challenges in filmmaking is mastering time management. Sarthak notes that balancing schedules and meeting production timelines can be daunting. Effective planning and adaptability are crucial to ensure smooth operations on set, and filmmakers must often juggle numerous tasks to keep everything on track. Budgeting Securing sufficient funding for a project is essential but can be challenging. Sarthak emphasizes that managing a production budget requires strategic planning to allocate resources effectively without compromising on quality. This skill is vital as it ensures that filmmakers can bring their creative visions to life while adhering to financial constraints. Patience Filmmaking is a creative process that demands significant patience. From crafting the script to waiting for the perfect shot, Sarthak has learned that good things take time. Filmmakers often face uncertainties and setbacks, but maintaining patience is essential to thrive in the industry and stay focused on their goals. A Day In Filmmaking A typical day on set for Sarthak begins with excitement mixed with nerves, particularly the night before a shoot. He describes feeling butterflies in his stomach as he prepares by double-checking equipment and ensuring that his team is ready. Once on set, the tension eases after capturing the first shot, allowing for a more productive flow throughout the day. His passion for filmmaking fuels his energy, making the long hours feel fulfilling rather than tiresome. Sarthak emphasizes that the excitement of collaborating with his team and creating art is what keeps him going, despite the intense demands of the job. "You've got to be prepared for all the manual and mental labor," he advises aspiring filmmakers, highlighting that genuine passion makes the challenges worthwhile. Conclusion The journey of a filmmaker is one filled with creativity, challenges, and personal growth. As Sarthak Chawla illustrates, the key to success lies in a passionate commitment to storytelling, continuous learning, and the ability to connect with others. For those aspiring to enter this vibrant field, understanding the nuances of filmmaking—from education and skills to the positives and challenges—will equip them to navigate their own paths in this exciting industry. Filmmaking is not just a career; it's a life-long adventure that allows individuals to express their creativity and touch the hearts of audiences around the world.

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How to get into

Filmmaking?

If you are want to get into Filmmaking, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Filmmaking is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Filmmaking, what education and skills you need to succeed in Filmmaking, and what positives and challenges you will face in Filmmaking.

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Links for this Talk

Creative Head & Co-founder Sarthak Chawla's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/sarthakchawla

LifePage Career Talk on Filmmaking

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/filmmaking

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20180426-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8KQtuLrWC0

(Filmmaking, Sarthak Chawla, Mahakaal Productions, Creative Head, Movie Making, Documentary Making, Coffee Table Book, Short Movies, Film Direction, Film Production)

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