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Photosynthesis | Photography and Filmmaking in India
Surjith S Pi on Pre-Production, On-Set Challenges, and Tech in Filmmaking | PhotoSynthesis | IndieVisual
In today’s episode of Photosynthesis, we chatted with Surjith S Pi, a talented cinematographer with nearly six years of experience in the film industry. Surjith has worked on commercials for big brands like Shaadi.com, Flipkart, IPL, Redmi, Zivame, and Tanishq. He has also lensed notable projects including the Malayalam feature film Gaganachari, the short film Breath, the Marathi film A Thing of Magic, and the documentary Dreaming of Words.
The conversation dived into Surjith’s creative process and the vital role of collaboration between the director and cinematographer. He explained how the treatment and style of a project get shaped through pre-production research, discussions with the director, and building a treatment deck. He also touched on the challenges faced on set, such as equipment failures, delays, safety issues and miscommunication with other departments.
Surjith also shared insights about the general team on set that the cinematographer works with, which typically includes the first assistant camera, gaffer, and sometimes a key grip, depending on the complexity of the shoot. The episode wrapped up with a discussion about how new technology has changed the filmmaking industry, but the basics of storytelling, lighting, and composition have stayed the same. While technology helps in the creative process, it can't replace the skill and creativity of a cinematographer.
A huge thank you to Surjith S Pi for sharing his insights. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review.
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Check out Surjith S Pi’s Works on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unrealpi/?igsh=MXZiN2EycmVkZWE2MQ%3D%3D
References Mentioned in the Podcast
Midjourney: www.midjourney.com
Film-Grab: https://film-grab.com/
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Looking out for video production services? Try Us - We take care of the entire video production process. We combine tech & process improvements with a national network of creative professionals - to produce videos fast, affordably and professionally.
Visit our Website at: https://www.indievisual.in/
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IndieVisual Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/videos
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Stay tuned, there are many more fun and insightful chats to follow!
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37. Muskan Kapoor on Growing a Maternity & Baby Photography Business| PhotoSynthesis | IndieVisual
26:16||Ep. 37In this episode of Photosynthesis, we sat down with Muskan Kapoor, the founder of Little Toes, who specializes in newborn, infant, maternity photography, and family portraits. With a passion for children, Muskan started her journey four years ago, turning her hobby into a successful career during the COVID lockdown. She shares how she began by photographing her toddler niece and how this experience inspired her to pursue photography professionally, eventually leading her to open successful studios in Delhi and Chandigarh. Muskan discusses the growth of her business, starting from a home studio and quickly expanding to a commercial space within a year due to increasing demand. She also talks about the rise of maternity and baby photography, noting how Instagram, referrals, and word-of-mouth marketing have been key to her success. Muskan shares insights on the impact of collaborating with mom influencers and how it’s helped her reach new audiences. She also talks about the shift from photos to videos on Instagram and how she’s built a team of photographers, videographers, and editors to handle her works. She even discusses the struggle she faces while managing the business, supervising the operations and workflows, while handling the creative aspects of her work. She also discusses the challenges of staying creative and relevant in such a competitive field. Finally, Muskan talks about her plans to expand her business to other cities across India and emphasizes the importance of doing thorough market research before opening new studios. A huge thank you to Muskan Kapoor for sharing her insights. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Until then, keep capturing those moments that tell a thousand stories. -------------------------------------------------Check out Muskan Kapoor’s Works on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littletoesbymuskan/References Mentioned in the Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@anabrandt -------------------------------------------------------- Looking out for video production services? Try Us - We take care of the entire video production process. We combine tech & a national network of creative professionals - to produce videos fast, affordably and professionally. Visit our Website at: https://www.indievisual.in/Follow Us on:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/indievisual.in/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indievisual-in/ See more of our videos:IndieVisual Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/videosIndieVisual Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/shortsPhotosynthesis (Podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/podcasts Stay tuned, there are many more insightful chats to follow!36. Kriti P Sharma on Hand Modelling as a Career Option| PhotoSynthesis | IndieVisual
22:45||Ep. 36In this episode of Photosynthesis, we talked with Kriti Sharma, a hand model and founder of the slow fashion brand, Mushio. She noticed how well-groomed hands can enhance product photos and videos, leading her to focus on this niche. Since then, she has worked with brands like Basil Lunchboxes, Vivid Nature, Campure, Herbal Mitra, Earthful, and Nanas Probiotic Drink. Kriti shared how she got into hand modelling and the importance of caring for her hands. Kriti's hand modelling journey began in 2021-2022 while creating content for her fashion brand, where she showcased her well-groomed hands in promotional videos. Her first-hand modelling shoot happened by playing around with fabrics and accessories, which led to brands reaching out to her and the dedicated launch of her hand modelling profile. She also talked about the challenges of marketing herself on social media and the skills needed for hand modelling, like stability and creativity. She also offered valuable advice for clients seeking a hand model.Finally, we also explored the future of hand modelling, discussing potential opportunities across various industries, including makeup, skincare, jewellery, and more. A huge thank you to Kriti P Sharma for sharing her insights. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Until then, keep capturing those moments that tell a thousand stories.------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out Kriti P Sharma’s Works on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handmodel.kps/?igsh=aHNocG1mbmMzNGNx References Mentioned in the Podcast Mushio: https://mushioindia.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------- Looking out for video production services? Try Us - We take care of the entire video production process. We combine tech & process improvements with a national network of creative professionals - to produce videos fast, affordably and professionally. Visit our Website at: https://www.indievisual.in/Follow Us on:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/indievisual.in/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indievisual-in/ See more of our videos:IndieVisual Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/videosIndieVisual Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/shortsPhotosynthesis (Podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/podcasts Stay tuned, there are many more fun and insightful chats to follow!35. Keertan H Patel on The New Landscape of the Gujarati Film Industry | PhotoSynthesis | IndieVisual
27:11||Ep. 35In this episode of Photosynthesis, we had the pleasure of speaking with Keertan H Patel, a talented filmmaker from the Gujarati film industry. Keertan has directed two critically acclaimed films, "Bas Ek Chance" and "Back Bencher," both of which have garnered numerous awards and accolades. He has also directed short films, advertisements, film promos, and music videos. Currently, he is working on the post-production phase of his third film, "Rang Jo Lagyo." Keertan shared insights into the size, challenges, and government support the Gujarati film industry receives. He discussed the differences between the Gujarati film industry and other regional film industries, highlighting audience reach and the role of producers and investors. Despite the industry's slow recognition, there is a need for greater acknowledgment. The government provides subsidies to good filmmakers, but Keertan has pointed out the lack of vision and business acumen among many investors and producers in making and distributing quality films. Some producers work smartly within a reasonable budget, leveraging good crews, technology, and government support. Ahmedabad serves as the main hub for the Gujarati film industry, with Mumbai being the second highest collection area for films. The conversation also covered the transformation of the Gujarati film industry, the impact of OTT platforms, the role of investors, production values, and the creative challenges filmmakers face. Keertan shared his thoughts on the growth of Gujarati cinema and the need for quality content within a limited budget. A huge thank you to Keertan H Patel for sharing his insights. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Until then, keep capturing those moments that tell a thousand stories. -------------------------------------------------------------------------Check out Works on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/keertanhpatel23?igsh=N3ZkY3dsbXVncmF6 ------------------------------------------------------------- Looking out for video production services? Try Us - We take care of the entire video production process. We combine tech & process improvements with a national network of creative professionals - to produce videos fast, affordably and professionally. Visit our Website at: https://www.indievisual.in/Follow Us on:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/indievisual.in/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indievisual-in/ See more of our videos:IndieVisual Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/videosIndieVisual Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/shortsPhotosynthesis (Podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/podcasts Stay tuned, there are many more fun and insightful chats to follow!34. Yash Pardeshi on Brand Collaborations, Travel & Concert Photography | PhotoSynthesis | IndieVisual
26:57||Ep. 34In today's episode of Photosynthesis, we welcome Yash Pardeshi, a talented photographer and filmmaker. Yash's journey began with chalk carving and evolved into photography after exploring Instagram. He honed his skills through photo walks and capturing Mumbai's streets during the pandemic. His unique style caught the attention of major phone brands like Realme and OnePlus, leading to content creation opportunities.Yash's brand collaborations have led to opportunities in travel photography, launch videos, and events. He has photographed celebrities like MC Stan, covered Sunburn festival, and worked in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi.Yash shares insights into two of his notable projects: a collaborative work in Vietnam for OnePlus and Google, and a project for Abu Dhabi tourism. He discusses the creative processes behind his work, the challenges he has faced, and the importance of understanding the vision and preferences of clients and artists to create impactful content. Yash also emphasized the significance of creative freedom in his work in the discussion.Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Until then, keep capturing those moments that tell a thousand stories. ------------------------- Check out Yash Pardeshi’s Works on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalta_firta_photographer/ References mentioned in the podcast: Nishchay Bharati Jain's Instragram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/meinbhiphotographer/?igsh=MWF5dHhmMmowY2ppbQ%3D%3DRealme Photo Expedition at Leh-Ladakh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZcMBA-YX7oOnePlus Open Launch Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6rN2iHG8P4Trakin Tech’s Vietnam Trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg-GaYzy5qA Technical Guruji’s Vietnam Trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR28lRBBuDY Taniya Khanijow’s Vietnam Trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_ihcAwbULQ Looking out for video production services? Try Us - We take care of the entire video production process. We combine tech & process improvements with a national network of creative professionals - to produce videos fast, affordably and professionally. Visit our Website at: https://www.indievisual.in/Follow Us on:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/indievisual.in/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indievisual-in/ See more of our videos:Photosynthesis (Podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/podcasts33. Tanya Nambiar on Navigating the Voice-Over Industry | PhotoSynthesis | IndieVisual
38:25||Season 0, Ep. 33We're back with another fantastic episode of Photosynthesis! In today's episode of Photosynthesis, we are thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Tanya Nambiar. Tanya is a dynamic force, who dons multiple hats of being a voice-over artist, anchor, pop singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and mom to a lively toddler. Starting in sales and marketing, Tanya left the corporate world to chase her passion for music. She formed a band, became a voice-over artist for brands like Nescafe and Zomato, and found success. As an anchor and singer, she hosts corporate events and performs at concerts. She has singles on her YouTube channel and launched Eldiablo Sauces, offering fresh, natural sauces. In this episode, Tanya shares that being a voice-over artist requires voice acting and emoting, not just a unique voice. She discusses sub-genres like dubbing, mimicry, and voice-overs for ads and films. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding your voice and skills. The conversation covers remote work's impact on voice-over, offering more flexibility and accessibility. Tanya details the necessary technical setup: a sound card, microphone, computer, good-quality headphones, and software. The conversation also covers the wide range of voice-over work and how pricing varies by duration, platform, and budget. A huge thank you to Tanya Nambiar for sharing his insights. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Until then, keep capturing those moments that tell a thousand stories. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out Tanya Nambiar’s Works on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanya_nambiar/ Check out Tanya Nambiar’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TanyaNambiar ------------------------------------------------------------- Looking out for video production services? Try Us - We take care of the entire video production process. We combine tech & process improvements with a national network of creative professionals - to produce videos fast, affordably and professionally. Visit our Website at: https://www.indievisual.in/Follow Us on:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/indievisual.in/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indievisual-in/ See more of our videos:IndieVisual Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/videosIndieVisual Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/shortsPhotosynthesis (Podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/podcasts Stay tuned, there are many more fun and insightful chats to follow!Mayank Patel on Product Photography, AI & Stop-Motion Videography | PhotoSynthesis | IndieVisual
21:36|We're back with another fantastic episode of Photosynthesis! In today’s episode, we got candid with Mayank Patel, a young and dynamic product photographer. Mayank specializes in flat-lay photography and stop-motion videos. He's worked with big names like Lotus Professionals, Realme, Bombay Troopers and many more. The conversation initiated with how Mayank started his product photography journey right from his home, shooting different home products like shampoos, oil, etc. He talked about the integration of AI in photography and its impact on workflows and creative processes. He shared the challenges of promoting static imagery on Instagram. Mayank discussed the diverse opportunities one can explore within the realm of product photography, like product styling and lighting. He talked about his experience with stop-motion videography, and the creative opportunities it presents. He discussed the different requirements of clients in product photography. Finally, Mayank talked about his future plans and the importance of upskilling in the field of photography. A huge thank you to Mayank Patel for sharing his insights. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Until then, keep capturing those moments that tell a thousand stories. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out Mayank Patel’s Works on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayankkkpatel/?igsh=a3R2bGRqZzkyanE3 References mentioned in the podcast: Zuvamart Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/zuvamart/?igsh=MXVzMWl5dmk0a2NxYQ%3D%3D ------------------------------------------------------------- Looking out for video production services? Try Us - We take care of the entire video production process. We combine tech & process improvements with a national network of creative professionals - to produce videos fast, affordably and professionally. Visit our Website at: https://www.indievisual.in/ Follow Us on: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/indievisual.in/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indievisual-in/ See more of our videos: IndieVisual Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/videos IndieVisual Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/shorts Photosynthesis (Podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/podcasts Stay tuned, there are many more fun and insightful chats to follow!Vibhor Yadav on Building FPV Drones, & Evolving as a Photographer & Filmmaker| PhotoSynthesis | IndieVisual
49:49|We're back with another fantastic episode of Photosynthesis! In today's episode, we sat down with Vibhor Yadav, a versatile photographer and filmmaker. With an impressive portfolio spanning various industries, including interiors, lifestyle, travel, and more, he shared his opinions and experiences in the realm of visual storytelling. The conversation started with Vibhor tracing his journey in photography, starting from music and interior photography. He discussed how accessibility to photography has evolved over the years. He talked about his deep interest in the technical and design aspects of photography, specifically his expertise in drone photography. Delving into the technicalities, Vibhor also discussed the meaning and ways to get started with FPV drones, their costs, trends in FPV drone usage, and the legality of drones in India. The conversation then steered to explore the use of FPV drones and drones in brand works across various industries. Vibhor also discussed the difference between interior photography and lifestyle photography, and the sustainability of architecture photography as a career. He talked about his transition from photography to videography, discussing changes in workflow, client preferences, and the evolving landscape of online media. Vibhor discussed his documentary approach to capture moments to upkeep the authenticity and storytelling. He even underscored the importance of creating vision decks in the pre-production process to the post-production intricacies such as editing and music selection. Finally, Vibhor shared insights into the rise of phone photography and the capabilities of the latest smartphone cameras. A huge thank you to Vibhor Yadav for sharing his insights. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Until then, keep capturing those moments that tell a thousand stories. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out Vibhor Yadav’s Works on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibhor__yadav/ Check out Vibhor Yadav’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvylYAI7aT__vuEyPrD3aUQ Check out Vibhor Yadav’s Website - https://vibhoryadav.com/ Check out Vibhor Yadav’s Works onBehance - https://www.behance.net/Vibhoryadav References mentioned in the podcast: Anubis- https://anubisrc.com/ RC Mumbai- https://rcmumbai.com/ Sun Seeker App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sun-seeker-tracker-surveyor/id330247123 Epidemic - https://www.epidemicsound.com/ Artlist- https://artlist.io/ Moment lens - https://www.shopmoment.com/products/58mm-tele-lens ------------------------------------------------------------- Looking out for video production services? Try Us - We take care of the entire video production process. We combine tech & process improvements with a national network of creative professionals - to produce videos fast, affordably and professionally. Visit our Website at: https://www.indievisual.in/ Follow Us on: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/indievisual.in/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indievisual-in/ See more of our videos: IndieVisual Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/videos IndieVisual Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/shorts Photosynthesis (Podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/podcasts Stay tuned, there are many more fun and insightful chats to follow!Aniket V. Khandagale on The Art, Skills and Techniques of Cinematography | PhotoSynthesis | IndieVisual
47:43|In today's episode, we have Aniket V. Khandagale, a famous cinematographer with over 20 years of experience, working in Bollywood and the Marathi film industry. An alumnus of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India in Pune, Aniket has also worked extensively on documentaries, corporate films, television commercials and promotional videos. The conversation started with Aniket explaining the pivotal role of a cinematographer in capturing the director's vision and bringing it to life on screen. He talked about how a cinematographer collaborates with team members like the operative cameraman, lighting team, grip team, and focus puller, to achieve the desired visual aesthetics. He then discussed how different camera techniques and perspectives are used to convey the story and evoke emotions in the audience. Aniket even shared how different directors have different approaches to communication, with some directors providing detailed instructions and others leaving more room for collaboration. According to him, increased awareness and information flow have led to more collaboration and a clearer vision among directors and cinematographers. He then discussed the significance of pre-visualization in designing the look of a film. He mentioned the challenges and changes brought about by the transition from traditional film to digital filmmaking, and its implications on shooting and editing. Finally, Aniket explained the role of frame rates and motion blur in creating cinematic magic. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the traditional frame rate of 24 FPS for preserving the film look. A huge thank you to Aniket V. Khandagale for sharing his insights. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Until then, keep capturing those moments that tell a thousand stories. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- References mentioned in the podcast: PAL System: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAL NTSC System: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTSC Tom Cruise 'Motion Smoothing' PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J0Dan0WaZk ------------------------------------------------------------- Looking out for video production services? Try Us - We take care of the entire video production process. We combine tech & process improvements with a national network of creative professionals - to produce videos fast, affordably and professionally. Visit our Website at: https://www.indievisual.in/ Follow Us on: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/indievisual.in/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indievisual-in/ See more of our videos: IndieVisual Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/videos IndieVisual Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/shorts Photosynthesis (Podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@indievisual_in/podcasts Stay tuned, there are many more fun and insightful chats to follow!