Creativity and vision are essential traits in film business,” says filmmaker, Shriya Rana

In recent years, filmmaking has emerged as one of the popular career choices of students in India. What was considered to be a career option only for the students belonging to metropolitan cities has now found its place in small cities too. In addition, young people hailing from small towns are making it big in the media and film domains, within the country and globally. Based out of Sarkaghat, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Shriya Rana is one such face who has worked in different Hollywood projects and made a place for herself in the American film industry.

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During her MBA programme, when her batchmates were planning to enter the corporate world, Shriya decided to take a different dive and joined a film internship. This decision of interning in a production house changed her life and she planned to move to Los Angeles to study filmmaking. Her ride was not smooth, it had several bumps. When she joined the film school she had no idea about the basics of the camera and the technicalities involved. She started working as a Gallery Ambassador at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Hammer Museum while attending evening classes in the film school.

Over a short span of time, Shriya has worn various hats under different roles. She has directed eight and produced ten films, with many of them being selected for the prestigious film festivals. She believes that in order to become a good filmmaker one should be creative, visionary and open to new ideas. In a conversation with Careers360, she candidly shares what it takes to be a good filmmaker and speaks up about what led her to find a career in the creative industry.

Careers360: Tell us something about your journey? Coming from a family of professors and defence personnel, how did you land up in filmmaking?

Shriya: Hailing from a family of teachers, one would think the options would be few and paths would be predetermined but that’s not how it works in my family. Growing up, while people were more focused on academics, I was doing things I used to love. I’d paint if I felt like painting, dance if I wanted to dance, I’d sing if I felt like singing and my parents would always encourage me. I used to participate in every competition in school but because I was doing well in academics, I could never really think of a career as an artist. So, like other Indian kids, I did engineering and then went on to do MBA from HPU Shimla. While everyone around me was content, it wasn’t enough for me.

In the second year of MBA, while my peers were getting ready to face the world, I noticed this feeling of dissatisfaction, and my heart wanted something more. I was learning dance and music already, so I thought of giving filmmaking a try. I started looking for film internships and decided to give myself three months for this. This interesting choice to intern at a production house instead of the regular MBA options turned my life upside down. I learned a lot there. More than what you should do, I learned what not to do. It did leave a sour taste but also sort of opened my eyes to two major things - first, how to market and sell yourself as well as your property. And second, that a movie is made thrice, first when it’s written, second when it’s made and third, in during the post-production time. I wanted to be a part of the whole thing, from conception to completion. It was then that I realized my true inner calling. But since I didn’t have any contacts, I chose to figure things out myself. I reached out to former students of the New York Film Academy, asked a gazillion questions, understood the curriculum, how things worked in Hollywood and moved to Los Angeles.

Careers360: Would you like to share your film school experience with us? What are your key learnings and how did it help shape your career?

Shriya: Going to film school is one of the best decisions I ever made. I got to work with people from all over the world. While most of my classmates were photographers, actors, screenwriters or somehow related to entertainment and media, I was the only one who had nothing to do with entertainment at all. It took me a while to reach their level but my instructors pushed me and I was able to catch up. I was fortunate enough to learn from the best in the business. What could be better than learning cinematography from one of the best DP - David A. Armstrong and learning documentaries from one of the best documentary directors - Brett Morgen.The most important thing that I learned is that this is a people business.

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Careers360: What inspired you to become a filmmaker? Growing up, who were the filmmakers you were inspired by?

Shriya: When I was growing up, it was more about the actors. Even though I was curious about the filmmaking process, I never really thought about the filmmakers. I would watch any type of movie and read everything about movies. I’m a big fan of horror films but I don’t discriminate and love a good story irrespective of the genre. I think for a lot of people it starts with horror but as you grow up and understand life and films better you realize there’s much more to life than adrenaline and cheap thrills. It happened to me when I started directing. I started valuing simplicity. Making simple stories impactful is the hardest thing to do. I really admire Indian filmmakers like Basu Chatterjee and Shekhar Kapur but my current favorites are Mike Flanagan, Quentin Tarantino, Emerald Fennell and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Careers360: As someone who comes from a non-filmy background, what hardships did you face while entering the world of cinema or was it a smooth ride?

Shriya: After moving to Los Angeles, I noticed a clear cultural clash — it was a different lifestyle, something I wasn’t accustomed to at first, so I had to work harder, try harder. Now, I’m pretty outspoken, but sometimes change can be overwhelming. It took me a while but I prepped myself and brushed-up my cursory knowledge to face this new world. When I figured all that out and could see myself adjusting and adhering to practices, I realized the cost of living the second time was way too high than I had anticipated. I started working as a Gallery Ambassador at UCLA’s Hammer Museum in the mornings while attending school in the evenings. It’s probably the best decision I’ve taken in my time here in Los Angeles as it not only helped me monetarily but taught me customer service and kept my spine upright about discipline and duty. This in turn gave me an extra boost to go out and intern at “Brett-Morgan’s” Public Road Productions, socialize, explore, network, meet more people and finally to make movies with all of them. I had been laser-focused on the end game, only to realize there’s never going to be one. It’s the journey that counts, the ups and downs, living and breathing around artists and the pleasure of spinning meaningful, fun tales.

Careers360: The first assignment is always the most memorable one. Would you like to share some memories from your first project? How did you grab your first opportunity?

Shriya: My first project was a class assignment and it was scary. I was handed a shoulder mounted camera and was asked to track the movement, all this on my first day on a set. While most of the people knew their way around the camera I knew nothing. I was just observing and learning. The shoot was basic but for someone with zero camera skills, it was too overwhelming. I somehow managed to get through the day but by the end of the shoot I knew it’s not going to be a cakewalk and I need to be strong both mentally and physically.

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Careers360: Tell us something about your work and the kind of projects you have undertaken so far.

Shriya: In the last four years, I have worked on over 20 films, all in different genres. I have written and directed eight films and have produced over ten. My films have been played in around 30 film festivals all around the globe. My recent film AYESHA has secured over 16 official selections and four awards, which includes the “Audience Choice Award” at the prestigious UCLAxFilmFest 2021, and many other festivals, namely, Marina Del Rey Film Festival, Capri Hollywood Film Festival and so forth. AYESHA is my most successful film for which I even bagged the “Best Director” award twice.

I’m currently working with a credible crew of filmmakers on various projects, both in film and TV. I also served as the production coordinator at CBS Studios where I worked on primetime and late-night shows like The Good Wife, Equalizer, The Amazing Race, Twin Peaks, NCIS, Young Sheldon, and many more. I had the opportunity to work with the best team and contribute to the launch of “Paramount Plus” and Grammy’s 2021. Working on the launch of “Paramount Plus” will always be the highlight of this job for me.

Careers360: As it’s been a while for you to be in the US now, what difference do you feel in the pre-COVID and post-COVID period in terms of getting work/projects?

Shriya: It was a really hard time for everyone and it did affect a lot of productions. I also lost a lot of work due to COVID but what I learned from this is that “Creativity never stops”. I watched some amazing movies and listened to the best music which came out during the pandemic. Things are getting better and shoots are back to normal now. There is a COVID safety protocol that everybody follows on the sets.

Careers360: Do you think it’s necessary for an individual to undergo film school training to become a good filmmaker? What parameters should one consider while choosing a film school?

Shriya: I don’t think it’s necessary but it definitely makes things easier. If I were from Mumbai, I’m not sure if I’d have gone to film school. In big cities like these, you get to meet people working in the film industry. If you know people you can easily make connections, get work and be around filmmakers but if you are someone like me who has no connections and no film background, the only way to be in this business is through film schools. If it wasn’t for film school, I don’t think I’d have ever been on a film set. Choose your school depending on the industry you want to work in. If you want to work in Hindi films, find a school in Mumbai and if you want to work in Hollywood, find a school in Los Angeles or New York.

Careers360: What are some of the most important skills required to become a good filmmaker or storyteller?

Shriya: To be a good filmmaker, you need to be a creative person as it’s impossible to make films without creativity. You have to invest your time in understanding the range of filmmaking specialties. You should be flexible and open to ideas from the people involved in the process. As a filmmaker, whether you’re hoping to work as a director, producer, post-production coordinator, or otherwise, you need the creative talent to be able to visualize the production of a film. The filmmaking process requires vision from everyone involved. If you’re both creative and flexible, you can always find a way to contribute as a filmmaker, whether you are a beginner or a pro.

Careers360: How do you compare film schools like NYFA and UCLA with the ones present in India? Why did you choose to study filmmaking outside the country?

Shriya: I can’t really compare the schools because I don’t know about Indian film schools. I can only talk about the schools I have been to. NYFA gave me clarity in terms of what segment of filmmaking I was attracted to, and it was directing. Once I was clear about that, I took direction at UCLA. These schools change your mindset and when you get to meet amazing people from all over the world who share the same dream, to be heard. Loud and clear. You get more focused. When I was doing my research, I realized that good Indian film schools either had limited seats or were super expensive. Apart from the fee, I could never imagine myself renting an apartment in Mumbai and not working.

Careers360: How do you rate both the institutes in terms of industry tie-ups, placing students for internships, use of technology and practical learning?

Shriya: Both are big schools in Los Angeles so they do have industry tie-ups and other opportunities. NYFA and UCLA have great faculty, use new technology and focus on practical learning. It also depends on the programme you are planning to do. I did filmmaking from NYFA and Direction at UCLA

Careers360: How did you manage your schedule while working at UCLA’s Hammer Museum and attending film school both at the same time?

Shriya: I started working in UCLA’s Hammer Museum as a gallery ambassador in the mornings and took film school classes in the evening to get monetary support. It just not only helped me financially but also taught me customer service and how to be disciplined. It strengthened her inner will to join an internship at “Brett-Morgan’s” Public Road Productions.

Careers360: What key differences do you realize between the US and the Indian film industry? If given a chance, would you ever think of doing a project in India?

Shriya: I’d love to work in India. Both industries are very different but one thing that surprised me when I moved here was that everyone here talks about the film business. Even if you are not from films you know about the filmmakers, the cast and the studios, while in India it’s more about the actors or the directors. Filmmakers don’t get enough credit. Although films like Andhadhun have set a trend for unique plots and concepts with commercial success at the box office, films like Tumbbad, Bhavesh Joshi, Panga, Pataakha, Soni still haven’t been recognized. We still don’t talk about directors like Ashwini Iyer, Anand Gandhi, Ivan Ayr. Another difference is that the content here is very original. We have so many talented filmmakers in India but sadly their work doesn’t reach the masses as they don’t get enough theaters. I hope to see things getting better for people behind the camera in India.

Careers360: What is your idea of choosing a script? What kind of stories excite you the most?

Shriya: I like stories that resonate with people. Regardless of the genre, I like stories that make you think. Real stories about real people.

Careers360: From here, where would Shriya Rana go further (maybe in the next 5-10 years)?

Shriya: In five years, I want to have worked on projects for major studios. It won’t be easy but I’ll try my best.

Careers360: What advice would you give to the budding filmmakers? What all things should one keep in mind while choosing a project?

Shriya: Don't worry about the technique. Don’t stress too much about the equipment. It’s more about the story you want to tell and the way you tell it. Try to identify your style first, rest of it is easy.

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