How to prepare yourself for a career in film-making
How to prepare yourself for a career in film-making
In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Tushar Singhal, Chief Assistant Director and Script Supervisor at Rising Sun Films Pvt. He has worked on impressive films like Vicky Donor, Pink, Piku, Gulabo Sitabo, Madras Cafe, and October.
Tushar shares his personal experiences working on various films and how each project has taught him valuable lessons that have stayed with him throughout his career. A must-see episode for aspiring filmmakers.
Description:
Welcome to The Zista Podcast!
In this episode, Tushar Singhal deep dives into the filmmaking industry. Tushar is the Chief Assistant Director and Script Supervisor at Rising Sun Films Pvt. Ltd. He has worked on some amazing films like Vicky Donor, Pink, Piku, Gulabo Sitabo, Madras Cafe, and October. Tushar emphasizes the importance of mastering at least two fields within filmmaking and talks about the different departments within filmmaking, including direction, acting, editing, writing, and camera. He also talks about his experience working on various films and how each one has given him something that has stayed with him.
Key Takeaways:
- Filmmaking is an art form that allows for creative expression and storytelling.
- The democratization of filmmaking has made it easier for anyone to create content.
- The different departments in filmmaking include direction, acting, editing, writing, and camera.
- It is important to master at least two of these fields to be an effective filmmaker.
- Good institutes for learning about cinema include FTII, SRFTI, and Whistling Woods.
- Attending a filmmaking course offers access to knowledge, inspiration, and a network of colleagues.
- Filmmaking institutes encourage collaboration and provide a holding space for aspiring filmmakers.
Q: What Tushar Singhal said about the films he has worked on
Each film that Tushar has been involved in, has left a lasting impact on him. For instance, while working on Vicky Donor, he gained insights into how stress affects men. With Madras Cafe, he was able to delve deeper into a historical event involving a young Prime Minister and his assassination in India. He also emphasizes that every film is not merely a documentary, but a creative means of presenting one’s perspective.
Q: Is filmmaking an art form?
Filmmaking as an avenue for artistic expression through which a message can be conveyed and presented in a creative manner, leading to a gratifying experience for all involved in the storytelling process.
Q: How has the democratization of the filmmaking industry impacted the creation of content?
The democratization of the filmmaking industry has made it easier for people to create content even without good gear or professional experience. There is a big indie movement, and user-generated content has become more popular. People can now use their mobile phones to express themselves creatively and beautifully. This has also led to the popularity of platforms like YouTube, which relies largely on user-generated content.
Q: What are the different departments within filmmaking?
The different departments within filmmaking include direction, acting, editing, writing, and camera. While it is possible for one person to perform all these roles, it is more common for a team of professionals from different fields to collaborate on a film. To be an effective filmmaker, it is important to master at least two of these fields. Doing so allows you to play your specific role better, and helps understand how you can support other departments and technicians.
Q: What are some of the good institutes where students can learn about cinema?
Some good institutes for learning about cinema include the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), and Whistling Woods. These institutes offer two to three-year courses that provide exposure to the historical journey of cinema and a network of colleagues, professors, and most importantly, inspiration. For those unable to attend such institutes, online courses offered by FTII are also an option. These courses provide an opportunity to work collaboratively with others and can result in the creation of cinematic outputs; short films for instance.
Q: What are the benefits of enrolling in a filmmaking institute?
Enrolling in a filmmaking institute offers several benefits, including access to professors who provide knowledge and inspiration, exposure to a conducive, creative environment and a network of like-minded peers. The culture of such institutes encourages collaboration and provides a holding space for aspiring filmmakers.
Q: What is the role of a director in filmmaking?
The primary role directors play, is to bring the vision of the film to life. They need to lead the way and be clear about what they want. They must own the craft and be aware of what they want to create. Directors work with actors and the production crew to ensure that the vision is executed properly. They are responsible for ensuring that everyone on the set is clear about their roles and responsibilities and that the production is running smoothly. In short, a director is the captain of the ship, and it is their job to ensure that the ship reaches its destination.
Q: What is the role of a script supervisor on a film set?
The script supervisor’s role is to listen to the dialogues, ensure that no important dialogue is missed. They also work closely with the director, look at performances and action continuity. They take over from the writer and handle the script on set. They are responsible for rehearsing with the actors and ensuring that the script is executed correctly. Script supervisors play a critical role in ensuring that the director’s vision is realized on screen.
Q: What is the role of a production manager on a film set?
A production manager’s role is to ensure that the set is running on schedule, and that everything is executed smoothly. They are responsible for coordinating with all the departments on the set and ensuring that everyone is working together efficiently. They have the right to tell the director if they are running slow, as the set is their responsibility. They are answerable to producers, manage the budgets and must justify if there is an extension of shifts.
