Today we’d like to introduce you to Apoorva Choudhary
Hi Apoorva, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I come from an academically inclined family where everyone is a doctor, but my love for storytelling and visuals was sparked during family movie nights watching classic films every Saturday. This passion led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Delhi School of Arts and Commerce, followed by a master’s in Cultural, Media, and Governance from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. I later earned an MFA in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, where I honed my skills in storytelling, production design, and filmmaking.
Along the way, I worked on student films at NYFA and UCLA and collaborated with organizations like The Cinema Junkies, Un Collective, and Wrightway Enterprises as a freelancer. I’ve gained experience in set dressing, prop procurement, and production design for over 17 films and high-profile projects, including Rooh on Netflix and White Vinigga.
Now, with over eight years of production experience in Los Angeles, I specialize in creating visually compelling environments for horror and comedy films. It’s been a journey of learning, adapting, and connecting with the vibrant LA production community, and I’m grateful to be doing what I love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been plenty of struggles along the way. Coming from a family where everyone is a doctor, it was tough to break away from the conventional path and pursue something as unpredictable as filmmaking. When I started, I had no connections in the industry, so getting my foot in the door was a challenge.
I’ve worked on tight budgets, long hours, and projects where I had to stretch every resource to make things work. Balancing freelancing gigs while being on an F1 visa has been tricky—it’s a constant hustle to prove myself and secure opportunities. Working in a field that demands creativity while navigating the technicalities of unions, permits, and financial constraints has been overwhelming at times.
Despite all this, I’ve learned to adapt and stay resilient. Each struggle has taught me something valuable, and it’s made the successes feel even more rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a production designer specializing in set design, prop procurement, and creating visually compelling environments for films. My work focuses on crafting immersive worlds that bring stories to life, particularly in horror and comedy, my favorite genres. Over the years, I’ve worked on 17 films in the art department and collaborated with high-profile clients like Sephora, Tony Pizza, and platforms like Netflix (Rooh).
What I’m most proud of is my ability to tell a story through the details of a set—whether it’s the eerie, unsettling mood for a horror scene or the quirky charm of a comedic setting. One project that stands out is White Vinigga, where I worked as an Assistant Director and played a crucial role in blending visual storytelling with character arcs.
What sets me apart is my combination of creativity and resourcefulness. I’m great at planning and organizing, which helps me source unique props and design solutions even under tight budgets and timelines. My network with local suppliers, thrift stores, and rental houses lets me find the perfect items to make each project stand out. Beyond that, my experience navigating the LA production scene and understanding the technicalities of permits, labor laws, and budgeting allows me to execute projects smoothly from start to finish.
Ultimately, I love being able to contribute to a film’s narrative through my craft, and I’m always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of storytelling through design.
How do you define success?
For me, success is about being able to create work that I’m proud of while staying true to my passion for storytelling. It’s not just about big achievements or accolades—it’s about the small wins along the way, like nailing the perfect set design, collaborating with a talented team, or overcoming a challenge on a project.
Success also means growth—continuously learning, refining my craft, and taking on projects that push me creatively. It’s about building meaningful connections in the industry and contributing to stories that resonate with audiences.
Ultimately, success is feeling fulfilled in what I do, knowing that my work has made a positive impact on a film or the people I’ve collaborated with. If I can look back and see how far I’ve come, while still being excited for what’s ahead, that’s success to me.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
@shotbypranavmehta
@kushagrajain
