Today we’d like to introduce you to Apoorva Sankar.
Hi Apoorva, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a child, my parents would recite me bedtime stories that created a new world for me. I remember living in that parallel universe with my imaginary friends and developing situations that made me believe I could talk to them and see them coming to life. Sounds crazy, right? But that’s where my visual storytelling skills began! I grew up in Mumbai, the home of Bollywood, where I understood that this world is not as pleasing as it sounds. I was just another small fish in this gigantic ocean of sharks, and I had no chance to survive! I pursued my degree in English literature, and I studied some exciting topics like The Victorian Age, Modern Literature, Gender studies, and my visual story skills flashed back at me. I began writing my own short stories and asked a few friends to shoot them for me. I was no expert, but the process of collaboration made me realize that creativity has no bounds. I joined a Film course where I did my diploma in filmmaking.
I learned editing and primary visual effects. I was awed by the simplicity and technical balance that an editor contributes to a film. The beauty of carving a movie in post-production made me realize that this was my way of storytelling to an audience. I started volunteering with NGOs and helped them with short films. I worked on my friend’s projects and refined the short films that I’d made. I loved the process of finding themes, music, effects, and a rhythm for my work. I was still a new-bee in this world, and I began watching independent films to broaden my knowledge about movies. I started applying to various film schools hoping that this dream of mine could come true. I finally got an email saying that I was selected for the Film Production program with Editing Emphasis at Dodge College of Media Arts. My vision opened to an entirely new level. I began my creative journey as an editor and collaborated on several projects with my peers. I understood the dynamics of different creative minds coming together to make a film. I got to edit contemporary work and documentaries.
Last year I was part of the post-production team of the film “Birds without Wings,” which advanced to the finalist of the Student Academy. It was a significant milestone in my work and pushed me to work harder. I also worked on a TV pilot, “The House,” which is currently playing many festivals, and finished my thesis film, In a Dire strait which will be on the festival runs soon!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My journey has been a rollercoaster ride with many steep downfalls but slow progressions too! When I was applying for film schools, I received some rejections that clearly stated that my application wasn’t the right fit. I began to doubt myself and wondered, “Is this something I want to do?” Maybe I wasn’t good enough to be a part of this industry. I had no film background anyway, and neither did I have anyone to guide me with this process. As a kid, I always believed there was a certain age to study, find a job, earn money and be self-sufficient. And this is a myth! My parents helped me change my perspective and asked me to believe in myself before thinking about others! I finally began to find my purpose and the contribution that I can give to this industry. It is hard to stay away from your loved ones, and being an international student made me realize my family’s values. The security and comfort are priceless when you compare it to staying alone with people you barely know! It took me a while to adjust to the idea of being away and still being focused and independent. But soon, with time and support, I realized that I am learning to be self-sufficient through this process. It is always heartbreaking to see your family on a tiny screen, but the love and support from them remain constant, which is my driving force towards my goal. My journey is nothing without my struggles, and I’ve learned to embrace them along my way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an editor and recently graduated in Film Production with an Editing Emphasis at Dodge College of Media Arts. I’ve worked more on narrative shorts and found my new interest in documentary editing. I love how editing changes the tone and structure of a film. Along with editing, I enjoy the production and the attention to detail that the crew contributes to ensuring that the end product is successful. I enjoy working with my peers as a script supervisor and being an assistant to understand the industry’s workflow.
The process of editing a documentary was a different experience altogether. Here, I had to construct the narrative from scratch and create a story from the footage provided to me. For me, editing is not blindly following continuity but creating new perspectives for the director. The process of being involved with the script is the best feeling ever. I love experimenting with different cutting styles to understand the emotions of the characters. I still feel I have so much more to do and understand! But the best part about this industry is, you always have people who inspire you, and the learning never stops!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Sometimes I come out as a rugged exterior personality, and I tend to be hard to approach people who don’t know me but trust me, I’m the complete opposite! I love interacting with people who have different opinions to offer and give me perspectives. I usually believe in putting myself out and just observing people around me. Since I’ve grown out of my teenage years, I realize the value and importance of people and the reason they invest time with you! If you ever meet me in person, I look grumpy but I am always up for a cup of coffee and endless conversation, haha!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://apoorvasankar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apoorvasankar/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apoorva.sankar
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/spliceitupp
