Daily Inspiration: Meet Krish Thakkar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krish Thakkar.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
India has been a hotbed of talent and creativity, producing some of the world’s finest filmmakers. My narrative begins in a small town named Ghatkopar in Mumbai, India, where I was a regular student with high hopes. I’ve always had a great love of stories and a keen interest in films. However, my family’s career constraints made pursuing a career in filmmaking appear to be an unattainable dream at first. My parents wanted me to become an engineer initially, but when I went up to them and said that this is what I want, I want to become a filmmaker, they were baffled to the core, but eventually, they said that go pursue your dream, we are right behind you. With stars in my eyes and a burning passion for storytelling, I decided to embark on a journey by enrolling in a renowned film school in Mumbai named Whistling Woods International (WWI) which is a renowned film school located in Mumbai, India. It was founded in 2006 by acclaimed filmmaker Subhash Ghai and is known for providing comprehensive education and training in various aspects of the film, media, and creative arts industries. The days were filled with lectures, workshops, and practical assignments that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I delved into the rich history of Indian cinema, studying the works of legendary filmmakers who had left an indelible mark on the industry by understanding the power of cinema as a medium of social commentary and artistic expression.

After graduating from film school, I worked on multiple projects as an editor, director and cinematographer but one of the biggest success in my career became working on the world’s most renowned tv show which is produced by ABC Studios named “Shark Tank” which was coming in India for its pilot season and was powered by Sony TV, I got to work on it as an assistant creative director, Shark Tank was the show where I actually saw how the magic was being done in USA and especially in Los Angeles so I set my sights on attending the prestigious New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. However, the path to my dream school was far from easy, filled with numerous challenges and setbacks. I dedicated countless hours perfecting my portfolio, crafting compelling essays, and preparing for the rigorous admissions process at NYFA. I knew that admission into this renowned institution would be a significant stepping stone toward achieving my filmmaking aspirations. The New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus finally recognized my talent, passion, and potential, offering me an opportunity to study in the heart of the industry I deeply admired. Everything was on track and I had also managed to achieve a scholarship that took the burden off me for the tuition payment but the remaining amount of tuition and managing my stay in Los Angeles with such a high rent became difficult and before getting to Los Angeles my dream started to shatter, that’s when my uncle who has lived in Los Angeles for about 20 years stepped in as he saw the talent, dedication, and passion for my chosen path, understood the importance of providing me with the means to pursue my dreams, with a strong belief in my abilities, my uncle selflessly decided to become a guarantor for my student loan and apart from that welcomed me to his house to stay for the span of my course, my uncle and my aunt takes care of me like their own children which became a comfort zone in Los Angeles.

But who knew that with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The journey I embarked on as an international student studying in Los Angeles, I faced a new set of challenges, adapting to a different cultural environment, building a support network, and navigating the fast-paced and competitive film industry which was way advanced than what I have seen back in my country, but instead of getting demotivated I discovered the immense value of being surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared my passion for storytelling. Collaborating with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, I learned to appreciate different perspectives, cultural influences, and artistic styles. Through this exchange of ideas, I expanded my creative horizons and honed my craft. The experience of studying in Los Angeles allowed me to explore the vibrant film community that thrived in the city. I attended industry events, film festivals, and networking opportunities, connecting with professionals who had achieved success in the industry I aspired to ace in.

All I could say is I am standing on the lands of Los Angeles because of my parents and my extended family and working hard towards my dream to become one of the world’s renowned filmmakers. My parents believed in my talent, dedication, and ability to overcome obstacles. With their unwavering support, they instilled in me a deep sense of confidence and belief as well. Financial constraints often loomed as a significant hurdle, but my parents became my pillars of strength. They made sacrifices, meticulously saving and rearranging their finances to ensure that I could receive a quality education in filmmaking. Their sacrifices became a testament to their unwavering belief in my talent and potential. Not only did my parents provide financial support, but they also offered invaluable emotional encouragement. During moments of self-doubt and creative struggles, they were always there to lend a listening ear, offer words of wisdom, and provide unwavering support. They became my sounding board, providing constructive feedback and nurturing my creative growth.

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?
In a world filled with dreams and aspirations, I set my sights on pursuing my passion for filmmaking by attending a renowned film school in Los Angeles. Little did I know that the path to my dreams would be paved with numerous challenges and hurdles that would test my resilience and commitment. The first struggle I encountered was the daunting task of choosing the right film school. With a plethora of options available, each with its own strengths and specialties, I had to carefully research and evaluate my choices. Factors such as the curriculum, faculty, industry connections, and location weighed heavily on my decision. The pressure to make the right choice weighed on me, as I knew that the school I chose would shape my future and education in the film industry. Financial constraints emerged as another significant obstacle for me. Film schools often come with a hefty price tag, and I had to navigate the complex world of student loans, scholarships, and grants to make my dream a reality. The process was overwhelming, and I had to tirelessly search for funding options, apply for scholarships, and juggle multiple part-time jobs to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Once I was admitted to film school, a new set of challenges awaited me. The workload was intense and demanding, with long hours dedicated to classes, film projects, and practical assignments. Balancing my academic commitments, hands-on filmmaking experiences, and personal life became a juggling act that required meticulous time management and unwavering dedication.

Criticism and rejection were constant companions on my journey. As a student filmmaker, I had to be open to feedback, both positive and negative, in order to grow and improve my craft. However, the process of receiving constructive criticism and facing rejection from faculty and peers could be disheartening and challenging to overcome. I had to develop resilience and embrace feedback as a means of personal and artistic growth.

Through my perseverance and determination, I began to see my hard work pay off. Each film project completed, each positive review received, and each connection made in the industry fueled my determination to overcome the struggles I encountered along the way. I knew that my journey as a student going to film school was not just about acquiring technical knowledge but also about developing my unique artistic voice and finding my place in the vast world of filmmaking.

My story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, dedication, and unwavering passion. Despite the challenges, I remained steadfast on my path, knowing that every struggle was shaping me into the filmmaker I aspired to be. The journey was tough, but the reward of bringing my stories to life made it all worthwhile.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Being in a film school in Mumbai and in Los Angeles, I worked on numerous short films along with some of the big projects casted by Sony Television in association with the ABC Studios reality show Shark Tank and a few other reality shows in India powered by Sony as well. namely “India’s Best Dancer.” In my bachelor’s degree, I specialized in visual effects and I bachelor of science in Film Making in Whistling Woods International and I am currently enrolled in New York Film Academy in Los Angeles where I am pursuing my degree named “MA in Film And Media Productions.” I am most proud about my role as an assistant creative director on Shark Tank and as a VFX artist on a feature film named “The Missing Face”. Building relationships with industry professionals, attending industry events, and securing internships required stepping out of my comfort zone and overcoming feelings of self-doubt. I had to muster the courage to introduce myself, share my work, and convince others of my talent and potential which is what I am proud of the most.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Start with what you have: Don’t wait for the perfect equipment or a big budget to start making films. Use the resources you have available, whether it’s a smartphone, a basic camera, or even borrowed equipment. Focus on developing your storytelling skills and creativity. Remember, it’s the story that matters most. Learn by doing: Filmmaking is a hands-on craft, so the best way to learn is through practice. Start making short films, even if they’re just a few minutes long. Experiment with different genres, techniques, and styles. Each project will teach you something new and help you grow as a filmmaker.

Collaborate with others: Filmmaking is a collaborative art form. Seek out fellow aspiring filmmakers, actors, writers, and crew members to collaborate with. Surround yourself with a team of passionate individuals who share your vision. Collaborating will not only enhance your films but also create a support system as you navigate the challenges of the industry.

Embrace feedback and criticism: Feedback is essential for growth. Be open to constructive criticism from mentors, peers, and audiences. Learn to separate your work from your personal identity and take feedback as an opportunity to improve. Remember that not all feedback may resonate with you, but being receptive to different perspectives can help you refine your craft.

Study the masters: Watch films from different eras, genres, and countries. Study the work of acclaimed directors, cinematographers, and screenwriters. Analyze their techniques, storytelling methods, and visual styles. This will expand your creative palette and inspire you to develop your own unique voice.

Continuously learn and adapt: The film industry is ever-evolving, with new technologies, trends, and platforms emerging regularly. Stay updated with the latest advancements, industry news, and film festivals. Attend workshops, seminars, and film-related events to expand your knowledge and network with industry professionals.

Network and build relationships: Filmmaking is as much about who you know as it is about what you know. Attend industry events, join filmmaker associations, and engage with like-minded individuals. Building relationships with fellow filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals can open doors to opportunities and collaborations.

Persevere and stay passionate: Filmmaking is a challenging and competitive field. There will be setbacks, rejections, and moments of self-doubt. Stay committed to your passion, persevere through the tough times, and maintain a strong work ethic. The journey may be demanding, but your love for filmmaking will keep you motivated to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

I wish I had not done the same mistake as every beginner filmmakers make; it is that they underestimate the significance of thorough pre-production planning. Taking the time to develop a solid script, create storyboards, scout locations, and assemble a talented crew can greatly enhance the quality of your film. Proper pre-production sets the foundation for a smoother production process, but eventually every filmmaker does get a hang of it in the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfeY1Ziz88D8MyF03MfOHAw
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/krish_tt_12?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krish.thakkar.98?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krish-thakkar-6a22641ba
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThakkarKri27767
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=25aLVpoEuqWCPxiW6d7Onw&utm_source=ishare