Check Out Shranjay Arora’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shranjay Arora.

Hi Shranjay, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had this itch to tell stories. I didn’t really know what form it was gonna take, at one point it was making short videos on my phone, other times it was drawing, or just watching movies way too closely. I think I was just trying to understand people, emotions, and moments in time.

I grew up in India and eventually found myself in Los Angeles, where I studied at the New York Film Academy. That’s where I got hands-on a film set and instantly fell in love. It wasn’t some big planned journey, I just kept following what felt right. I started working as a freelance Director, Editor, and Cinematographer just figuring it out as I went. No fancy connections, no safety net, just a lot of showing up and trying to make it work.

Right now, I’m doing a mix of things, working in film and also building this online world. It’s a blend of gaming, storytelling, and community. In a time and age where entertainment is constantly evolving, I love being able to experiment and try new things. Whether it’s a short film, an intriguing animated stream character, or a mini-documentary inside a video game, I’m just curious about what else is possible.

I’m working towards creating a space where people feel like they belong. Whether it’s through a story, a laugh, or a quiet moment, I want it to feel honest and authentic. That’s what I’m after.

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?
Definitely not a smooth road. I don’t think it’s meant to be one. Especially when you’re trying to do something creative and personal – there’s gonna be a lot of friction.

There were moments when I had no idea how I was gonna make rent, or whether I was even on the right path. Being a foreigner in the creative industry in LA comes with its own set of challenges such as cultural barriers, lack of network, and not always being fully understood. And then there’s the self-doubt that creeps in when things are quiet and you compare yourself to others.

I’ve been let go from sets, had gear break down at the worst times, and had projects fall apart at the very last minute. But I think all of it has forced me to get more resourceful, more patient, and weirdly – more grateful. Every “failure” pushed me to redefine success on my own terms.

At the end of the day, the biggest challenge has been staying true to myself while finding the balance between making things that matter and making a living doing what I love.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear a few different hats as a creative. I’m a director, cinematographer, editor, and a bit of a mad scientist when it comes to creative storytelling. I work across films, branded content, music videos, and more recently, I’m diving deep into digital storytelling through platforms like YouTube and Twitch. It’s a mix of filmmaking, gaming, and this evolving animated character I’m building to bring something real and fun to the space.

I think if there’s one thing I specialize in, it’s emotional storytelling, trying to capture something real, whether it’s a 30-second scene or a longer narrative. I’m drawn to moments that feel lived-in. A lot of my work plays with mood, light, and pacing. I want the viewer to feel something, not just watch.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a specific project, it’s that I’ve built all this from scratch. No roadmap, no big breaks, just a lot of figuring it out as I go and staying true to myself through it all. I’ve worked on everything from indie sets where we’re taping things together with gaffer tape to high-end productions with full crews. Each one taught me something new.

What probably sets me apart is that I don’t see myself locked into one path. In a world where everything is shifting so fast, like how we watch and how we connect with the world. I’m constantly experimenting. I like taking risks. I like mixing genres, tones, and even mediums. One day, it’s a music video, and the next day, I’m editing gameplay footage like a short film. I think that curiosity and restlessness make my work stand out from the crowd.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Yeah, 100%. I wouldn’t be here without the people who believed in me at times when I didn’t even believe in myself. I’ve had a few mentors along the way. Some official, most unofficial. These are people who took a chance on me, gave me a shot, or said the right thing at the right time.

One of my first real mentors taught me how to trust the process, even when it feels like nothing’s working. I’ve had DPs and directors who shared knowledge freely, producers who vouched for me, and friends who showed up to help on shoot days without asking for anything in return. My brother has been one of my biggest supporters, always reminding me that what I do has value, even when it doesn’t show up in a paycheck right away.

And my parents, honestly, they’ve been the quiet force behind it all. They’ve supported this rollercoaster of a career from day one. Even when they didn’t fully understand the industry or the path I was on, they stood behind me and let me figure it out. That kind of unconditional support is rare, and I don’t take it for granted.

Also, massive credit to the people I’ve collaborated with over the years, Producers, actors, writers, editors, sound designers, ADs, and crew members who made long days feel lighter. This field is not a solo act, and every great moment on screen has a team of people behind it making it happen.

And honestly? Even the people who doubted me or walked away, they taught me something too. Sometimes the push you need comes from proving to yourself that you can still stand when people stop clapping.

Pricing:

• Directing / DP (narrative or branded): Starting at $800/day
• Editing (short-form content, trailers, reels): Starting at $500/project
• Creative consulting / story development: Custom, based on scope
• For custom projects or collaborations, reach out through – contact.shranjay@gmail.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shranjayarora.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shranjayarora/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shranjayarora
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shranjayarora/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11143773

Image Credits
zeel sangoi
kate asmus