Conversations with A.Shoaib Khan

Today we’d like to introduce you to A.Shoaib Khan

Hi A.Shoaib, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It started about three years ago when I moved to LA to study filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in Burbank. Since then I’ve been working on countless short films and music videos in various capacities trying to hone my craft and skills.
As of now I’m in my last semester before I graduate and dive headfirst into the industry which can seem like a daunting task.
I remember when I first got here though I didn’t even know how to open a C-Stand or understand all the various complexities and considerations that would go into filming something.
With time and perseverance my skillset grew to where I’m at now and I fully intend to get better and better.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle has been the self doubt. The brain telling itself you can’t do something or you’re way in over your head for attempting. I didn’t grow up with a lot of self confidence which would shock many people who know me now but I used to be a very closed off and overthinking individual.
With time and patience for my own myself however, I’ve learnt to approach life with confidence and a can do attitude. You can always surprise yourself, your ceiling is wherever you decide to put it.

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?
Well I think my position dictates how I interact with my work. If I’m directing I need to be able to sculpt the elements I need for my film while I’m on set. I need to be an effective communicator and visionary and above all else a collaborator and captain.
If I’m Assistant Directing which I’ve loved more and more with each opportunity I realise I need to maintain order and motion. Ultimately I am in service of my director and what they need from the day I must ensure takes place. This can be tricky because of the people and time management. The balance of striking being liked whilst also telling artists they don’t have more than 5 minutes to finish up their craft before I’m cutting them off can be tough. Thankfully I’ve gotten a lot better at it!
Likewise any role I serve comes with it’s mental guidebooks and caveats it’s just a matter of leaning into the role than anything else.
The work I’m most proud of right now are the short films currently doing the festival rounds. To see the hustle that went into making them and the appreciation their receiving warms my heart.
I think what sets me apart is just the ability to adapt quickly to whatever is thrown my way whilst also thinking like a director to help understand and guide those I’m in collaboration with.

What matters most to you?
On a deeply personal level relationships are everything to me. I think the time spent with people and the sharing of thoughts and memories is perhaps one of the most delicate and sweetest parts of life. I want to cherish them and hold them up to the importance I find within them.
On a professional level I just want to work on projects that are able to move people or find some relatability or escape in some way. If I can make it so that I wrote or worked on someone’s favourite film or show then I will have succeeded in my quest.
I think about how much I love ‘Past Lives’ by Celine Song. If I could be a part of something uniquely beautiful as that, it would be the goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14182606/
• Instagram: illustriousmind
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashoaibkhan

Image Credits
Khushagra Jain
John Soto