Conversations with Devansh Pandit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devansh Pandit.

Hi Devansh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
I started my filmmaking journey as a clapper on a commercial for basmati rice when I was 17 years old. It was my first-ever professional gig; I’d never “worked” before in my life until that fated day. Being an only child to two loving parents means almost everything goes your way, so you’re never inclined to work. I loved movies, though. I grew up in the land of Bollywood, after all. I watched all kinds of movies from all over the world. So, when I got a chance to be involved in something that was movie adjacent, I pounced on it. 

I remember that day like it was yesterday (it was 10 years ago, actually). There was a palpable electricity in the air. The ADs were running from one side to another; the producers were chit-chatting near the sound mixer, the director was pacing around the actors, while the extras were rehearsing a four-word line countless times… I fell in love. I loved every second of it; it felt like a playground. I’d nervously call, “Scene one, Shot two, Take four,” and clap the clapboard – the scene would suddenly come alive. All that hullabaloo would come to a halt, and silence would fill the set. I loved it. The journey began that day. 

Soon after, I began working in the production department for TED Talks: India – Nayi Soch, TED’s educational TV show garnered to the Indian diaspora. This was my first-ever internship; I’d stepped up. This was a TV show produced by Star TV, TED, and Fremantle that was filmed in the legendary Yash Raj Films Studio (imagine India’s version of Paramount Studios) and was hosted by India’s biggest superstar, Shah Rukh Khan. The show was received to great acclaim and was renewed for another season. It’s 2017, and I’m 20 years old. 

Following that stint, I joined Applause Entertainment, a content IP studio formed by the Aditya Birla Group. Stepping up again. Only this time, it was a full-time role as an Assistant Creative Producer. I worked on multiple TV shows that were aired on various Indian streaming services. 

It was time for a change. Bollywood was great, but my eyes were set on LA. While working these jobs, I’d go home and watch films and shows revolving around Los Angeles. Something about the city always called to me. As fate would have it, I moved to LA in the summer of 2019 to pursue a career in filmmaking. 

Since moving to LA, I’ve had the pleasure of working in all kinds of mediums: short films, music videos, stock footage, and documentaries. A variety of mediums in a variety of roles. Now, I work as a writer/director who edits and colors during the day. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think the road was never smooth and never will be. Conflict and challenges make a story compelling. The struggles along the way shape the character that you play. I’ve had run-ins with treacherous spots in my path, but I never see them as struggles. I see them as challenges to overcome. It’s more fun that way. 

I’ve been lucky enough to be equipped with a mindset that allows me to overcome struggles easily while also being surrounded by genuine well-wishers who support me through thick and thin. 

Coming to LA was a big obstacle. The first time I tried, the plans fell through because of a personal tragedy. The second time I tried, they fell through because of finances. But as they say: the third time’s the charm. On the third try – I made it. 

After arriving in LA and acclimating to the environment, I realized how expensive this city is. It’s not all glitz and glamour. There’s a heavy price to pay to survive here. Literally. I worked three jobs to make ends meet in the initial years of settling in LA. It was a trying time. I worked as a server at UCLA Catering during the day and then as a delivery person for a college startup at night while also freelancing as a production assistant or assistant director whenever time would permit. I juggled all of this while being enrolled in a certificate program at UCLA – this meant weekly classes, assignments, quizzes, discussions, etc. 

Having said that, I wouldn’t trade those days for anything in the world. Those tiring days and sleepless nights built my resilience and determination, two qualities I harbor in abundance now. Qualities that help me navigate my daily battles in this wild, wild city. 

Even today, I’m working multiple jobs while pursuing an MBA degree. Only now, it’s a breeze. Mostly. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
A jack of all trades and a master of some. I believe my specialty lies in writing, directing, and producing. I’ve worked with TED, Fremantle, Applause, T-Mobile, and most recently, VICE. Commercials, TV shows, and documentaries where I was involved mostly in direction and production. Right now, I’m working as an editor/colorist by day and developing my first official short film by night. We’re aiming to go on the floor by April and release it in the summer. I’m proud of all my credits; every single one has played an integral role in shaping me into the creative I am today. 

Throughout my journey, I’ve honed in on the one skill I believe makes me unique: my ability to communicate. I can communicate effectively with anyone on this planet. As a director this is of utmost importance because all a director does is communicate their vision to the people making the film. 

I’ve also developed a flair for writing over the years; words come naturally to me. I think drawing comic strips as a child had some part to play in the development of this skill. 

A knack for communicating and a flair for storytelling – these two qualities set me apart from others. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I mentioned this in another interview last year, and it has not changed. It is the lesson of impermanence. The only consistent aspect of life is impermanence. Everything changes; it rises, and then it falls. Accepting this reality can help you navigate the trials and tribulations of life. 

Having said that, I’ve imbibed another extremely important lesson that I believe is a universal truth: Balance. I hold it as my foremost maxim. My parents taught me this lesson when I was a kid. They’d say, “Excess of anything is bad” – it’s true. Finding true balance in our world is a Herculean task, but it must be achieved. It’s the law of nature – it’s only helpful to us if we align with it. 

Pricing:

• Directing: $900/day
• Editing: $50/hr
• Coloring: $50/hr
• AD: $600/day
• Producing: $1200/day

Contact Info:

• Website: thisisdevansh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devansh.mov/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devanshpandit19
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devanshpandit/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DEVansh_xyz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@devansh.mp4
• Other: https://devanshpandit.substack.com/