Daily Inspiration: Meet Sachin Vinay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sachin Vinay

Hi Sachin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, movies were an essential part of my life. Every weekend, my father and I would visit the local video rental store, a place that felt like a treasure trove of cinematic wonders. The aisles were lined with countless CDs from all over the world, and each week, we would debate and settle on the perfect movie for our weekend viewing. That ritual not only gave me a deep appreciation for cinema but also sparked an early fascination with how stories are told through visuals.

As technology advanced and those video rental stores disappeared, my love for visual storytelling shifted to platforms like YouTube. There, I discovered creators like Casey Neistat and Sam Kolder, whose raw and cinematic portrayals of everyday life inspired me to start creating my own content. This marked the turning point for me—from a passive consumer to an active content creator.

I pursued my education at Christ University in Bangalore, where I studied tourism, but I always made time for filmmaking. I immersed myself in design and editing programs like Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve, developing the technical skills necessary for my craft. Before long, I was leading a team of students as the Digital Lead for all video production at my university. This role solidified my decision to pursue filmmaking as a career.

After graduating, I worked on a variety of projects, from advertisements to music videos, and even served as a cinematographer’s assistant on the Amazon Prime feature *One Cut Two Cut*. These experiences taught me the importance of collaboration and helped me refine my visual storytelling abilities.

Most recently, I worked on a film called *Loading*, directed by Arnav Shah. This project, shot entirely outdoors, was one of the most challenging shoots I’ve ever been a part of. The biggest obstacle was matching the consistency of natural light across scenes. Outdoor shoots are unpredictable, and every change in the weather could dramatically alter the look of a shot. But with careful planning and a collaborative approach, we were able to overcome these challenges and create a film we are proud of.

Now based in Los Angeles, I’m pursuing my Master’s in Cinematography at the New York Film Academy. I continue to work on set as a Gaffer and Key Grip, constantly learning and refining my craft. My journey is still evolving, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Struggles have always been present, although without struggle there isn’t any success. Born in Bangalore, India and having to move to Dubai, UAE has been a difficult part of my life. My parents have always been in different places and not being able to ground myself in one city. This has been challenging and I find it interesting to be able to channel my inner voice with the chaos taking place around you. I wouldnt call myself talented, although my hard work did show off and I continue to put in the effort to find my voice.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a cinematographer and love to paint using light. During my time in India. I have worked in a production house where I wore multiple hats and got to shoot some projects as a cinematographer. After working in another company called RAPDXB where I shot for many local artists in the United Arab Emirates and other famous artists for music fests. I moved to Los Angeles and got to work on more narrative projects,shot 5 shorts and 2 music videos in my one year of being here. I currently have few projects in post-production and am trying to get a hold of many more projects to get closer to features and OTT platform projects. I would like to specialize in thrillers. feel good and romantic genres. Apart from the narrative space, I would also like to work on creative content and commercials that are short but effective in presenting a meaning. During my work, I am proud of being able to assist as an AC for a feature film on Amazon prime called One Cut Two Cut. Im also proud of being able to create the shorts which are currently in pre-production. From all the work I have done, slowly understanding what sets me apart from others, Is the ability to listen and want to learn.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Honestly, I have mentioned all about myself in the previous sections. I would like to thank my parents and brother for always standing behind me and being able to help me find my voice. Becoming a filmmaker is not easy especially a Director of photography, as it is tough to pursue as a career. Being able to do what I love is something only your loved ones can provide.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm15654906/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sachin_vinay?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr