Today we’d like to introduce you to Fazal Khan.
Hi Fazal, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey as a Grip in Bollywood in the year 2000. I steadily rose to the position of Key Grip by 2003. After working on big blockbuster movies, I got the opportunity to work with some of the best cinematographers from around the world. In India, I got the opportunity to work on a feature, ‘Partition’ in 2007 starring Jimi Mistry, which won two Leo Awards and two nominations. In 2010, I worked as a Key Grip on a UK feature, ‘West Is West’ produced by BBC and Leslie Udwin from Channel 6. The stars included such stalwarts as Linda Basset, Lesley Nicol and stars like Jimi Mistry. I was also a Key Grip on an Australian feature, ‘Waiting City’ starring Joel Edgerton and Radha Mitchells. I also worked on a UK feature called ‘Trishna’ (2011), directed by Michael Winterbottom, starring Riz Ahmed and Freda Pinto, which received four nominations worldwide and was also part of a UK production(2014) called Tigers directed by Danis Tanovic, which was nominated for Best Film at the San Sebastian Film Festival. I have had the opportunity to work with top Directors such as Kar Wai Wong, Danis Tanovic, Gus Van Sant, Russel Mulcahy, Ashutosh Gowarikar, and many more. I had created a niche for myself as a successful Indian Key Grip, but that wasn’t enough.
My experience working with top-notch cinematographers and directors from USA, UK, Asia, and Australia fueled my ambition to do more. Working on international productions opened his eyes to a whole new world of filmmaking. This experience fueled my need to be part of something bigger, and I took the risk of leaving my comfort zone and moving to Los Angeles in 2016. I soon joined the AITSE Local 80 in Hollywood and have been part of some successful features and TV shows. I’m also a member of organizations such as BAFTA and AFI. Meeting a diverse mix of like-minded, creative people opened up a world of opportunities for him. Since then, I have been associated with projects like ‘Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot’ starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Gus Van Sant. This went on to receive five nominations across the world; ‘Shrinking’(2023) starring Harrison Ford; ‘The Patient’ (2022), starring Steve Carell; ‘On My Block’ (2018), which won the Teen Choice Award and had nine other nominations; ‘Better Thing’s’ (2018) which was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards and received 7 wins and 38 nominations. Recently Daisy Jones and the Six was nominated for nine Emmy Awards, F*ing Identical Twins (2023) You, For All Mankind S1-4, and many more.
Mostly, I enjoy operating Camera Dolly’s and Cranes and rigging cameras on cars, motorcycles & any moving object, you name it, and I will do it.
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?
I did struggle in my initial years. I started off in Bollywood as a Grip and quickly rose to the Key position. I started getting offers for features from around the world that were coming to India to shoot, and the international producers were not very confident of technicians in India. But once they saw the quality of work, the commitment, and the dedication is what changed their attitude. Any project before coming to India do their homework and consult with other productions that have worked in India. The quality of service that I provided made me what I am today. I got on projects as others recommended my name for projects that came to India. India is no longer any less in equipment or skill level; when I required any specialty item, I would order it from Europe or LA, and when I knew it was not cost-effective or is not going to be available on time, then I would get it machined in Mumbai – India.
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?
I am a Key Grip. A Grip is the one that assists the Director of Photography to bring to life the vision of the Director. Helps the DP tell the story in 24fps (frames per second).
Before I got to LA, I was working in Bollywood – India; there I got to work on features from all over Europe and the West. Because of that experience, I’m used to the British, European, and now the American system.
I’m really grateful that I got to use and experience equipment from all over the world, especially the Camera Dolly’s and Cranes. I also love building camera rigs as they are a challenge many times. I have the knowledge and experience of using all these different equipment, and I’m proud of that. Coming from Bollywood has taught me to improvise in real-time and to deliver as holding the production back is not economical for the production and is bad for one’s reputation. I love challenges and love that I’m part of the Magic in Movie making.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe luck has a minimal role to play when you are part of the technical team in movie making, and responsibility is big. One has to be dedicated, work hard, and keep himself updated with the knowledge of the latest equipment. I sometimes joke it’s my lucky day when a challenge is not thrown at me, but then I also get bored when it happens for a few consecutive days.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.supergrips.in
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fazal-khan-1a8b0734
- IMDbPro: http://pro.imdb.com/name/nm1380531/
