Today we’d like to introduce you to Shubham Gosalia.
Hi Shubham, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all began with the acquisition of my first iPhone, coinciding with the inception of our family trips. I was immediately captivated by the remarkable camera quality the phone had to offer. This newfound fascination led me to delve into capturing both pictures and short videos. As those within my social circle caught a glimpse of my creative pursuits, their appreciation served as an encouraging catalyst.
In due course, a close friend, now an accomplished writer and performer, reached out with an intriguing proposition: crafting a short film together. The narrative was elegantly uncomplicated yet held a profound allure, particularly as I delved into its intricacies. The story intricately revolved around the profound relationship between an individual and their daily tea ritual.
Our brainstorming sessions commenced in the confines of his abode. Swiftly, we conceptualized a concise treatment, one that resonated deeply with Indian audiences, given the cultural affinity for tea. Astonishingly, some individuals in India indulge in consuming six to eight cups daily. Despite my fledgling status in the realm of filmmaking and the limited resources at our disposal, we successfully brought the three-minute short film to life, employing a DSLR camera and enlisting the participation of our close-knit circle for the cast.
I proudly presented the film to my high school instructor, who not only expressed unwavering belief in the narrative but also provided invaluable feedback. It was through him that I was introduced to the realm of Film Festivals. This revelation prompted me to allocate my limited funds to submit the film to various festivals. The outcome exceeded my expectations, with the film garnering selections in several festivals within a remarkably short span.
My parents had initially envisioned a career path for me in the Indian Foreign Services, yet over time, they began to recognize my fervent dedication and burgeoning passion for filmmaking.
Much like the universal allure of Los Angeles and New York, aspiring individuals from every corner of India aspire to migrate to Mumbai to chase their dreams. My upbringing in this vibrant city afforded me convenient exposure to the rudiments of filmmaking. Eager to further refine my skills, I pursued an intensive 8-week course at a distinguished institute in Mumbai, immersing myself in the nuances of camera techniques and the multifaceted art of filmmaking.
Within a few months, I had arrived at a pivotal decision: to wholeheartedly commit to the pursuit of filmmaking. This resolve spurred me to explore filmmaking programs across global educational institutions. Recognizing the transformative potential of being immersed in the industry’s epicenter, I sought a college that emphasized practical experience. Ultimately, the New York Film Academy, situated in Los Angeles, emerged as the perfect embodiment of my educational aspirations.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, I was utterly mesmerized by the city’s captivating allure and the abundance of opportunities it held. My time at NYFA proved to be transformative as I delved into every facet of filmmaking, spanning from acting to direction. However, it was in the realm of cinematography that I truly honed my expertise and acquired a comprehensive understanding.
Following the submission of my application, I received a prompt and exhilarating response regarding my admission status, accompanied by a truly unexpected announcement: I had been granted a scholarship amounting to $45,000. This revelation filled me with a profound sense of accomplishment and delight.
Fast forward to January 22nd, 2019—an occasion etched deeply in my memory. On this day, more than 75 cherished individuals from my family and friends gathered to accompany me to the airport. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, making it a poignant and unforgettable moment.
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?
Relocating halfway across the world at the age of 18 presented a formidable challenge. Adapting to an entirely new culture and grappling with a deluge of newfound knowledge was an intense experience. Amidst the enjoyment, there was an undercurrent of daunting uncertainty. Beyond my film education, I was immersing myself in the art of networking and forging connections with individuals who were already adept in the field. I was gaining firsthand insight into how the industry thrives on the personal networks we cultivate. Speaking of connections, the most arduous hurdle was establishing contact with individuals who share similar mindsets and ambitions—a challenge that persists incessantly. Another substantial obstacle faced by most filmmakers is navigating projects within budget constraints. Spanning from student-level productions to non-union Indie endeavors, each project brings its unique set of trials. Through these experiences, I’ve come to understand that creativity is indispensable not just for crafting captivating frames but also for devising inventive solutions, whether it involves constructing makeshift rigs or formulating comprehensive lighting and VFX strategies across productions of all scales. The ultimate challenge lies in sustaining an unwavering work ethic and consistently giving one’s best. This dedication transcends individual projects; it’s a commitment that endures.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Cross the span of nine semesters, punctuated by the unexpected challenge of a pandemic, I undertook the remarkable journey of self-producing three short films. Simultaneously, I engaged in an array of other projects encompassing music videos, commercials, and additional short films. A pivotal juncture arrived when I was granted admission into the prestigious Academy Gold Program—an honor that granted me participation in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Gold Rising initiative. This unparalleled opportunity facilitated my mentorship under the esteemed ACE cinematographer Jess Hall. A significant milestone followed as I took the stage as a trophy presenter at the Student Academy Awards.
Over the years, I have been profoundly fortunate to contribute my skills to esteemed entities such as Disney, Reliance, Top Gear, Dharma Productions, and Apoorv Arora Films. My journey has also entailed collaborations with renowned figures from the artistic and celebrity spheres, including luminaries such as Taylor Swift, Ice Spice, Priyanka Chopra, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Siddanth Bhosle, Anne Reburn, Oceans Away, Sir Boyo, and numerous other exceptional talents.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was raised in Mumbai, a city known as the hub of India’s film industry and often referred to as the “city of dreams.” People from every corner of the country flock to Mumbai, driven by lofty aspirations and dreams, as this city offers the potential for success to anyone. Interestingly, I was born in this very city. While I didn’t have direct connections to the film industry, I was consistently immersed in its environment, rubbing shoulders with celebrities at various city locations, parties, and events. Nurturing my affection for movies was my father, who played a significant role. Throughout my childhood, he made it a tradition to take me to the cinema every Friday, fostering my passion for films.
Contact Info:
- Website: shubhamgosalia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shubhamgosalia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubham-gosalia-301a52208/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11032566/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
John Soto Siddharth Dixit Pranav Mehta
