Magic happens when cinematography is with the purpose of telling and advancing a story.
With no one in my family with even an iota of creativity, I decided to risk it for the biscuit and come to Bombay and figure a way out, without knowing anyone here.
I’ve been extremely fortunate to have worked (AD'd) with the best people and learn about every department in film-making by relentlessly chasing, charming, hustling for opportunities to learn from them instead of going to the Prague film school I decided to carve a path for myself.
But I knew I just wanted to direct. Finally, I got an opportunity when I met Sandeep Khosla and Abu Jani who were fond of my scripts and crazy ideas and decided to experiment with me for the launch of their new brand (for which they had dressed Beyonce for the song- hymn of a weekend)
Six years later, from literally mopping floors on set and giving claps, now I have directed over 160 films and ads since 2017. Most of which I have conceptualised, written, produced and sometimes strategized campaigns for some of the biggest brands and most creative people like Nykka, Masaba, Satva organic ( NewYork), AbuJaniSandeepKhosla etc. Featuring: Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Masaba, Amitabh Bachchan, Bhumi Pednekar, Kartik Aaryan, Ranveer Singh etc.
2. How and when did you realize your passion for creating films?
I was in second-year of college doing B.com from D.U .when my parents separated. Things had drastically changed for my mum and I. Before, money was never an issue or even a subject, to a time where things were way harder.
I didn't like what I did at all and couldn't see a future in it. Sitting with a friend who was a famed singer, I came up with an idea for his music video and he was blown away by it. I started searching around, directing and films really intrigued me and came across a small workshop (impulse filmmaking - Kavita Joshi) in Delhi for a month.
My second day there something and I had changed. I never looked back and never had a plan B.
My first film ever won the workshop competition entering it into a film making competition and the second one got screened at the 48hour film festival
Luckily my mum was more than supportive and literally gave me the wings and financial support to come to Bombay and chase my dream
I guess I always was a storyteller and love telling stories till date.
3. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful filmmaker?
Perseverance is key. It's not an easy industry. You can only make it here if you absolutely love what you do. Our job isn't 9 to 5. It's irregular and requires long hours.
Six years later, from literally mopping floors on set and giving claps, now I have directed over 160 films and ads since 2017. Most of which I have conceptualised, written, produced and sometimes strategized campaigns for some of the biggest brands and most creative people like Nykka, Masaba, Satva organic ( NewYork), AbuJaniSandeepKhosla etc. Featuring: Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Masaba, Amitabh Bachchan, Bhumi Pednekar, Kartik Aaryan, Ranveer Singh etc.
2. How and when did you realize your passion for creating films?
I was in second-year of college doing B.com from D.U .when my parents separated. Things had drastically changed for my mum and I. Before, money was never an issue or even a subject, to a time where things were way harder.
I didn't like what I did at all and couldn't see a future in it. Sitting with a friend who was a famed singer, I came up with an idea for his music video and he was blown away by it. I started searching around, directing and films really intrigued me and came across a small workshop (impulse filmmaking - Kavita Joshi) in Delhi for a month.
My second day there something and I had changed. I never looked back and never had a plan B.
My first film ever won the workshop competition entering it into a film making competition and the second one got screened at the 48hour film festival
Luckily my mum was more than supportive and literally gave me the wings and financial support to come to Bombay and chase my dream
I guess I always was a storyteller and love telling stories till date.
3. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful filmmaker?
Perseverance is key. It's not an easy industry. You can only make it here if you absolutely love what you do. Our job isn't 9 to 5. It's irregular and requires long hours.
You have to love the good and the bad that comes with it BUT please don't romanticise the struggle, strategically plan how to support yourself for about 3 to 4 years and once you've figured that out and made a decision, don't have a plan B.
Most importantly you need to have fun gathering as many experiences, don't be scared of making mistakes, they'll all come in handy while telling your story.
4. Which film(s) do you appreciate the most for their cinematography?
So many, but for me, since I'm a director, magic happens when cinematography is with the purpose of telling and advancing a story. Example: all films by Martin Scorsese. Some of the recent ones 1917, Tumbadd, His House,
All-time favourites are: Goodfellas, The Godfather, Wolf of Wall Street, Kill Bill, too many to name
5. What has been the biggest learning from your job?
Murphy's Law: whatever can go wrong will go wrong, Therefore, prepare as more than possible. But have an open mind on the set and let the magic happen and the power of flow take over.
6. Which is your favourite book and why?
Save The Cat - Goes to the Movies by Blake Snider. It's a great hack for writing scripts
- Siddharth Jain (Filmmaker, Director, Producer)
Most importantly you need to have fun gathering as many experiences, don't be scared of making mistakes, they'll all come in handy while telling your story.
4. Which film(s) do you appreciate the most for their cinematography?
So many, but for me, since I'm a director, magic happens when cinematography is with the purpose of telling and advancing a story. Example: all films by Martin Scorsese. Some of the recent ones 1917, Tumbadd, His House,
All-time favourites are: Goodfellas, The Godfather, Wolf of Wall Street, Kill Bill, too many to name
5. What has been the biggest learning from your job?
Murphy's Law: whatever can go wrong will go wrong, Therefore, prepare as more than possible. But have an open mind on the set and let the magic happen and the power of flow take over.
6. Which is your favourite book and why?
Save The Cat - Goes to the Movies by Blake Snider. It's a great hack for writing scripts
- Siddharth Jain (Filmmaker, Director, Producer)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddharthjain911
Interviewed By Tuhina Rana
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