Meet Fazal Khan | Key Grip

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fazal Khan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fazal, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe the most important factor behind my success is that early on in my career I realized the importance of thinking outside the box. Being a grip in movie making comes with a load of responsibilities … the vision of the Cinematographer has to be created despite all odds… there was a time when I was in the middle of a desert with a unit shooting an important commercial for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. There was limited equipment and when I was asked to construct a steady-cam rig I decided to use whatever I could find in my sparse surroundings, A tricycle saved the day!!! By mounting a camera on it I could potray the POV of a tiger ambling through a market. Being spontaneous and being able to improvise has been the key to me being where I am.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The art of creating Camera rigs for cars, bikes or any moving object and also operating different style camera dollies and cranes. Camera movements are handled by Dolly or Camera crane operators, being agile and always quick/ready to adjust with the actors movements is a challenge in itself as the actors at times changes certain acts to fit well with the scene from what they rehearsed. I have realized that pre-empting the actors movements gives me the edge over others. I worked really hard and having my creative freedom helped me get to where I am today. Keeping your eyes and your mind open is very important. I worked with the top notch DP’s & Director’s in the course of time, the projects with these elite creative teams/minds taught me a lot and increased my craving to work with the best cinematographers. It hasn’t been an easy ride. The challenges that came along with the aim to run along the best of the best have made me realize that to be successful in my field I have to be adaptive at every step of the way.
I have learnt to never be content with what you know, always be open for suggestions and grasp more. Everyday is learning experience and the more I learn is the more I know and the better I get and this is very important for me to be successful.
I want people to know that never say that they have mastered their art and always seek more and more knowledge as that will keep your mind sharp and help you face challenges with ease and creativity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friend would have a whirlwind week doing the things I love. It would begin with a trip to Mammoth, camping at Twin Lakes, hiking around the area and fishing at the Walker River. Back in Los Angeles, I would treat them to the best kabob platter and Chicken Tikka Masala at Al Watan restaurant in Hawthorne. Definitely burgers at Urban Skillet in NoHo, no trip to LA is complete without fish tacos at Baja Cali. I love the beach at Leo Carillo and would love for him to enjoy a day there. A trip to the Hollywood sign, a stroll down the Walk of fame, a visit to the Disney Hall and LACMA. I would wind down the visit with my old friend meeting my new ones at my place , treat them to my famous Indian style Chicken BBQ.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Starting out as a grip I worked with a British Key Grip, Gary Pocock, who taught me not to toe the line but to be fearless and have a vision of my own. From him I learned to weigh my options and choose a way that best suits the situation. Coming to Los Angeles from Bollywood was a giant leap. Herb Ault, Jim Kwiatkowski and Curt Griebel are the kind souls that I met in my journey here. They have helped me selflessly. They gave me the warmest welcome and have been very supportive.

Website: www.supergrips.in

Linkedin: Fazal Khan

Yelp: Fazal Khan

Other: http://pro.imdb.com/name/nm1380531/