Meet Karan Shah | Producer and Development Consultant

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

Hi Karan, how do you think about risk?
I believe that taking risks is essential for growth and success, especially in the film industry. Embracing uncertainty is a big part of this industry and has always been a part of my journey. For instance, transitioning from a computer science background to film / Bollywood in India to pursuing a career in film in Hollywood was a significant risk. Moving to the U.S. and joining the University of Southern California’s Stark Producing Program required a leap of faith, but it was a risk that paid off, allowing me to work with esteemed companies like A24 and Plan B. Every project I take on involves some level of risk, whether it’s choosing unconventional stories or working with new talent. These risks have been crucial in shaping my career, pushing boundaries, and fostering innovation. My slate of projects all imbibe these values of taking risks. I am currently in post-production with an experimental Bengali short film with elements of magical realism, an Indie drama based in post Roe v Wade Texas showcasing the American landscape through the eyes of two South Asian women, a social thriller, subverting the Romeo & Juliet trope against the honor killings in Haryana to name a few.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a journey of passion, perseverance, and storytelling. What sets me apart is my ability to infuse diverse cultural narratives with universal themes, creating stories that resonate across audiences. One of my proudest achievements is producing “Raakh Ko Dhua,” which addresses critical social issues through a powerful narrative.

Reaching this point professionally has been challenging. Transitioning from India to Hollywood involved overcoming preconceived notions and industry hurdles. Covid also added to the challenge. Seven months into the Stark program with projects and internships lined up were all shaken up due to the pandemic. I feel though I was lucky to have a roof over my head and family who took care of me but it derailed the intended plans, just like it did for so many. There was a steep learning curve to realize that there are still many places in Hollywood where my opinions and role would be looked down upon simply because of where I come from But the support from mentors, especially at Plan B and A24 were pivotal.

I’ve learned the importance of resilience, risk-taking, and staying true to one’s vision. Embracing failures as stepping stones has been crucial. My brand is about crafting impactful, genre-bending film and TV that is end of the day: entertaining. It is to prove that compelling stories can originate from anywhere and connect with everyone. My last 5 years in America have not only been instrumental in understanding it as a country but also gaining a deep comprehension of the films and narratives that are uniquely ‘American’. Successfully navigating the ups and downs of the studio world has been a strong influence on my point of view and perspective on stories. I see myself as a uniquely positioned promoter and conduit for immigrant sub-culture stories and storytellers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You have to go to the beach if you’re visiting LA. I’d say driving an electric or regular bike along Venice or Santa Monica beach one of the key activities.

Joy on York, Woon in Silverlake and Annapurna in Culver City are my favorite food spots.

I occasionally enjoy hiking and when I am willing to drive – Hiking in Rancho Palos Verdes offers breathtaking coastal views and rugged trails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a great deal of my success to several key individuals and organizations. First and foremost, I would like to thank my family / parents for supporting me in this endeavor. They’ve been key to my success. Survival during the pandemic in a foreign country could not have been possible without my cousins in the bay area who generously opened their house for me for almost a year. It was the toughest time in lives of so many people and I was incredibly lucky to have support here during that time.

Pranit Sahni, a close friend since our engineering days, has been a constant source of support and inspiration. His unwavering encouragement and belief in my vision have been invaluable throughout my journey.

Additionally, I want to recognize Jugaad Motion Pictures for their innovative approach to filmmaking. Their dedication to pushing creative boundaries has greatly influenced my work and inspired me to take bold risks in my projects.

Lastly, my time at Plan B was instrumental in shaping my career. The mentorship and opportunities I received there were pivotal in my development as a producer. The experience taught me the importance of storytelling and the impact of powerful narratives, and it provided me with a platform to collaborate with some of the industry’s most talented professionals.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karan-shah-4a002513b/

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9236255/

Image Credits
The headshot for the first picture is Neeraj Jain