Meet Karthik Ganesh Prasad | Filmmaker & Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karthik Ganesh Prasad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karthik, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’m from a city called Goa in India, a place known for its culture, colors, and spirit—but for me, it was also where my love for cinema began. My dad had a deep passion for films and made it a tradition to take my sister and me to the movies every weekend. We never stuck to one language or genre—we watched everything we could. Those weekly outings weren’t just entertainment—they were windows into emotion, storytelling, and imagination.

At 12, I picked up my dad’s old SONY camera and made my first short film with my friends. That tiny project, imperfect as it was, showed me the joy of creating something from scratch. It sparked something that never left. I realized I didn’t just love watching films—I wanted to be the one behind the camera, building those worlds.

As I grew older, that childhood fascination turned into something deeper. I became increasingly drawn to the craft of telling stories through visuals—how mood, atmosphere, and perspective could be shaped so powerfully through the camera. Every project I took on became a way to explore and express that connection, and the more I created, the more certain I became that this was the path I was meant to follow.

Pursuing a creative career wasn’t just a decision—it was something that grew with me, something I feel lucky to chase every day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a filmmaker who’s passionate about telling beautiful stories with strong visuals. What draws me to filmmaking is its ability to connect people, spark emotion, and say something meaningful—often without needing many words. I’m especially excited by how a well-composed frame or subtle visual choice can carry so much weight in a story.

I come from a humble family in Goa, India, and I’m the first in my family to pursue a career in the creative arts. Growing up, filmmaking wasn’t seen as a typical path, and it took a lot of belief and persistence to step into this world. That journey eventually brought me to Los Angeles, where I now work as a freelance filmmaker and cinematographer.

It hasn’t always been easy. Moving to a new country, building a network from the ground up, and proving myself in an unpredictable industry came with its share of challenges. But every obstacle has shaped me. I’ve learned to stay grounded, be open to learning on every project, and keep creating no matter what.

Today, I’m proud to collaborate with filmmakers and brands across LA—bringing stories to life through my lens. What I want people to take away from my journey is that you don’t need a family legacy in the arts to find your place in it. With passion, consistency, and heart, you can carve your own path—and that’s exactly what I’m doing, one frame at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d want them to experience the full range of what this city has to offer—from adrenaline rushes to peaceful sunsets. One day, we’d definitely head out to Six Flags Magic Mountain. I love the thrill of rollercoasters, and that place has some of the wildest rides in the country. It’s an all-day adventure, and totally worth it.
Another day, we’d explore the food scene—starting with some of the best tacos in LA. I’d take them to Leo’s Tacos Truck or Tacos 1986. Then maybe walk it off at Griffith Park, hike up to the Observatory, and just take in the city from up top.
We’d make time for a proper beach day at El Matador in Malibu—quiet, scenic, and perfect for unwinding. There’s something about watching the sunset on the Pacific that makes everything feel cinematic.
Of course, I’d take them to Hollywood Boulevard—it’s a must. Walk along the Walk of Fame, check out the TCL Chinese Theatre, and see the handprints of legends. It’s a classic experience, and as a filmmaker, it always feels a little surreal to stand there.
At some point, we’d jump in the car and take a long drive down the coast to San Diego. Just driving along the Pacific Coast Highway with music playing and the ocean beside you—it’s one of those experiences that stays with you. We’d hit up some good food spots, maybe relax at La Jolla Cove, and head back the next day.

Whether it’s exploring neighbourhoods like Silver Lake, grabbing coffee in hidden cafés, or catching a late-night movie at a local theater, I’d just want to show them that LA isn’t just about landmarks—it’s about energy, culture, and the little moments in between.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people and inspirations I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to. First, my time at the New York Film Academy (NYFA), where I pursued my MA in Film and Media Production, played a huge role in shaping my creative journey. It was there that I truly found my voice as a cinematographer.

A big part of that was thanks to my Cinematography professor, Bart Mastronardi. His mentorship went far beyond the classroom. He didn’t just teach us how to light a scene or frame a shot—he taught us how to feel through the camera. His passion for the craft and belief in visual storytelling as a deeply emotional experience changed the way I approached filmmaking. Bart really pushed me to explore lighting not just as a technical skill, but as a powerful storytelling tool.

I also want to shout out the cinematographers behind ‘The Creator’—Greig Fraser and Oren Soffer. That film had a huge impact on me. It was shot on a Sony FX3, which is far from the most high-end camera on the market. But that’s exactly what inspired me. It proved that telling a great story doesn’t require the most expensive gear—it takes vision, creativity, and passion. Watching that film reminded me that what truly matters is how you use the tools you have to move an audience.

So much of where I am today comes from a mix of education, mentorship, and inspiration—and I’m deeply grateful for everyone and everything that helped guide me to this point.

Website: https://vimeo.com/1042698893

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zemophotographer?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/karthikgp