We had the good fortune of connecting with Krish Thakkar and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Krish, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For me coming from India becoming a filmmaker was a deeply personal and rewarding journey that involved the fusion of creativity, storytelling, and a passion for the art of visual communication. There are various reasons why people choose to embark on this path, and for me, it was a combination of innate fascination, a desire to evoke emotions, and a longing to capture the human experience. From an early age, I found solace in the world of films. They transported me to different realms, evoked profound emotions, and allowed me to view the world through a unique lens. The power of storytelling through moving images fascinated me, and I yearned to be a part of this magical process, where narratives were brought to life and shared with audiences across the globe.
Filmmaking, for me, is not just a profession; it is a medium of self-expression. It grants me the ability to translate my thoughts, ideas, and perspectives into a visual language that resonates with others. The ability to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and challenge societal norms through the medium of film is both empowering and fulfilling. I decided to embark on a journey by enrolling in a renowned film school in Mumbai named Whistling Woods International (WWI) which is a renowned film school located in Mumbai, India. It was founded in 2006 by acclaimed filmmaker Subhash Ghai and is known for providing comprehensive education and training in various aspects of the film, media, and creative arts industries. The days were filled with lectures, workshops, and practical assignments that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I delved into the rich history of Indian cinema, studying the works of legendary filmmakers who had left an indelible mark on the industry by understanding the power of cinema as a medium of social commentary and artistic expression.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a filmmaker, my art is an expression of my vision, creativity, and passion for storytelling. What sets me apart from others is my unique perspective and my ability to convey emotions and connect with audiences on a deep level. I strive to bring a distinct voice to my projects, whether it’s through visually stunning cinematography, compelling narratives in the post production, or thought-provoking themes for a script.
One of my greatest accomplishments has been my commitment to constantly pushing the boundaries of my art. Each project is an opportunity to develop and learn, and I’m intrigued about the prospect of experimenting with new narrative styles and genres, Finishing a masters degree in a film might be just a huge push start to my career but in itself it is a huge accomplished for me and my family cause we only know how much effort went into it cause getting to where I am today professionally was not an easy journey. It involved years of hard work, perseverance, and a constant thirst for improvement. I faced numerous challenges along the way, including financial constraints, rejection, and self-doubt. However, I firmly believed in my vision and my abilities, which helped me stay focused on my goals.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned several valuable lessons. First and foremost, never compromise on the integrity of the story. No matter the budget or constraints, a compelling narrative should always be at the heart of every film. Second, collaboration is key. A film is a collective effort, and a strong team can elevate the project to new heights. Third, being adaptable and open to feedback is essential. It’s crucial to be able to embrace constructive criticism and use it to improve and grow.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I AM EAGERLY WAITING FOR MY BEST FRIEND TO COME TO LA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Arrival to LA:
Morning: Welcome them at the airport and start the day with a hearty breakfast at a local brunch spot like Eggslut or Republique.
Afternoon: Visit the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Take a leisurely hike in Griffith Park to enjoy the natural beauty.
Evening: Head to Hollywood Boulevard for a stroll on the Walk of Fame and visit the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. End the day with dinner at Castway Burbank.
Beach Day and Venice Beach:
Morning: Start the day early with a visit to the Santa Monica Pier. Ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy the beach vibes.
Late Morning: Rent bikes or electric scooters and ride along the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail to Venice Beach.
Afternoon: Explore the eclectic Venice Boardwalk, watch street performers, and shop for unique souvenirs.
Evening: Experience a sunset beach bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach and dinner at Elephante my personal favourite.
DTLA
Morning: Visit The Broad, a contemporary art museum featuring impressive collections from renowned artists.
Late Morning: Head to Grand Central Market for a diverse lunch experience with food options from around the world.
Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the historic Bradbury Building and explore the sights of Downtown LA.
Evening: Spend time in the vibrant Arts District, visiting art galleries, grabbing a drink at Angel City Brewery, and enjoying dinner at Joey’s DTLA.
Malibu Trip
Morning: Drive up the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu.
Late Morning: Explore the beautiful Malibu beaches like Zuma Beach or El Matador State Beach.
Afternoon: Have lunch at Malibu Farm Restaurant with its stunning ocean views.
Evening: Catch the sunset at the Getty Villa while enjoying ancient art and architecture.
Universal Studios Hollywood:
Morning and Afternoon: Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood, enjoying theme park rides and experiencing movie magic.
Evening: Head to Studio City for dinner at Laurel Tavern, a popular gastropub.
Day 6 – Visit LA Landmarks:
Morning: Visit the iconic Hollywood Sign via a hike in Runyon Canyon.
Afternoon: Stroll along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and have lunch at a trendy spot like Urth Caffé.
Evening: Enjoy a live show or concert at the Hollywood Bowl, a renowned outdoor amphitheater.
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?
The first people who deserve a shout-out are my parents, Gaurav and Dipali, who have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and never give up along with my girlfriend who pushed me to chase my dreams and supported all my decisions, finally childhood friends also deserve recognition for their encouragement.
Also, a particular thank you to my family in Los Angeles who looked after me continuously in every manner and never let me feel like I was far from home.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/krish_tt_12?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krish-thakkar-6a22641ba
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krish.thakkar.98?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=25aLVpoEuqWCPxiW6d7Onw&utm_source=ishare
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@krishthakkar9622
Image Credits
Few stills from my latest short film “AI Sizes The Day”