Meet Lakshmi Nymisha Gummadi | Production Designer / Art Director / Architect

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lakshmi Nymisha Gummadi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lakshmi Nymisha, what matters most to you?
In my experience, the key to thriving in this industry is all about the people – it’s about how you connect and relate to those around you, making up a significant 80% of the equation. The remaining 20% is a mix of your unique talents and the experience you bring to the table. With long hours being the norm (I’m talking a minimum of 10 to 12 hours a day), it’s crucial to curate a positive and inspiring environment by surrounding yourself with the right kind of people.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of this demanding field, I constantly remind myself to stay kind, and mindful, and to infuse a sense of fun into the work we do. My core belief is that work should enrich our lives, not consume them entirely. However, in the creative realm, it’s easy for those lines to blur, making it essential to find a way to live and learn through our passions while maintaining a healthy work-life balance is something that I currently learning.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After completing my undergraduate degree in Architecture and gaining industry experience, I took a bold step. I relocated to the USA to pursue a career in Production Design at the prestigious American Film Institute. Although my architectural background provides a solid foundation for production design, leaving a stable job and a promising career path was a significant risk. I am embracing the challenges and opportunities of freelancing in the art department. While I often question my decision, the thrill of seeing my work on the big screen and making a lasting impact on audiences makes it all worthwhile. I am proud to have taken the leap and excited to continue growing as a production designer.

Growing up, I was often teased for being overly emotional while watching movies. However, films had a profound impact on me from a young age, and I became fascinated with the idea of becoming an actress. At the time, I didn’t understand the behind-the-scenes process or the roles of directors, cinematographers, and producers. As I grew older and gained more knowledge about filmmaking, my interest shifted from acting to production design, which aligned with my passion for architecture and design. After completing my degree in architecture, I worked in the field for a year before moving to the US to pursue a master’s degree in production design from the American Film Institute. Upon arrival, I felt like I had a lot to catch up on, as many of my peers had prior experience in film or theatre. This motivated me to seek out opportunities beyond the student world. And said yes to a lot of projects even though I was not sure of a lot of things and learnt it on the go, similarly I took on a feature film project, despite initial uncertainty, and I’m proud to say that it’s now streaming on Amazon Prime – the movie is called Tahanan.

During my time at AFI, I utilized my summer and winter breaks to gain hands-on experience by working on short films, music videos, and commercials. After graduating in 2023, I had the opportunity to work on various independent films, commercials, and music videos. A highlight was working as a PA under Ethan Tobman on Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight” music video. I’m grateful for the experiences that have shaped my journey in production design.” And looking forward to meeting more amazing people and new experiences.

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?
To be honest, I’m not really a city girl. I much prefer the peace and tranquillity of beaches, mountains, sunsets, and sunrises. One of my favourite things about Los Angeles is that you can easily escape the chaos of the city and find yourself surrounded by nature with just a short drive. I love heading to Palos Verdes Coastline Sunset Point after a long day to unwind and take in the beauty around me.

If you’re looking for a scenic adventure, I highly recommend taking a drive on the Pacific Highway up north to Carmel by the Sea. You’ll encounter breathtaking views, otherwise, I would love an opportunity to explore places like Sequoia National Park on day trips or relax at Big Bear Lake on weekends. Los Angeles truly has it all – the bustling city life and the serene beauty of nature.

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?
It’s been quite a journey diving into the world of filmmaking, and it all started with an amazing opportunity from Howlingale Entertainment to work on my first feature film, “Tahanan.” The support and camaraderie I’ve experienced from the team at Howlingale Entertainment, as well as the invaluable mentorship from individuals like Ethan Tobman and Rashi Jain, have truly shaped my path in this industry. I am endlessly grateful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the wonderful AFI community who have been by my side every step of the way. Here’s to more adventures and fulfilling moments in the world of film!

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13886642/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isha.gummadi/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nymishagummadi/