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

Hi Pavitra, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
With the film industry, I think it definitely has to be the amount of time it takes out of your life. Yes, it is a brilliant job to have and I personally love every minute of work! I’m also lucky that since I am a student, I am able to manage it well and can afford to have my life revolve around my education and career without feeling like I’m missing out on much. I think this is all much more evident when hearing from others who are settling down or have a family. Film crew have to work the hard yards to make ends meet, especially if you’re independent or a freelancer. It’s not always a 9-5 thing. Most of the times you’ve got to work odd hours of the day. With unionization working conditions have a bit more predictability, but even then you would be moving around from project to project with few breaks, while simultaneously working on your own passion projects. It requires a lot of commitment and personal sacrifices to make progress, so you have to be prepared to give your 200% each and every day.

From my modest experience, if you can find a good balance, keep finding the fun in your work and keep yourself mentally and physically fit, there’s few jobs in the world that are more satisfying to do. All said and done, you wake up to do it everyday because you love it. Being part of a team that braves challenging conditions to bring stories to life is always a privilege, and the feeling of when you complete a project is truly unparalleled. There’s nothing like it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a 20 year old writer-director and editor from India and am currently based in Los Angeles, where I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in filmmaking. When I’m not in class, I spend most of my time doing freelance work as an editor and colorist. I also crew on set as a script supervisor, set decorator and work in the lighting department. I’ve made a few short films of my own, but have also worked on other kinds of projects like music videos, commercials and documentaries. I recently wrapped post-production on my film ‘Those Seven Steps’, which was about an Indian bride who escapes her wedding in America.

As a filmmaker, my goal is to tell universally accessible and culturally authentic South Asian tales in various different formats and genres. I want to present simple stories about common themes, but pack them with complex characters and unique imagery. I draw a lot of inspiration from my Indian heritage as they are the stories that I grew up with. Capturing their essence in my films is very important to me. With these goals in mind, my sister and I also run a film production house named SAADHVISH FILMS where we work with a team of filmmakers to bring such stories to fruition.

I have learnt a lot as a filmmaker in the last few years, and I’ve barely even started. I think the most important lesson I’ve learnt is to be patient, and to be confident in my abilities to operate under pressure. There have been times when I’ve tried to do too much and to do it all perfectly. I was afraid to make errors and would often get ahead of myself. When having those conversations with my mentors, I was taught that perfection, in creative fields at least, is hard to define and impossible to reach. Yes, being competitive with yourself is important, but it’s equally important to not admonish yourself if things go awry. It’s the best indicator that you’re pushing yourself. Important to learn from mistakes along the way as that’s how you gain experience. You can only do what’s in your control. So. do that the best you can, and regardless of the outcome, keep putting that work in and be receptive to different learning opportunities.

If you truly care about it enough, things will fall into place more often than not!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, I barely leave the Valley! It has everything I need and some of the best things you’ll see in the city. My go-to spots are Universal City Walk and The Grove. Mostly though, it’s the smaller things that I appreciate the most. Things like the massive mountains that surround you from all sides, or walking past the Warner Bros backlots on my way to college everyday. These things never really sink in!

If you’re coming to LA, I’m definitely going to drag you to some of the brilliant cinemas around town. Whether they are the independent or the multiplex kind, it’s always a great experience watching films here. For a getaway from the city, some of the hiking spots here are the best I’ve ever seen. Especially the ones in the Angeles National Forest. Whenever I’m past a busy period of work, I make it a point to visit as it helps clear my head.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Even though I’m just starting out, there are a lot of people I’d like to thank. This is a very difficult line of work that requires both practical proficiency and mental grit. Try as you might, you don’t learn these ropes by yourself.

I can start with my parents and my sister are my best friends and my largest pillars of support. They are my toughest critics but they have always supported me in my endeavors and give me a lot of confidence. My sister, Aastha Verma, is a filmmaker herself. She has taught me a lot and been with me every step of the way. The only reason why I can think of expansive and ambitious stories is because she’s willing to help me produce them.

I’m also fortunate to have a tightly knit group of fellow filmmakers and friends. I spend a lot of time with them on and off set. At the New York Film Academy, I am thankful for the many mentors and teachers, especially Arthur Helterbran and Lesley Elizondo. They’ve guided me during difficult times and helped me develop practical skills as a filmmaker. I’d be remiss if I forget to mention all the cast and crew I’ve met along the way as they have supported me in my endeavor to bring my films from paper to screen.

Everyone has played a fundamental role in my development not only as a creative but as a human. I’m grateful that I have had their support, and they deserve the biggest of shoutouts!

Website: https://pavitraverma.myportfolio.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavitra-verma-1b581b211/

Other: IMDb: www.imdb.me/pavitraverma

Image Credits
Those Seven Steps BTS Images by Michael Van Waas

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