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

Hi Priyaa, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up in India, I loved watching Television. I was either watching a movie or a TV show; or reading a book or a magazine. After high school, just like any other teenager in India, I planned to study engineering when my sister, who knew how much I loved media, pushed me to pursue something different. Thanks to her, I finished my bachelor’s in electronic media, where I learned everything about audio and visual media, including animation, which is the career I’m currently pursuing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always wanted to work in the media industry, either in movies or documentaries or for a news channel. Still, I always thought it was a far-fetched dream because, in most Indian households, you are expected to study engineering after high school. I was planning to take the safer option and study engineering, but my sister intervened and put some sense in me. I never imagined working in the movie industry today, and that too in Los Angeles.

During my bachelor’s and after my master’s (Film Studies from the University of Sydney), I always knew I wanted to work in the movies. I wanted to become a director, but as soon as I completed my education, I had to pay off my loan and needed a job. I returned to India, determined to still be in the movie industry; I got my first job at Dreamworks Dedicated Unit in India as a Production Assistant on the project Puss in Boots. What I loved about working on this movie was interacting with the artists and seeing their beautiful work come to life. I also enjoyed helping manage their assignments and deadlines. After working on my first movie, I realized my true calling was production, and there was no looking back after that. I ended up working on multiple movies.

After 5.5 years working at DDU, I moved to the US for personal reasons and sought other opportunities. I got my first job at Blur Studios as a coordinator to work with Tim Miller on this amazing project, Love, Death, and Robots. I worked on the show for ten months. As I wrapped my work here, I got an opportunity to go back to Dreamworks as a Production Supervisor, and I was thrilled to join my DreamWorks family again!

This was my first rodeo as a production supervisor, and I was very nervous about it. My biggest fear was that I was from India, and my cultural background was different. I was worried about how I would manage a large team and how my team members would perceive me. All my worries were put to rest when my team trusted and enjoyed working with me. I realized then that most of the time, we overthink everything. It took me a few movies to understand how much people valued my opinions, which gave me the confidence to be a better leader.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My sister recently visited me for two weeks, so when my best friend visits, I already have a plan:

on Day 1, since I live in North Hollyewood, I will probably just go to someplace close by, I will take them to North Weddington Park which is just a street away from where I live, and catch up on life while we walk around the park. We will then head to Gokoku vegan ramen place for dinner.

Day 2, I will take them to Santa Monica Pier, bike along the beach and then head to Bruxie for a savory waffle and shop in Third Street Promenade.

Day 3, go for a hike in Griffith Park and rest at home for the rest of the day, will probably order food from Something Vegan.

Day4, I will take them Downtown to watch a musical in Pantages Theatre and have dinner in Badmaash.

Day 5. We will go to either Huntington Library or LA Arboretum enjoy the serenity that the place offers and then relax there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a massive shoutout to my sister for encouraging me to pursue a career in the creative industry. My friend, Vani Jalota, recommended me at Dreamworks when I was looking for opportunities right after my master’s. These career choices have made me enjoy my work life to a great extent.

I’m also where I am today because of my colleagues who encouraged, patiently taught me, and supported me every step of the way. I want to thank everyone who took a chance on me and trusted me.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyaa-kalkura/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.