Meet Shivashish Ahuja | Cinematographer

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

Hi Shivashish, how do you think about risk?
I firmly believe that cultivating a willingness to take risks is essential for achieving success. The journey to success is often defined by one’s appetite for daring ventures and bold decisions.

Consider, for instance, the monumental impact of George Lucas’s introduction of “Star Wars” to the world. In an era when the space opera genre was met with indifference, Lucas dared to dream of a galaxy far, far away. Despite facing skepticism and reluctance from studios hesitant to invest in his vision, Lucas persevered. Had he not done that, filmmaking would have never been revolutionized.

For me personally, Immigrating from India to pursue a career in Hollywood has been a daring leap into uncertainty, laden with challenges and dreams to chase. From leaving behind the comforting embrace of familiar sights and sounds for the vibrant chaos of Los Angeles to the throes of LA’s competitive film industry, standing out amidst global talent posed an ongoing challenge. Yet, every obstacle became a lesson, every connection a treasure, and personal growth an enduring reward.

Reflecting on this risk, I recall the pride of collaborating with Coachella performing artist Diljit Dosanjh in 2023 to seeing my work grace the billboards of Los Angeles and the collaborative feat with Iain Neil, a thirteen-time Academy Award winner, under the esteemed banner of Module 8, showcased at Cinegear 2023.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
The journey is never easy for anyone who is trying to build themselves from the ground up. Having no background in films, yet pursuing a career in films 9000 miles away from home as a freelance cinematographer is what sets me apart.

As one matures, the significance of shifting perspectives becomes increasingly apparent. While easier said than done, I am gradually embracing the profound impact of perception. Take, for instance, the delicate balance between creative fulfillment and financial compensation. Some projects may ignite the flames of creativity yet fall short in terms of monetary reward, while others align more closely with a client’s specific vision. Recognizing and navigating these nuances is pivotal in the journey toward becoming a more refined creative professional.

Shifting gears from the philosophical reflections , I take immense pride in discussing recent endeavors, notably a project filmed at Warner Brother Studios—an achievement I once only dared to dream of. From my balcony in LA, I often gazed upon the iconic tower of WB, whispering to myself, “One day, I will shoot there.” Five years later, that dream materialized as I collaborated with Coachella performing artist Diljit Dosanjh in 2023.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Los Angeles and its vibe. As far as travel and food is concerned here is are a few spot which I love going to:

-Lake Tahoe especially in winters and the California Burger Company at that spot is to die for.
-Hollywood Hike is a must which gets in the daily dose of fitness with a fantastic view.
-Chinese Theatre. I mean a filmmaker will drag his nonfilm friends to show movies in the best theaters. Ahh, I wish I will take them there someday to show a movie, which I worked on.
-The Universal Tour.
-Mayura Restaurant, Honest Restaurant, and Annapurna Grill for some spicy Indian food.
-Drive through the Pacific Ocean en route to San Francisco
-Academy Museum

And obviously driving around the entire LA is fun in itself. From beautiful skies outside grocery stores 😂😂 to amazing beaches, it’s fun. I mean you can DM me if you want a list of Indian restaurants which offer Spicy Food but other than that I think my list is never ending.

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?
From a background where filmmaking is a rarity, I am profoundly indebted to my parents, Reena and Ghanshyam Ahuja, and particularly to my brother Raj Ahuja, for their unwavering support in a career path foreign to our roots.

Moreover, I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by Michael Goi ASC, ISC, courtesy of the Academy Golds program—a debt of gratitude I owe to the Academy especially Niti Shah, Bettina Fisher, and Tracy Dillon for their guidance.
Learning from seasoned veterans like Michael has been invaluable, as their stories and insights leave an indelible mark.

Surrounding myself with ambitious creatives has been instrumental in my journey. I am reminded of my friends from my bachelor’s days in Mumbai, who have remained consistent companions despite the challenges we’ve faced together. Their camaraderie has been a source of strength and inspiration.

Website: www.ssadop.com

Instagram: Shivashish_Ahuja (https://www.instagram.com/shivashish_ahuja/)

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivashish-ahuja-b28678124/

Image Credits
Personal Image Credits: Aman Verma and Jake (studios_9_1_8)