Assistant Director of Photography to Bollywood: Rajbir Singh Incredible Journey

My first gig experience as a Director of Photography, also known as Cinematography, involved shooting a reel for an actor who had recently arrived in Los Angeles, aiming to establish his career. Given our shared status as newcomers to the industry, both starting from the ground up, I felt a connection and agreed to take on the project. Admittedly, the undertaking was challenging. I found myself as the sole crew member, handling both camera work and grip and electric responsibilities. The battle against the sun for exposure was a constant struggle, compounded by the fact that many scenes were shot in his compact apartment. This project entailed over 60 shots, spanning a grueling 18-hour shoot. The script itself covered four distinct genres, serving as a showcase for the actor’s versatility in different roles. From portraying the head of a Mafia-run Italian bar to a grieving husband in a small bedroom, a scene of escalating madness in a bathroom with shattered mirrors, to a lengthy monologue outside his apartment – the scope was demanding. Despite the difficulties, we persevered, often resorting to creative angles to compensate for the lack of authenticity in the settings. Ultimately, the actor was pleased with the outcome. Regrettably, the video never saw the light of day, as the actor left Los Angeles upon securing a full-time position in a media company. The exhaustive process left me disheartened, realizing that our efforts had been consigned to obscurity. Yet, such is the nature of indie filmmaking, and I anticipate encountering similar situations in the coming years. While passion is the driving force behind filmmaking, it is not the sole determinant of success in this industry. Considerations such as budget, storytelling, logic, and, most importantly, unwavering dedication come into play. Projects may not always unfold as anticipated, but we should always move forward to the next project.

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