We recently connected with Aditya Patwardhan and have shared our conversation below.
Aditya, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My journey toward developing confidence and self-esteem as a filmmaker has been a multifaceted one, rooted in a profound belief in the stories and concepts I aim to share with the world. This belief forms the foundation of my creative identity, instilling in me the conviction that my work can provoke introspection and enrich the lives of audiences.
However, as I navigated the professional landscape of the film industry, I quickly realized that alongside this belief, mastering the grammar and technicalities of audiovisual storytelling is equally vital. Without a deep understanding of these elements, even the most compelling concepts may struggle to find their rightful platform. This realization prompted me to approach my craft with humility and a willingness to continually learn and refine my skills.
Through my experiences as a director and producer of multiple feature films, I’ve come to understand the delicate balance between confidence and self-awareness. While the exhilaration of conceiving profound concepts may fuel my confidence, it is tempered by the sobering recognition that execution skills are equally crucial. Embracing both the highs and lows of the creative process has taught me that true confidence and self-esteem can only be sustained through a harmonious blend of belief in one’s vision and a humble acceptance of areas needing improvement.
In essence, my journey toward confidence and self-esteem as a filmmaker has been characterized by a deep commitment to my creative vision, coupled with an unwavering dedication to honing my craft. It is through this balanced approach that I continue to evolve and thrive in an ever-changing industry.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Based in Los Angeles, I’m known for my internationally recognized filmography, showcased on prestigious platforms and news networks worldwide. My work, spanning Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, The Times of India, and more, reflects a diverse range of projects directed across the United States, India, Baltic & Eastern Europe, South Korea, and Colombia.
Despite my English-speaking and Marathi background, I’ve directed projects in non-native languages like Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean. My journey began with the release of my first feature film, ‘Transference’, in 2020, a psychological thriller featuring collaborations with esteemed professionals like producer Nicole Cannon and composer David Russo.
Following ‘Transference’, I delved into environmental storytelling with ‘A Nomad River’ in 2021, featuring notable figures like Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and Pandit Krishna Mohan Bhatt. This project, produced by industry veterans Julia Verdin and Ian La Frenais OBE, showcased my commitment to impactful storytelling across genres.
In 2022, I ventured into Korean cinema with ‘And the Dream That Mattered’, a poignant drama starring acclaimed actor Jongman Kim. The film, set in Busan, Seoul, and Los Angeles, earned recognition with the Best Film award at the 26th Korean Cultural Academy Awards.
Currently, I’m gearing up for the release of my fourth drama feature film, ‘The Web of Life’, featuring esteemed actors like Corbin Bernsen and Aaron Douglas. Additionally, I’m collaborating with acclaimed writer and producer Peter J Wacks on a science fiction television show titled ‘Infinitum Revolutions’.
Amidst the pandemic, I’ve also ventured into producing with the documentary ‘Pink Belt’, set for release in mid-2024, alongside Academy Award-winning producer Andrew Carlberg and director John McCrite. Along with that, I am developing a World-War-II-based feature film with Lucy Walsh (daughter of Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh) based on her book “Remember Me As Human”.
Beyond filmmaking, I have a passion for public speaking and have been honored to share my experiences at esteemed institutions worldwide. With a diverse background spanning filmmaking, political campaigning, public speaking, and music, I lead the talented team at my film and media production company, Mithraspect, based in Jaipur and Los Angeles.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to realize that embracing both success and failure is pivotal in understanding the intricacies of storytelling. With this in mind, I’d like to share three key qualities and skills that have been instrumental in my growth:
Understanding Human Psychology: Regardless of the medium of storytelling, a deep comprehension of human behavior, motivations, and fears is paramount. This insight allows storytellers to create narratives that resonate with audiences on a profound level. My advice for those starting their journey is to delve into psychology books, observe people around you, and continuously seek to understand the complexities of the human psyche.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation: As storytellers, it’s essential to strike a balance between honoring the storytelling traditions that have inspired us and daring to pioneer new narratives. While it’s valuable to study trends and narrative styles, it’s equally crucial to cultivate a desire to bring fresh perspectives to the table. My advice is to explore your unique insights into the human experience and seek creative ways to convey them to your audience.
Technical Proficiency: While creativity fuels storytelling, technical proficiency is equally vital. Learning the basics of various technical skills within your field empowers you to collaborate effectively with others and make informed decisions. Understanding these skills enables you to appreciate the challenges and opportunities they present, facilitating fruitful collaborations with experts in those areas. My advice is to familiarize yourself with the technical aspects of storytelling, whether it’s filmmaking, writing, or any other medium, as it will enhance your ability to communicate your vision effectively.
In summary, my journey has taught me the importance of understanding human psychology, balancing tradition and innovation, and acquiring technical proficiency. By embracing these qualities and skills, aspiring storytellers can embark on a journey of growth and creativity, enriching both their own lives and the lives of their audiences.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m seeking talented VFX artists or graphic designers to collaborate with me on bringing to life a captivating sci-fi fantasy world. With a portfolio spanning internationally recognized platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, and experience directing projects across diverse cultural landscapes, I have a wealth of story concepts and world-building ideas waiting to be realized.
However, I recognize the importance of partnering with creative minds who can enhance my vision through stunning visual effects and graphic design. Together, we can transform concepts into immersive realities, crafting a narrative that resonates deeply with audiences.
If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of storytelling and have a flair for creating mesmerizing visual landscapes, I invite you to join me in this exciting journey. Let’s combine our talents to craft a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.patwardhans.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adityapatwardhan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patwardhan/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patwardhan/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajpatwardhan
- Other: imdb.me/patwardhan
Image Credits
Anup Kulkarni, Aditya Gupta
