Meet Aby Rao

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aby Rao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Aby, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Developing my confidence and self-esteem was a gradual process influenced by my life experiences. A significant part of it stems from my upbringing and the environment in which I was raised.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a cinema aficionado born and raised in Mumbai, with deep roots in the Indian film industry through my family. My childhood was filled with the magic of Bollywood and Hollywood films, and one of my earliest cinematic memories is watching Spielberg’s “Jaws.” The power of cinema and storytelling left an indelible mark on me.

In 2006, I began my journey into filmmaking. After completing my Masters in Television Management from Drexel University in Philadelphia, my passion for filmmaking grew even stronger. I invested in a digital camera and built my own editing suite, setting the stage for my creative endeavors.

Over the past two decades, I have released two feature films and more than a dozen short films, all publicly available for viewing. My artistic focus is on telling immigrant stories, inspired by filmmakers like Ramin Bahrani, Sean Baker, and Kelly Reichardt. Low-budget films such as “Goodbye Solo” and “Take Out,” featuring immigrant protagonists, motivated me to merge my interest in immigrant issues with neorealistic filmmaking.

I believe there are countless untold stories of immigrants in small-town America, encompassing cultural, social, economic, and ethnic conflicts that mainstream cinema often overlooks. My work aims to bring these narratives to light, offering a fresh perspective on the immigrant experience.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey as a filmmaker are perseverance, learning new skills to enhance your passion, and a pragmatic approach. Here’s how each of these played a crucial role and my advice for those early in their journey:

Perseverance
In filmmaking, perseverance is essential. The industry is highly competitive and filled with challenges, from securing funding to dealing with creative blocks and technical issues. Perseverance means pushing through these obstacles, staying committed to your vision, and continuously working towards your goals despite setbacks.

Advice for Developing Perseverance:
-Set clear, achievable goals: Break down your film projects into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
– Stay motivated: Keep your passion alive by reminding yourself why you started and what you aim to achieve.
– Build a support network: Surround yourself with fellow filmmakers, mentors, and friends who can offer encouragement and constructive feedback.

Learning New Skills to Enhance Your Passion
The film industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and techniques. Continuously learning and acquiring new skills not only keeps you relevant but also enhances your ability to tell compelling stories. Whether it’s mastering a new editing software, understanding the latest camera equipment, or learning about new storytelling methods, these skills can significantly elevate your work.

Advice for Developing New Skills:
– Stay curious and open-minded: Always be on the lookout for new trends and technologies in filmmaking.
– Invest in education: Take courses, attend workshops, and participate in seminars to learn from experts.
– Practice and experiment: Apply new skills in your projects, even if it’s just a short film or a personal project, to gain hands-on experience.

Pragmatic Approach
A pragmatic approach in filmmaking involves being practical and realistic about what can be achieved within your constraints, such as budget, time, and resources. It means making informed decisions that balance creativity with feasibility, ensuring that your projects are completed successfully and efficiently.

Advice for Developing a Pragmatic Approach:
– Plan meticulously: Create detailed plans and schedules for your projects, considering all possible challenges and how to address them.
– Be adaptable: Be ready to adjust your plans based on new information or unexpected changes during production.
– Learn from experience: Reflect on past projects to understand what worked and what didn’t, and use these insights to improve future projects.

By focusing on these three areas, you can build a strong foundation for your filmmaking journey and navigate the challenges of the industry more effectively.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

Balancing time between family, personal life, a day job, and creative endeavors is like juggling four different balls, each with its own unique size and shape. Some bring contentment to the heart, while others provide financial stability. This is a common conundrum for all creative people, and my challenge is no different.

Family and Personal Life: These aspects are the foundation of emotional well-being. Spending quality time with loved ones and taking care of personal needs are crucial for maintaining a healthy balance. They provide the emotional support and happiness that fuel creativity.

Day Job: This is often the primary source of financial stability. It’s essential to manage this aspect efficiently to ensure that it doesn’t overshadow other important areas. A stable job can provide the resources needed to pursue creative projects without the constant stress of financial insecurity.

Creative Endeavors: These are the passion projects that bring fulfillment and joy. They often require significant time and energy, but they are what keep the creative spirit alive. Balancing creative work with other responsibilities involves setting realistic goals and being disciplined with time management.

As you gain more experience, you learn to do a slightly better job each year. You become more adept at prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and making the most of the time available. Most importantly, you learn to level set your expectations. Understanding that it’s okay not to achieve everything at once and being kind to yourself during the process is key to maintaining a healthy balance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vervefilms.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/myvervefilms/

Image Credits

VerveFilms