Meet Sweta Rai

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sweta Rai. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sweta below.

Hi Sweta, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Although I have an MBA degree in contrast to your question, but in the past, I have found myself as the only diverse voice in the room. Whether producing 25 films or now working as an executive on studio films, it has undoubtedly been a roller coaster ride. When I started in the Hollywood industry a decade ago, the industry was just beginning to embrace diverse stories, cast, and crew. Perseverance and a never-say-die spirit have been crucial in helping me grow and make my mark. Your work speaks for itself, and producing high-quality work ensures you will be noticed. Being the only one who looks like you in the room shouldn’t restrict your ability to work hard and showcase your talent amidst obstacles. It might take longer than it does for others, but the time always comes when true talent is recognized.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a Hollywood film producer, director, and Entrepreneur. What’s most exciting about my work is telling meaningful stories through film. I’ve produced movies like “Orphan Horse” and “Surviving the Wild,” collaborating with top Hollywood talent. As an Executive, I am now also consulting to finish Hollywood films for Paramount Pictures, including projects like “Hard Home,” “Man With No Past,” “Strangers,” and 5 other upcoming feature film projects. Additionally, I’m currently involved in four more Hollywood films currently being shot in Europe. As a Founder and CEO of Indo Holly Films in Los Angeles, I focus on diverse storytelling and cinematic innovation. Our goal is to create cinema that leaves a lasting impact.

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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have had a significant impact are perseverance, adaptability, and a passion for meaningful storytelling. Perseverance has been crucial because the entertainment industry can be tough and demanding. It’s essential to keep pushing forward, even when facing obstacles.

I recall a personal moment during my career when I worked as one of the producers on film sets in Kentucky. The pressure was intense; I was new in the US, and each day was challenging on set. It was my unwavering perseverance that allowed me to overcome those hurdles and continue making good cinema.

Adaptability is equally important in a constantly changing industry. Learning new skills and staying up to date with the latest trends is vital. My advice to those starting their journey is to embrace change and never stop improving their stories. Stay curious and open to new experiences, incorporate in your stories these experiences, and make life-changing impressions through cinema.

A passion for storytelling drives everything in the film industry. To excel, it’s essential to have a deep love for this craft. Cultivate your creativity, immerse yourself in different forms of media, and study the craft. Your passion will shine through in your work and inspire others.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
During my trip to India to collaborate with Bollywood and Indian vendors for various post-production needs of Hollywood projects, I had an eye-opening experience. While watching “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” and “Mission Impossible” at theaters in Mumbai, I realized how the audience in Asia is becoming a huge fan of Hollywood movies, and they watch it without subtitles with the same joy and enthusiasm as the audience in Los Angeles. This reaffirmed my belief that cinema has no boundaries. It’s experiences like these that have further fueled my commitment to building bridges between different film industries and the relationships I have internationally with agents and vendors in India, Singapore, and the rest of Asia. I am actively working to connect these networks with Hollywood for the upcoming projects I am a part of. Apart from this, I am open to consulting for International projects that bring the essence of diverse cultures and underrepresented communities.

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