We were lucky to catch up with Varun Chounal recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Varun, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
This journey has been ongoing for me. Doubts about my ability and skill always linger in some distant corner of my mind, no matter where I am in the process. Some days, I power through, while on others, I succumb to it.
Sharing these thoughts with fellow filmmakers and friends has been surprisingly helpful. Almost every one of us experiences moments like these; it’s part of the process and how we strive for improvement. I’ve learned to accept and understand that these doubts don’t solely define me.
Breaking down ideas or goals into small tasks has been a personal lifesaver. It allows me to recognize and appreciate smaller victories and process losses better. In a fast-moving world, I’ve learned to slow down, appreciate the little things, so that losses don’t leave me dejected and feed into that pesky voice in my head.
Patience is key. I see this as a long and eventful journey, so a few wins and losses do not define who I am. Accepting this and surrounding yourself with people who help you grow keep me grounded and motivated. If needed, seeking professional support is a valid and crucial step in maintaining mental well-being in the creative field.
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?
My story is a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, passions, and a relentless pursuit of growth.
I have lived in various cities all over my birth country of India, and in various cities in the world during my pursuit of artistic excellence. These global encounters have significantly shaped my love for storytelling and steered me towards my chosen path of filmmaking.
My creative journey navigates East-West sensibilities, a reflection of my own immigrant experiences. As a child of the globalized world, I often find myself questioning notions of belonging and home, adjusting my voice depending on the cultural context. Strikingly, this quest for identity resonates universally and my work began to form around the idea of shared experiences that transcend borders and build connections. Additionally, collaborations stemming from these shared moments have become a cornerstone of my artistic ventures.
In my pursuit of storytelling, I am driven by a commitment to uniqueness. Every project I undertake is infused with an element that hasn’t been explored before. It’s my responsibility as a storyteller to present audiences with something novel every time they engage with my work. This ethos fuels two of my current projects: “Dalaan,” an elevated visual take on the podcast format, and “In The Name of Beauty,” a travel show designed to deconstruct beauty and wellness worldwide. Additionally, my recent short film “Raada”(a.k.a Muck), delving into the topic of misguided masculinity in small-town India, is making waves at prestigious film festivals such as Nashville and Tasveer.
In essence, my story is an evolving tale of exploration, collaboration, and an enduring passion for storytelling. Eager to contribute to the rich tapestry of filmmaking, I’m committed to bringing unique narratives to the forefront, fostering connections across cultures. The journey ahead holds exciting prospects, with 2024 promising a diverse array of projects—from hard-hitting documentaries and entertaining narrative films to visually striking music videos and engaging content, all under the banner of Jpost Productions. I look forward to making a meaningful impact in the world of filmmaking and continuing to connect with audiences through the power of storytelling.
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, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:
Innovation: In a world saturated with content, breaking through the noise requires a commitment to innovation. Offering something unique captures attention and provides your project the opportunity to resonate with audiences. This focus on innovation has been a cornerstone in distinguishing my work and securing a place in the viewer’s consciousness.
Learning and Adaptation: The filmmaking industry is dynamic, with new technologies, trends, and storytelling approaches constantly emerging. Cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning, attending workshops, networking events, and staying abreast of emerging technologies have been instrumental in carving a niche for myself. Whether it is attending workshops, networking events or even exhibitions showcasing new technology- if it helps me develop new ways of presenting my art, I am there. This commitment ensures resilience in the face of industry shifts, allowing me to produce work that remains relevant and resonates with contemporary audiences.
Effective Communication: At the heart of impactful storytelling lies the art of effective communication. Whether conveying ideas to a team, collaborating with actors, or articulating a vision to stakeholders, strong communication skills are paramount. I consistently practice presenting ideas concisely and engagingly, seek constructive feedback, and remain open to refinement. This emphasis on effective communication fosters a collaborative and positive working environment, essential in both scriptwriting and directing actors on set.
For those starting their own paths in this dynamic industry, my advice is to dive into these qualities with enthusiasm. These traits not only set the foundation for creative success but also contribute to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking with resilience and impact.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
As a kid, movies were my escape when life got tough. But as I grew up and made my passion for films my job, a unique dilemma emerged: how do you navigate when the source of comfort becomes a wellspring of anxiety?
Filmmaking, despite its joys, can be incredibly daunting. Dealing with frequent rejections, perpetual feedback loops, and the sheer effort of creating a film can take a toll. At one point I found that my life and films had become incredibly intertwined, leaving little room for anything else. This amalgamation left me feeling drained and isolated.
One remedy that consistently works for me is taking a step back. Not only does it offer much-needed perspective, but it also exposes me to fresh life experiences. Trying out new forms of exercise, exploring new places, experimenting with different cuisines, or simply meeting new people injects inspiration into my routine, often from unexpected sources.
Another effective strategy is breaking down grand ideas or goals into manageable tasks. This approach keeps me engaged in the process without succumbing to overwhelming feelings. Additionally, I make a conscious effort to celebrate small victories. While monumental achievements are essential, acknowledging the smaller milestones along the journey becomes equally crucial.
If all else fails, dancing is always a solid backup!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jpoststudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/varunchounal/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-chounal-7333409a/
Image Credits
Shudi Zheng Shounak Gopalkar Srishti Chaturvedi
