Film-making beyond film schools.
Uzer is a seasoned maverick with 2 decades of experience in sales and advertising. He brings to the table an exceptional mix of an unconventional creative vision, technical expertise and strategic thinking. Unable to afford a film school, Uzer instead decided to learn from one of the best in Indian advertising – Mr. Prahlad Kakkar. As someone who always wondered why film-making and conceptualisation wasn’t done by the same people, he’s taken great strides in bridging the gap between the two.
Uzer's Work
Uzer takes The Independent World's QnA.
Q1. Tell us about your journey.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a keen interest in imagery, film-making and advertising. But I couldn’t afford to join a film school. So I enrolled myself for something better – to assist Mr. Prahlad Kakkar, one of the pioneers in the field of film making in India. I kicked off my career as a production assistant at Genesis Entertainment. And then went on to collaborate with my long-time friend and brother, Mr. Sunil A Shetty, sharing dreams, ambitions and fostering a steady partnership that has stood the test of time.
Q2. Do you think attending film school helps or is on-set self-learning the best way to get a hang of Film Making?
My journey hasn’t been one that would let me believe in film schools. I find on-set self-learning to be a more organic and practical approach, that allows one to harness their natural abilities. I feel storytelling is an inherent art, something that begins from childhood. If one can narrate a story with the enthusiasm of a child, while nuancing the rustling wind, the sound of galloping horses, the echoing footsteps in quiet alleys, the haunting creak of a door swinging open, you know have a great storyteller in you already.
Q3. What are the skillsets a successful Director must have?
Great imagination.
Q4. Which are your best pieces of work?
I wouldn’t want to point out anything in specific. But I’ve been fortunate enough to have clients who have associated with me consistently over the years.
Having said that, my favourite genres would have to be Sports, Action and Style-based projects. Comedy too sparks my creativity.
I don’t consider myself as the Scorsese of advertising; I’d rather be the David Dhawan and be someone who may not always get the cream of ideas or the best scripts, but doesn’t complain. My goal is to make whatever comes my way sound good and entertaining. Because the intent always is and will be to make commercials that grip the audience in the first 5 seconds and are loved by the masses.