Shivan Giri

Mumbai-born film and television producer Shivan Giri talks about standing out in the entertainment industry and his latest movies in Hollywood. In an exclusive interview, Film News sat down with Shivan to chat about the movie ‘The role-play of life’

Can you introduce yourself for our readers please?
I was born and raised in Mumbai, India, the heart of Bollywood industry. Prior to entering the filmmaking industry, I gained a diverse range of work experience in fields such as marine construction, real estate, and event management. My background is diverse, and I believe that this diversity has given me a strong foundation. Along with my passion for film and television, I am also an avid fan of soccer.

What prompted you to be a producer?
Growing up in Mumbai, India, I was surrounded by the film industry and developed a passion for storytelling. I was intrigued by reading interviews with my favorite directors and learning about the process behind my favorite films. Watching the documentary "Madness in the Desert," about the making of the Academy Award-nominated film "Lagaan," showed me the challenges of production and the hard work and determination needed to overcome them. This experience inspired me to move from just being a consumer of stories to becoming a producer and creating stories that evoke thoughts and emotions in audiences.

What made you move to Los Angeles?
I had a basic understanding of filmmaking, but I knew that I needed more knowledge and experience to become a better filmmaker. That's why I decided to attend film school and pursue a master's degree in filmmaking, with a focus on direction. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the experts in the industry and hone my skills in the heart of the film world, Hollywood. I wanted to immerse myself in the culture here and take advantage of the many opportunities for growth and learning. My ultimate goal is to continually develop my skills and make a meaningful impact in the film industry.

What do you love most about being a film producer?
The best part of producing films is the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, allowing me to gain unique perspectives. As a producer, I am involved in the daily process of reading scripts and I am constantly discovering new and amazing stories. I also get to attend movie premiers and screenings, giving me first-hand exposure to the latest films. Another perk of my job is the opportunity to travel to beautiful locations for scouting and filming, allowing me to experience the local flora and fauna and gain a deeper appreciation for each region.

How different is film to television production?
Film and television production are similar in many ways, but they also have some key differences. Both involve the process of creating and producing content for a visual medium, but the scale, budget, distribution, and target audience of each can vary greatly.

Film production tends to have a larger budget and longer production schedule than television. Filmmakers also have more creative freedom with film projects, as they are not as restricted by time constraints or episode length as television producers are.

Television production often requires a faster pace, as shows are expected to produce multiple episodes per season. Television shows also have a more consistent release schedule, with new episodes airing on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Additionally, television shows typically have a smaller budget than films and are often more focused on appealing to a specific target audience.

In summary, while there are similarities between film and television production, the scale, budget, distribution, and target audience of each can vary greatly, making them two distinct forms of visual media production.

Tell us about the movie ‘The role-play of Life’
"The role-play of life" is an intriguing tale about two strangers, a little man who’s a court judge and a compassionate wet nurse, who come together on a park swing. They reveal unusual reasons for choosing their professions, causing them to re-evaluate the paths they have taken and the decisions they have made. As their conversation unfolds, they eventually come to the realization that life is a cyclical journey that constantly returns to its origin, leaving them pondering their own place in the grand scheme of things. It is directed by the talented, up-and-coming filmmaker Pietro Barba. Starring Christophe Zajac-Denek, known for his role in the series 'Twin Peaks'(2017), and featuring Katie Lynn Stoddard and Holly Kiger.

What were some of the filming challenges?
We encountered minimal obstacles during production as our crew was thoroughly planned and prepared. Our team of experienced department heads were adept in their respective roles, contributing to a smooth and efficient shoot.

Any fun behind the scenes stories?
Ah, the memories! Shooting scenes on those swings in the park, and who shows up but the local kiddos who rule the roost. They sauntered over to us all curious, asking if we were running ahead or behind schedule. And when we told 'em we were right on time, their little eyes just lit up like fireworks on the 4th of July! They were so excited to reclaim their swinging throne! I tell ya, who would've thought a bunch of kids would know their schedules and keep tabs on the actors, hahaha!

How can we see the movie?
Our film is currently being shown at prestigious film festivals. It has been officially submitted for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Student Awards by New York Film Academy. It’s a highly prestigious award and we are excited to see what happens next.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
There's nothing in the world that can't be learned given enough time.

What’s up next for you?
I have two major projects in the works: a feature Film titled "Road to Bandstand" and an untitled TV pilot, which I will be producing and directing.
Thank you, Shivan, for taking the time to chat with us. Stay up to date with Shivan Giri on IMDb and Instagram