Shaibya Rakesh : Art Direction

As a child what were your early influences towards cinema? Art, literature, graphics, photography?
As a child photography was the eary influence towards cinema.

How did you first become interested in film art direction?
As i wanted to be an photographer, so i joined Ftii thinknig of creating my own backgrounds, but then it was never looking back.

What steps did you take to train yourself?
Just kept my eyes open and store them in my mind.

Have you assisted anyone? How does it help one?
Yes I have assisted before. The more you assist with different people, the more you discover your personal style.

How did your first film project come about? Tell us something about the experience.
As an assistant it came with Late Samir Chanda Sir.

How did you land your first film (or TVC) art direction job?
Independent came on its own probably by someones recommendation. It taught me DO’S & DONT’S.

What was the design process? Were you allowed a lot of creative freedom? Was the director around to constantly discuss ideas?
Design process started with research, followed by idea book conceived after lot of meetings with director. To some extend yes we got creative freedom.

How do you arrive at a colour palette for a film?
The colour palette come with emotions.

What was your most satisfying moment as an art director?
Yet to come.

What are your inspirations?
My surroundings and self learning.

Is film art direction intuitive or is it something you learn?
It is intuitve in terms of creativity but need to learn the technique of bringing out in reality.

Do you think the audience is perceptive about production design? What kind of feedback do you get from non-film maker audience for your work?
If the sets are too big which cant be ignored..then yes but otherwise I have not heard many people talking about Production Design.
Tell us something about your non-cinema related art explorations.
I like painting, and expanding my vision by helping my dad in his business.

Your favorite films or Art Directors? At least two of them?
Late Samir Chanda, Shashank Tere

Any hurdles you have encountered in your journey. Things that are blocks in a achieving your vision while working on your film.
Countless hurdles!!!

Do you often get all that is in your wish list or is it a hard bargain every time?
It is extremely hard…the day i will get everything, that will be my most satisfying job.

What is in the kitty now?
Still exploring.

Any advice to the inspiring art directors?
Just be there. Dont give-up.

Any memorable blunders?
No really. Nothing from my side.

Your dream project?
Yet to come which I even dont know.

Shaibya Rakesh Art Direction