Neeraj Awchat
Filmmaking, Ad & Film Direction, Production & Screen Writing
Phone:
+971 54 767 9897
Email:
Current Location:
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Work Experience
Sept 2020 - March 2023
Medulla Communications
Associate Creative Director - Films
May 2016 - August 2020
Freelance Projects
Director / Screenwriter / Editor
April 2015 - April 2016
Mullen Lowe Lintas
Film Department
August 2010 - May 2012
Cute Kameena, Chemistry, CID
Assistant Director
• Directed & Produced Ad films for brands like Big Muscle Nutrition, Lenskart ft. New Balance, Shingrix.
• Managed the entire production process from storyboarding to shooting to editing.
• Led a crew of 100+ production crew, including actors and ensured a safe & collaborative working environment.
• Collaborated with technicians from camera, light, set design and sound to improve overall quality of the film.
• Directed 2d Animated films while also assuming leadership of an animators team and overseeing their tasks.
• Wrote, Directed, Produced & Edited a short film called “Block”. Officially Selected in festivals around the world and winner of three awards.
• Directed corporate films & Ad films for brands like Surf Excel, Close Up, Brylcreem.
• Worked closely with actors to understand their characters & encouraged them to enhance their performance.
• Participated in pre-production meetings, adeptly balancing client expectations while maintaining an unwavering commitment to the creative vision for the film.
• Led the crew on set, implementing changes in line with shooting schedules to ensure deadlines were met.
• Directed Ad films for brands like, Kissan, Knorr, Fair & Lovely and Close Up Diamond Attraction.
• Managed multiple pre-production processes including budgets, filming schedules, location research & selection.
• Managed all aspects of offline & online post-production, including transcoding, pacing, structuring, colour correction, sound editing and music.
• Saved production costs by minimising retakes and rehearsals through adequate actor guidance and instruction.
• Determined shoot order and created schedules as well as assisted in casting the female lead and other characters.
• Coordinated all production activity and assisted the director with on-set production details.
• Managed the 2nd Unit crew and directed extra shots with supporting actors.
• Guided junior assistant directors and enforced discipline on set.
• Monitored continuity of scenes including props and costumes.
• Actively participated in script revisions and oversaw the hiring of locations and props.
Education & Training
I am an alumnus of the esteemed New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. I attended their One Year Filmmaking course where I pursued film direction. During this time, I had the opportunity to direct and edit over 20 short films, including a music video. Additionally, I produced and budgeted five thesis films with budgets ranging from $1000 to $6000. I also gained valuable experience as a First AD on four thesis films and two short films, assisting other directors. Here I developed skills in creating schedules, shoot orders, and script breakdowns, while effectively supervising cast and crew. I also gained hands-on experience with camera, light, and sound equipment, honing my technical abilities in filmmaking.
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Prior to my time at the New York Film Academy, I pursued my Bachelor's in Mass Media in Advertising at the prestigious Jai Hind College in Mumbai from 2007 to 2010. During my studies, I had the opportunity to work on various projects, including planning and buying media platforms for an advertisement campaign. I also directed a documentary on a contemporary issue, as well as two music videos and two ads. In addition, I developed skills in direct marketing and market research planning.
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