QUESTION 1: What about your film excites you the most?

The story is what really excites me. It could be set anywhere in the world with any character, and it would work. Having a universal theme in a film will help audiences across the globe relate. The second thing I love are the visuals. The scenery and locations are so beautiful, and the music fits them perfectly. Also, my protagonist expressions were awesome. I guess every aspect of the film excites me. :)

QUESTION 2: What is it about your current movie that will influence your next film?

In this film my cast and crew quadrupled from my previous films. Having to work on a much bigger set has given me the confidence to take on a more challenging project.

QUESTION 3: When you’re shooting a film do you think of time as something you capture or something you construct?

I am a planner. So, I plan my shoots by constructing time. However, when something beautiful spontaneously pops up, my team and I capture that moment. The opening of the film shows a shot of the protagonist looking towards the sea and suddenly a flock pigeons flies above. Then a peanut salesman ignores my character and tells him to move on. He didn't know his customer was an actor. None of this was planned but my cinematographer suggested we just randomly shoot. That spontaneity of capturing the moments created the most beautiful and meaningful visuals. And they fit perfectly in my constructed time.

QUESTION 4: What’s a limitation you wish you had on your next shoot that would force you into making interesting creative decisions?

One thing that I did on my first film was to restrict the locations. I had one location (a cafe) and 90% of my film was shot in that one small space. I had to rely on witty dialogue to carry the story forward and keep it interesting. For my next shoot I think "Natural Lighting" will be a constraint that I would like to consider. Shooting only with natural light will create a raw, authentic look. It would force us to give more attention to the time of day, contrast, and natural shadows. Using only natural light can create a visual beauty that is unexpected and authentic.

QUESTION 5: If a film shoot is like a living organism which department do you think functions as its nervous system?

The direction team. If the direction team is calm and knows what to do next the rest of the cast and crew will work calmly and can get a significant amount of work done with less snags. If the direction team is not prepared, then the rest of the cast and crew will will be performing at a less than optimal level. All directors should be well prepared and should hire the BEST Assistant director. Having an experienced, and disciplined Assistant director is non-negotiable on a professional set.

IG: @nouveaujourneyfilms

5Q's w/: Nikita Hattangady "The Other Side" Director, Writer