Bittersweet has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Not the easiest, not the most straight forward but the one that taught me, shaped me and challenged me the best possible way. When they say it takes a village, they mean it. It is a collaboration. We kept inching forward, slowly yet steadily. And it was not about plowing through the process- my way or the highway style. That's when a valuable perspective is lost- my collaborator's.
Here's introducing the first one!
Ram Ganesh- right from the first meeting at Starbucks to this moment- what a creative joyride!! The person who has guided me patiently with his expertise and prowess, the one who instilled the meaning of “Action” and “Cut” to me, the one who showed the courage to trust an amateur like me and foremost, the one who gave life to my characters and my words beautifully on the screen. My A.W.E.S.O.M.E mentor, who needs an Oscar for his patience. We used to meet before every shoot, to discuss the scene, the emotions, the lighting, the framing etc.
Often I would stumble on a roadblock not sure how to proceed, he would lay out the options before me with all the pros and cons. With utter calmness, he would then ask “Julie, what do you want?”. Within seconds, I would get the clarity I need and we would lock it. After every take, I would eagerly look for that nod from him. Without clouding my judgement, he would gently voice his thoughts- this is literally what got me through all the shoots.
My cast has often told me, how seamless it had felt and to be in their zone, despite the cameras or the lights or the Cinematographer- none of these being a hindrance ever. This is a shout out for you Ram, as we gear up for the release- A month from now, is when BitterSweet will hit your screens!
I have often felt that I had gotten enrolled in a film school, the learnings of course are never ending. Only begun..
