Working on Valiyor Silar
In December 2020, while studying for my B.Sc. in Visual Communication, I received an incredible opportunity that felt like a dream come true. My professor, Mr. Pradeep Kumar, who had been instrumental in teaching me photography and cinematography, offered me the chance to work as an assistant cinematographer on the feature film Valiyor Silar. It was a proud and surreal moment for me, and I felt honored to work alongside my mentor in such a pivotal role.
The Learning Experience on Set
Although I had learned a lot during my undergraduate studies, being on a live set was an entirely different experience. For 12 days, we worked across multiple locations, and I had the chance to apply my knowledge in a practical and dynamic environment. Mr. Pradeep Kumar was not only my professor but my guide on set. I learned more in those 12 days than I ever could in a classroom.
One of the most important lessons I took away from this experience was how to handle cinematic lighting. The way light plays with the camera lens, the mood it creates, and the technical adjustments required for each scene were eye-opening. I also learned a lot about team management, working closely with the crew and the Director of Photography (DOP). As an assistant cinematographer, I was responsible for ensuring everything was in place to execute the DOP’s vision, and this taught me the importance of teamwork and clear communication.
The Grit and Joy of Filmmaking
The schedule was grueling—sleepless nights and long, relentless working hours. But honestly, I didn’t mind any of it. I was too engrossed in learning and living my dream on set. Each night after the shoot wrapped up, the core team, including the Director, Associate Directors, the DOP, and myself, would gather to discuss the next day’s plans. These discussions were another valuable part of the learning process, as I got to see how the team strategized and prepared for the upcoming scenes.
We shot the film using a Blackmagic 6K pocket camera with Zeiss cinematic prime lenses, along with a 70-200mm photography zoom lens and Lights: Junior 2Kw, Senior 10kw & M10, 10x10 Skimmer. Working with such high-quality gear was an exciting experience, and it gave me insight into the technical side of cinematography. I learned so much from the DOP about camera techniques, framing, and how to achieve the best shots under different conditions.
A Milestone in My Cinematic Journey
At the end of the shoot, my professor, Mr. Pradeep Kumar, gave me an internship certificate for my work on Valiyor Silar, which was later released on the OTT platform ShortFlix due to the impact of COVID-19. This was more than just a piece of paper to me—it was a token of my first real experience working in cinema, a field I had always dreamed of being part of.
Looking back, I cherish every moment of that journey. It was not just about the technical knowledge I gained, but the passion and dedication that came with working in the world of filmmaking. This experience reinforced my love for cinema and motivated me to pursue my dreams with even more determination.
