MUMBAI: Filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane recently shared his perspective on what makes an ideal producer, reflecting on his collaboration with Sameer Nair, Managing Director of Applause Entertainment, for the film Black Warrant. He highlighted the importance of a shared vision, mutual respect, and a willingness to take creative risks, offering a glimpse into the collaborative relationship between a director and producer.
When asked what a director should expect from a producer, Vikramaditya elaborated, “A producer is many things. People presume that they are just all about the budget. And, of course, that's a skill set that a producer has to have; to be able to say what is the best you can get for your director considering the limitations of your funds. But I think a producer goes beyond that, and in the case of Applause, in the case of Sameer and Deepak, it's been the macro perspective that they have on certain things. A producer has a vision sometimes. A director has a vision as well. But a producer helps the director to keep to his vision, reminding him or her of what one has set out to achieve."
He credited Sameer Nair and Deepak Segal from Applause Entertainment for their invaluable input throughout the making of 'Black Warrant'. “That's the way we worked on this one (Black Warrant) , the macro notes that Sameer and Deepak and team would end up giving. Checking what we can do to make things look better. How can we market it better. A good producer essentially has their director's back at one level and is in a way the overall vision keeper of a project" Motwane shared.
One of the standout aspects of Applause Entertainment, according to Vikramaditya, is their willingness to take risks—a rarity in the industry. He said, “What’s lovely about Applause is their risk-taking. No one’s taking risks in the industry. Having someone who’s got your back and takes that risk with you is invaluable. To have someone say ‘Let’s do it. Let’s make it the best we can. If we make it well enough, there will always be an audience for it.’ That’s incredibly reassuring as a director.”
Adding to the conversation, Sameer Nair reflected on his partnership with Vikramaditya. “In the case of Vikram and Black Warrant, he’s not just a director; he’s a producing partner. He’s involved in every aspect of the project. But in general, I think the industry has evolved significantly. Directors are coming in with a solid plan—better writing processes, pre-production, and overall discipline. As producers, our job is to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. It’s about putting our best foot forward and building friendships along the way.”
With 'Black Warrant', the synergy between Vikramaditya Motwane and Sameer Nair exemplifies how a director and producer can push boundaries, take bold creative risks, and craft stories that resonate with audiences, all while enjoying the collaborative journey.
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