Sometimes, a producer has to act like a salesman, a client servicing executive and even a spot dada: Shomik Basuray

With his marketing skills to further help the medium of cinema and advertising, Shomik Basuray, a management graduate from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies set up the Bombay Film Company with the vision of combining his interest towards cinema, media and filmmaking. Around in the industry for around five years, he has produced the last two seasons of the popular show Beg Borrow Steal for Bindass. In an exclusive talk with Tellychakkar.com, Shomik speaks exclusively about his passion for films that led to the forming of his own company and a lot more. Read on: Tell us more about The Bombay Film Company (pauses) Since long, I had an inclination towards filmmaking and even though I was studying in a B-School, I always dreamt of starting my own organisation. So, along with my batchmate Varun (Raj), we started doing corporate films and ads as freelancers. Enjoying the work we were into, our success started blooming too. And around three and a half years ago, we started on our own, with the formation of The Bombay Film Company. From corporate ads to shows, how did the transition happen? Well, I too really don’t know for sure. I just walked into it without thinking too much. Having worked with popular and credible brands in the industry for more than two years, I figured out that the entertainment industry was my true calling. Thus we decided to get started with producing shows. Why did you choose such an off-beat show like Beg Borrow Steal as your initial project? (Gives a thought) Firstly, I share a great relationship with UTV for which I had done a lot of corporate films and promotional videos earlier. They are one of the best professional organisations people like to get associated with. And secondly, I love travelling. And this show gave us enough chance to explore around. Since this concept was really exciting, we were kicked about the whole thing when we got an opportunity to produce it. You produced the last two seasons of the show. How did you try to make one different from the other? We did the last two seasons of this particular show on a much larger scale and had brainstorming sessions with the creatives to add more fun and entertainment. Working on this project, hands on, was a very good experience. Given a chance, our production will like to produce the show again and again. Youth shows are currently doing well on Indian Television. Your take on this… Today, people get bored of similar shows and they need variety for a change. The younger lot, specially, are bored of homogenous shows. Moreover, there is a different market for different types of projects. So everyone gets to enjoy their choice of shows. What challenges does a producer usually face? (laughs) A producer has to don multiple hats to get his work done effectively. I think a producer has to act like a salesman, a client servicing executive and even sometimes as a spot dada. Since there are innumerable challenges in the field, one needs to be strong to be able to withstand all kinds of crisis. You are also a writer. Enlighten us more on that particular talent of yours? Yes, I have worked on loads of projects as a writer. I believe that to be successful as a writer, one needs to be close to his clients so that he understands their needs well. This also helps in transcription very well. I always make it a point to do the scripts myself if the project demands in-depth research and findings. How has the overall journey been so far? (chuckles) Well, it has been very satisfying for sure. In such a short time span, we have made a mark in the industry. Of course there have been equal shares of ups and downs, but I am thankful that I got to work with so many great people. There have been many who have inspired me with their intelligence and experience of the industry. I have been very fortunate with the teams I got to work with. What interests you apart from filmmaking? I am a complete film buff and am also into reading a lot of books. I love travelling and am a complete foodie. What are your plans for the future? There is no specific option that we are looking forward to but we love whatever we are doing and will continue doing so. We really want to do some good work that will take our company to great heights. As for me, I do not just want to grow on a professional level but also on the personal front.