“It was an absolute pleasure to work with you.” -Maria Carrera.

These are the words every production house wants to hear at the end of a rigorous four days shoot in Mumbai and Bangalore, April of 2019. 

Early 2019 I received an email from Maria Carrera, Executive Producer – sureCAN productions, the USA stating they needed production help in India but the following criteria was mandatory:

1. Filming was after five days and all pre-production work had to be done within four days before the crew from their production house lands in Mumbai. Sort equipment, local crew, ensure that there would be no issues at customs for the equipment they were bringing, scout locations and send photos for approvals and book them immediately. 
2. And, of course, this had to be done in the best budget possible. 

I called Ashwini, one of my lead production managers. She promptly checked our schedule and said yes, let’s do it!

The barrage of emails started between me and Maria – the 12 hour time difference between the USA and India ensured that I did not get any sleep that day. I probed her and got all specifics and details of the shoot sorted out. Just as I finished, it was dawn and our team met for a breakfast meeting. Work started early that morning. 

Five days later.

Ashwini with a driver and minibus was there to meet and greet the red-eyed crew. Introductions, shake hands (this was pre-Covid) and they left for the hotel. In the vehicle, all for crew members were given a welcome kit containing local SIM cards preloaded with all relevant numbers and a strict instruction not to drink tap water and actually to avoid it for even brushing their teeth. The hotel rooms had been supplied with extra water already by our unit manager. 

The next morning the driver was waiting for the crew to come to the hotel lobby after their breakfast and they left on time for the first location. Two of my best grips – I can confidently say, two of the best in Mumbai were there to help the crew carry the equipment to the location. Ashwini was already there along with a gaffer who had already roughed out the lighting. 

The shoot started twenty minutes before the schedule and continued with any issues for two days. There were several last-minute props, lenses, sliders, extra memory cards, and cast requirements which were promptly met. Ashwini would call me every hour with questions and suggestions regarding the shoot and I would ensure she continues with the shoot smoothly on location. In such shoot it works very well if the office is in sync with the filming and provides continuous support. 

After two days of filming in six different locations in Mumbai, the crew with Ashwini left for Bangalore for the next phase of filming. 

Maria Carrera sent me a long, sweet letter appreciating the work I did for her. Here are some excerpts: 

• You were incredibly prompt in answering all my questions, via email and text. I always knew where I stood, what could and could not happen, and why. It was very nice to work with someone who was so on top of the unanswered questions, and who managed the crew so well. 
• You were incredibly professional. You kept things easy and I felt like I was in great hands with you. You communicated well, met my budget without complaint, and made me feel very appreciated and respected. 
• Your skills in making things possible were great. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we could not get a drone operator, but that was a non-issue and I felt taken care of anyway. Your direction to your crew in how they should greet and handle mine was wonderful, and I really appreciate all you did. 
• Same as above. I really feel that we had the perfect fixer for this job, and I wouldn’t hesitate to contact you again should we return to India. 
• Ashwini and the local grips she hired were totally professional. Always paying attention to what’s going on and the needs of production as well as anticipating those needs. Super helpful. 
• The crew texted me right after they met Ashwini at the airport saying “We feel very comfortable, all is going to be ok, no worries.”
• Thank you again, Sanjay for all of your help. We couldn’t have done it without you, and you managed the entire process flawlessly.