Based in Los Angeles, Gaurang Bhat is a producer of the Picture Production Company (PPC), where it produces fascinating trailers and TV shows for Hollywood blockbuster movies such as The Moon Killer, Gladiator 2, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog and more. He is also a film producer and photographer, and his documentary Sparsh – Leprosy Mission has gained international recognition for its powerful storytelling.
In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, he shares his journey, his views on independent and large budget films, and his thoughts on reflecting the lives of ordinary people and the films he wants to make in the future.
In-depth with the following full interview:
Honestly, I liked games more at first. I went to Whistling Woods International to study and thought I would go to games. There, we worked on many animation projects, which made me more interested in filmmaking. That was when I decided to come to the United States to engage in production.
Can you share some trips from India to Los Angeles?
It was a difficult journey, but it also made sense. I started out as a film major and then worked in advertising, feature films and TV shows. Now, I work for a marketing agency and production company’s “Picture Production Company”, creating events for studios like Universal Pictures, Disney Plus, and Paramount. It’s been a pretty good trip and I’m glad I’m at the right time at the right time – this is a bit of luck that really helps.
How did you take a role in a picture production company?
I work in many shows, commercials and some feature films as an independent producer. With my experience, I was able to take on this role.
It was difficult to adapt to a whole new country at first. But it’s all about the people you meet, to connect with others. I think building a good support system has helped me a lot. The right people around you make a big difference.
You’ve already worked on trailers such as trailers like “The Killer of Flower Moon”, “Impossible Mission”, “Kung Fu Panda”. What is a compelling trailer or TV show?
It depends on the studio’s goals and its briefness. We create based on what they want and position according to the country. In India, for example, people speak different languages, so we adapt accordingly. Budgets vary among countries, which affect how we run.
Which project is the most creative or beneficial and why?
Sonic 3 and Gladiator 2 are very challenging due to high expectations and reviews. These are big movies, so there are strict protocols even if internal assets are shared. But the trailer did really well, which made it worth it.
But both helped me as a producer because I understand how different departments work. It helped me communicate, creativity and time management.
You made a documentary about leprosy in India. What is your way of telling this sensitive story with Sparsh?
With Sparsh, I was in the right place at the right time. When I was in India, my mother told me about a leprosy hospital where she had been donating money. I went there and met a patient. Gradually, I discovered more about the patients and what actually happened. It was heartbreaking to see them in that state. I thought it was an important story, so I picked it up.
How do you think of this cross-cultural resonance?
It depends on people’s background, because people always express sympathy for such things. Some people are more associated, some may ignore it. It’s also difficult to get people to watch these stories, but sympathy can cross culture.
Sparsh received nominations and awards at international festivals. What does this recognition mean to you?
It feels good that people connect with movies. After working so hard, it gave some verification and was appreciated, which gave them the confidence to tell more stories.
What made you creatively inspired you when playing so many roles?
How do you think of Indian movies and how is it different from Hollywood?
Indian movies need to be bolder and tell more real stories. Currently, the focus is on remakes and large budgets. People forget how to tell small and everyday stories that we can resonate with. But honestly, Hollywood is similar these days, because it also focuses more on high budgets than storytelling.
Even independent cinemas are fading out, and streaming platforms are now chasing big names. So, in the end, there isn’t much difference – everyone is chasing the same thing.
Do you think we can make more indie movies again?
Yes, if people get rid of formula-based movies and start telling real stories. We need more stories about ordinary people and everyday life. Currently, this kind of storyteller is lost.
What do you think of big budget movies?
Large budget movies are good, but we still need a well-written, meaningful story. If we make large budget movies, then only such small budget movies can be made. However, we have to spend more effort writing a good script and telling a good story, rather than focusing on someone’s abs or in CGI to make someone’s face look younger.
What kind of movie do you want to watch and which movie do you want to make in the future?
I want to see all kinds of movies. I want to watch a movie that tells the stories of ordinary people. I also love fantasy and hope to make a fantasy movie one day.
Do you have upcoming projects and can share them with us?
I’m working on some exciting projects at PPC, but I can’t talk about them yet.
You will see them for the next two months.
