Meet the Guptas is a short film created as a final class project in our Script to Screen – Advanced Television and Film program. With a story focused on family, relationships, and some surprising twists throughout, what started as a class project has grown into a film selected by and screened at multiple film festivals in North America and internationally.
Cindy Persad, a 2020 graduate of the program and the film’s producer, explains, “In the second semester of the Script to Screen program, students were required to produce two short films that served as an introduction to the working world of the film industry. Students used the Storyworks class sessions for six weeks for the pre-development and development of these class projects.”
The idea of Meet the Guptas, in particular, came about through the writing course led by Instructor Steve Lucas. Cindy explains that students submitted a short screenplay they wrote to be considered for the final project and adds that aspects such as budget, timeline, and the nature of the story and how it reflects the diversity in Canada were all factored into the decision.
Meet the Guptas was selected, and students proceeded forward with its creation. As a producer, Cindy had several responsibilities, including overseeing the entire team, cast and crew, along with ensuring deadlines were hit, and the budget was followed.
“Being present to conduct all production and location meetings was essential. In addition, I needed to safeguard the location (a house we rented to film) before, during and after the shoot. This included making sure all production heads carried out all their duties and responsibilities as per regulations,” she explains.
As students were hard at work preparing to film, Toronto’s pandemic lockdown came into effect. Cindy explains, “Our principal photography ended on March 15th, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. I believe we were the last film shot right before the lockdown began. We had many discussions about whether we should delay or cancel the shoot, as some students were concerned about attending the shoot. With the support of Program Director Steve Lucas, we managed to do the full of three days shoot at the location without a problem, as all plans and preparation were already made.”
She adds, “The onset of the pandemic affected the film in the post-production stage. It took almost two years to get a final product with all the many closures of post-production houses. We waited until the time was right and saw our film come to fruition.”
Despite the delay, the overall experience of creating the film was enjoyable. Cindy shares, “Apart from the birth of my son, this was my next best experience! It was very challenging and rewarding at the same time. It was like giving birth to words on paper and then watching the project come to life on the big screen.”
She continues, “Despite the many challenges, our production team remained determined and committed. I sometimes thought we would never get to principal photography. The pandemic caused serious coordination and logistical problems, and tensions among the cast and crew ran high. Nevertheless, I'm grateful to have worked with such a mature and accountable crew.”
The real-world experience students received from filming Meet the Guptas was meaningful, as students had the opportunity to work with a team to get this film to the finish line. Cindy shares, “I consider Meet the Guptasa professional production. Industry professionals such as Leem Risto (Camera Dep. Supervisor) and Stewart Young (AD Supervisor) gave their time and talents to breathe life into this film. Actors included the renowned Ellora Patnaik (Sort Of, Kim's Convenience) and Saad Siddiqui (From Scratch, Diggstown). There was no room for stepping back, and I had to rise to perform at my utmost best. In addition to Steve Lucas, Phil Daniels (Producer), Brett Sullivan (Director), and Nigel Ricketts (Editor) mentored the crew and me from the onset.”
She adds, “The most critical set of skills developed during this production was the ability to multitask and problem-solve during a most challenging time. This production has prepared me for the real world. I can now work under any conditions thrown my way and have the capacity to solve any issues that may come my way.”
Looking at the program overall, Cindy recommends it to “anyone willing to do the work and become one of the best Film Industry Professionals.” Although challenging, she says the program definitely prepares students for the real world. “Even after graduation, the constant support and assistance from the faculty instructors are highly admirable. You can connect with any of them anytime to discuss future projects and get their guidance. The relations and bonds remain even after the program ends.”
Meet the Guptas has had a great launch into the festival scene so far, and Cindy says there are several more up in consideration. The film was an Official Selection of the International Film Festival of South Asia in August 2022, premiered at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival in September, and screened in November 2022 at the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival.
The level of commitment and hard work is extremely evident among the students who worked on this film, and we are thrilled to see the success of Meet the Guptas thus far. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Article by: Alexandra Few
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