The path to success in the competitive world of film and entertainment is often filled with a bucket full of obstacles. However, for Savraj Banga, a talented filmmaker and editor, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. To date, he has had the opportunity to explore the realms of both Hollywood and Bollywood. While many of his works have received lauds, a few of them have been graced with awards at international film festivals.
Speaking of Savraj’s journey, it would be amiss if we didn’t talk about the Handy Foundation. By completing a mentorship program with them, he has achieved a milestone that marks a significant turning point in his career. What makes this story even more remarkable is that the program, once an exclusive initiative, is now in association with the entertainment giant Netflix.
Getting into the Handy Foundation was no easy feat. Savraj sheds light on the same by saying, “The Assistant Editors programs provide a springboard towards future Assistant Editor positions, offering invaluable insights into the role’s intricacies and the necessary skill set.” It equips participants with the critical experience necessary for post-production work, and for Savraj, this was an invaluable opportunity to hone his skills and learn more about the industry.
Since a horde of people were trying their luck to get into this program, it wasn’t easy for Savraj! But with his dedication, perseverance, and art of persuasion, he was able to achieve what he always wanted.
In the mentorship program, they invited editors like Braddin French (ACE), Conor Burke, Sam Springli, and Kathyrn Hood-Moore. They had workshops where they taught about the workflow of reality TV, scripted vs. unscripted, and how assistant editors work in Hollywood and their roles and responsibilities. They also guided them through the technical aspects of being an assistant editor. With the help of the Handy Foundation, Savraj learned a lot of different techniques and methods, which helped him become an assistant editor.
Savraj has worked on more than 40 projects, including short films, feature films, commercials, and music videos. He has worked with Franco Sama, who is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and has contributed to the film Glassdoor, which won the Best Cinematography award at the Manhattan Film Festival. He has also worked with brands like Verizon, Fear of God, GoPro, and Jio Studios, as well as artists like B Praak and Jason Bateman.
As a part of the Bollywood industry, he has worked at Jio Studios on the show called ‘Kiska Brand Bajega’ that aired on CNBC-TV18. The show featured top celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rohit Sharma, etc. Savraj’s journey offers motivation to aspiring filmmakers and seasoned storytellers alike.