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| Having fun with the camera |
In this week’s student profile, the person that we are going to put in the spot light is Rajeshwaran Krishnamookthi or fondly known as Raajeish by his fellow peers.
Raajeish is currently in his second year studying Digital Film and Television. As a team of Click & News ,managed to conduct an interview curious to know about Raajeish’s experiences in the industry as well as his university life.
Hello Raajeish, thank you for spending some time with us on top of your busy schedule.
No problem it’s my pleasure that somebody is interested in getting my interview (laughs)
Raajeish tell me t how you got yourself involved in this advertising field?
Well first I did a course in computer science right after SPM. At the age of 19, I started my mini music journey by doing my degree in music. Then at the age of 23, I graduated with my degree and started working as a junior keyboardist with Malaysian based hip hop group, Poetic Ammo. Slowly I started getting exposure towards advertisements through some of my friends who ere already in the field back then. Due to encouragement by them and also in the state to earn and extra income, I joined famous advertisement company Leo Burnett. I did a few advertisement related to festive season such as Hari Raya and Deepavali when I was working with Leo Burnett.
Besides Leo Burnett, are there any other advertisement companies that you have worked with thus far?
Yes I have worked with Naga DBB when doing advertisements for Digi and Hotlink. I have also worked with Grey Worldwide when doing overseas advertisements. The best part is that I also had the chance to act in few movies while doing advertisements.
Since you have said that you do have some acting experiences, how did that opportunity come about?
Well it’s purely accidental whereby there will times that we are short of talents, so the director will sometimes ask me to do the role. The acting experience is really fun, and you would be able to see the money. Dedication to camera and most importantly the camera must like you and remember to do your homework for the character.
You have a degree in music and now you are doing your second degree, do you think there is a big advantage for you in the field right now?
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| The Business man |
As far as movies, we shoot focus on both side as far as audio and visual is concern. Therefore when it involves movie where music is a huge importance, I feel I can do it whole heartedly because of the experience I already have. Where else for the degree in filming which I pursuing right now, it helps me to understand the shots and scene selection better. So I can say that both have thier own advantage.
They say that one has to have a thick skin when approaching the filming line. Is it true? What is your comment on this statement?
Yes, you should get rid of shyness in front of the camera. If you want to be a part of the filming industry you will have to definitely get rid of this attitude as its very essential for you to be balanced with yourself as a film director or even as a talent. I would also like to add on by saying that by being a film director, one should also be genuine in giving enough time and coaching to the talents in order for them to improvise on their mistakes. That’s when spontaneous acting takes place and no overacting occurs.
Famous personalities that Raajeish has worked with thus far:
The late Yasmin Ahmad - Merdeka TV Commercial (2004)
Al Isaac - Commercials like Digi, Petronas, KFC and McDonalds.
Kumar Thangaiah (Director of the movie “Pulau Asmara”) - a few commercials
Nasser- Worked together for a Tamil drama under a Malay production called “Next Awakening”
Raajeish also has this great passion of writing script for short film and his script won the 2nd prize at the Astro Short Film Competition in 2005. The story was titled “Illusion of Love“directed by his close friend, Abu Bakar Siddique.
Since you said that you also work and at the same time study, how do you allocate time for your assignments?
Working vice, definitely career comes first but as far as assignments are concerned, I normally stay awake at night and somehow try to finish it on time.
Since you are already in the industry, tell us more about what is your job scope currently?
In my working career I take care of the production side, payroll, and talents. Before a project starts I should prepare my paperwork three weeks ahead. I should also be prepared for any consequences like shortage of talent and if so then I would have to step in and act myself (laughs). Well that’s how I started acting.
What is your dream when you decided to pursue your second degree in Digital Film and Television?
My dream is to become a film director, and I really wanted to learn on the Panavision and Red camera. To be frank here in Malaysia we do not have this camera’s yet. S o I even taught of taking some short courses in the United States related to these camera techniques. Well this may sound strange but I am really hoping to be a part of the history book, where our nation gets to be in the biggest stage of all when it comes to the movie industry.
Thank you so much again for your time and best wishes from us at Click & News in achieving all of your goals and aspirations.
You are welcome and thank you for your wishes as well.
