In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with Shivan Giri to talk about producing Bollywood and Hollywood movies, life in Los Angeles and his latest film, Fracture…
Hi Shivan Giri, welcome to Flickering Myth! What got you into producing and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
I believe that my background in engineering and previous work experience as an intern at engineering corporations and multinational companies adequately prepared me for a career in producing, even before attending film school. It was during my internship that I developed strong multitasking and problem-solving skills, which I was able to apply to my studies and projects while in film school. This earned me recognition from my peers and ultimately led to my first producing job. When I began working as a producer, the challenges were not new to me, and I was able to effectively utilize my skills to improve the quality of my projects. It was then that I truly began to enjoy producing.
You hail from Bollywood and now Hollywood. Does having that cultural background help?
Having a diverse cultural background can be an asset in the entertainment industry, as it allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives. In my experience, being familiar with both Bollywood and Hollywood has given me a unique perspective and the ability to bring fresh ideas to the table. Additionally, being able to communicate effectively with people from various backgrounds can be beneficial in building relationships and understanding the needs of different communities.
Tell us about the TV series Fracture. What is the show about?
I recently worked on a proof of concept titled Fracture, which follows the story of a determined taxi driver, whose son fractures his arm in school playground. The driver uncovers the perpetrator behind a Nazi symbol found on his son’s arm cast, delving into the origins of racism and the importance of challenging prejudiced beliefs and actions passed down through generations. The project is helmed by Marilu Godinez, who serves as co-director alongside Joel Novoa, known for directing the Netflix series Cobra Kai. It stars Bruno Bichir, Aaron Staton, and Leon Russom, as well as popular child actors Idris Keith and Dexter Hobert.
What was your role in the project?
For this project I served as the first assistant director.
What were some of the filming challenges?
We encountered minimal obstacles during production as our crew was thoroughly planned and prepared. Our team of experienced department heads were adept in their respective roles, contributing to a smooth and efficient shoot.
Any fun behind the scenes stories?
Many of the background actors were children, and one of our lead actors, Aaron Staton, played a police officer in the film. The children would often be mischievous, leading to a noisy set. However, as soon as Aaron came on set in full police uniform, the children would instantly become quiet and well-behaved. I was greatly facilitated by this, as we were able to easily manage the minor background actors during scenes featuring Aaron in his police officer role, as they believed him to be a real officer.
How can we watch TV show?
The pilot episode has been successfully pitched to a major distribution company and an agreement is in place for the development of additional episodes. We anticipate that the project will be released on OTT platforms by December 2023.
How would you describe the projects that you typically prefer?
My preferred projects are those that elicit an emotional response or provoke thought in the audience.
How can people find and follow your journey?
Thank you so much! My Instagram is: @shivangiri
Our thanks to Shivan Giri for taking the time for this interview.
