25th October 2023,Mumbai: In the world of cinematography, Abhinay Pandit shines as a young and promising talent, offering a captivating insight into his remarkable journey. Commencing his career at the tender age of 17, Abhinay’s dedication to the art has remained unwavering. Although originally from Mumbai, India, he has since made Los Angeles his home, a city where creativity knows no bounds. His path has been deeply influenced by illustrious mentors such as Tony Richmond ASC BSC, Pascal Lebegue AFC, David A. Armstrong, Christopher Cheng Rossiter CSI ICG, and several other esteemed cinematographers.
Cinematic Realism: Abhinay’s Guiding Light
What truly sets Abhinay apart is his unwavering commitment to cinematic realism. His craft revolves around creating narratives that effortlessly draw the audience into the world he presents, offering a perspective that mirrors viewing the world through a director’s lens. His ultimate goal is to evoke specific emotions and establish an authentic connection between viewers and the stories he tells.
The Art of Perfect Camera Angle
In conversations about his work, Abhinay emphasizes the pivotal role of selecting the right camera for each project. Throughout his career, he has masterfully navigated a diverse range of camera equipment, always keeping in mind the unique constraints of each endeavor. Sometimes, production limitations necessitate a simplified camera setup, while at other times, a more elaborate arrangement becomes indispensable.
Capturing Unfiltered Locations: ‘Dyuloka’ and ‘Paanjo Kutch’ with Director Dhruvin Shah
Abhinay’s approach is best illustrated through two remarkable projects: “Dyuloka” and “Paanjo Kutch,” directed by Dhruvin Shah for Virmoya, a prominent Indian clothing brand. In both instances, his primary focus was on ensuring the comfort of his crew and cultivating warm relationships with local communities. His mission was to authentically capture the essence of the locations, preserving their raw, unfiltered quality. For “Paanjo Kutch,” Abhinay chose the Fujifilm XT3 camera, complemented by zoom and prime lenses, creating a setup that flawlessly aligned with his vision. Over four days, he adeptly captured the dynamic world of textile arts and the self-sufficiency of traditional women deeply ingrained in Kutch’s cultural tapestry.
Collaborative Excellence with Linh Tang for ‘Naiad’
Another remarkable venture is “Naiad,” directed by the talented artist Linh Tang, with whom Abhinay enjoys a fruitful collaboration. For this project, Abhinay employed a Sony camcorder, appreciating its adaptability in achieving the desired shots. He firmly underscores a straightforward perspective: while top-tier equipment is occasionally necessary, the focus should always be on attaining the desired level of detail and intimacy. This is particularly crucial given their limited two-hour window, primarily designated for shooting photographs and motion stills. Abhinay asserts that the need for expensive gear arises only in specific circumstances and can sometimes deviate from a project’s intended aesthetic.
Good Work Does Not Require Expensive Gears
Abhinay’s resounding message is that exceptional work can be produced with simple gears and basic artistic tools. He advises staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and market trends but also underscores the timeless truth that it’s the artist’s vision that truly distinguishes the exceptional from the ordinary.
Exploring Cinematic Boundaries
In the world of cinematography, Abhinay Pandit stands as a true force to the power of cinematic brilliance, emphasizing that it’s not the tools you use but the story you tell and the emotions you capture in your camera that truly matters. As he continues to push the boundaries of the craft, we can only anticipate more inspiring works from this young, dynamic talent.