Garima Arora – Filmmaking through the lens of a woman producer

Garima Arora’s journey in the film industry began in production, where she quickly rose through the ranks. With a comprehensive background spanning various departments, including casting, costumes, and set dressing, Arora spent five years honing her craft before founding her own production outfit, Entourage Films, where she orchestrates projects with precision, seamlessly balancing budgets, creatives, and client expectations. Arora’s passion for filmmaking is matched only by her dedication to nurturing young talent, making her a driving force in the industry’s evolution.

In an interaction with Adgully, Garima Arora, Founder & Executive Producer, Entourage Films, speaks about her innovative approach to establishing Entourage Films, key milestones, future of filmmaking, emerging trends and technologies, filmmaking and her commitment to nurturing emerging talent, solidifying her reputation as a driving force in the industry’s evolution.

Could you share the vision that led you to establish Entourage Films, and how has it evolved over the years?

My vision has always been to collaborate with emerging talents and versatile directors and creating something we believe in, regardless of naysayers. Over time, our company has evolved in various ways. As a team of women, we’ve faced the ups and downs of the advertising world together. Even from my early days as a freelancer, I surrounded myself with a team of talented women. We have been fortunate to collaborate with brands like Netflix, Britannia, Amazon, and Taj, who have trusted us to bring their creative visions to life.

Evolution isn’t always easy, but it has been a breath-taking journey – one that we’re excited to continue as we guide Entourage Films towards its brightest future.

Starting from your early days in production, could you elaborate on the key milestones that shaped your career in the film industry?

Essentially, I owe much of my career development to Prahlad Kakar, who served as my mentor and imparted invaluable lessons in various aspects of filmmaking. From juggling production to directing, casting to costumes, his teachings covered it all in the wild west days of undefined roles.

Genesis wasn’t just a production house; it was a school that instilled the confidence in me, paving the way for me to kick-start Entourage Films. As I progressed, I learned the importance of attention to detail in ensuring top-notch production quality.

Whether it was my time with Prahlad Kakar or Uzer Khan, every collaboration has been a stepping stone for the birth of Entourage Films.

How do you foster a collaborative and productive atmosphere within your company?

Navigating the high-pressure world of filmmaking requires a delicate balance. Our work is undeniably intense, laden with expectations, but we’ve mastered the art of blending intensity with levity. Despite the long hours, the energy on the set is always electric, making it one of the most thrilling experiences. Finding joy in the chaos, keeping the vibes positive and ensuring an environment where creativity thrives is key.

How do you navigate challenges in balancing budgets, creative demands, client expectations, and other aspects of running Entourage Films?

Every day brings its own set of challenges – from sourcing the perfect scripts to ensuring every production detail aligns with our clients’ visions, the journey is never dull. But one thing remains constant, our commitment to delivering quality film.

We’ve been fortunate to collaborate with incredible clients and directors who share our production-friendly ethos. Together, we tackle any obstacles head-on, finding creative solutions without compromising on quality. And with an incredible team by my side, every obstacle is just another opportunity to turn setbacks into triumphs.

In an ever-evolving industry, how do you see the future of filmmaking, and how is Entourage Films adapting to emerging trends and technologies?

I’m optimistic about the future of filmmaking, especially with the remarkable progress we’re seeing in technology. For us, the digital landscape is our playground, from lightning-fast advancements in resolution to cutting-edge editing tools the possibilities are endless. With a plethora of creative minds, we can utilize the power of evolving technology with finesse, the sky’s the limit for cinematic evolution.

Are there specific habits or practices you follow to stay updated on industry trends and maintain a forward-thinking mindset?

From shooting TVCs to now tackling digital and print campaigns, our journey of seven years has been nothing short of transformative. Evolution is the name of the game, and we thrive on collaborating with fresh talent and staying receptive to feedback. With the younger generation leading the charge in tech and market trends, we keep our ears to the ground, adapting swiftly to stay ahead of the curve. In this ever-changing landscape, the key is simple: evolve, adapt, and always lend an attentive ear.

For women aspiring to enter the film production industry, what advice would you give based on your own experiences and challenges?

My advice to all the women and girls out there is trust your greatness. Forget the rulebook society handed you; it’s time to write your own. Sure, the ad world throws curveballs, but trust me, you’ve got this. Embrace the grind, embrace the falls, every obstacle is an opportunity to grow. Believe in your passion to create, focus on your personal development and you’ll become unstoppable.

As a prominent female figure in the film industry, how do you actively work towards empowering and supporting women within Entourage Films and the broader film community?

Empowering women in the workplace is not just a goal, it’s my mission as a prominent figure in the film industry. From office to set, I prioritize hiring and promoting women in every aspect. I encourage them to embrace challenges, knowing that adversity shapes greatness. It’s a dream to witness a set run by women, proving their limitless potential. As a woman and a producer, I’m inspired to create a space where women can thrive. And, trust me if I can do it, anyone can.