Youth Quotient: "To master your craft, you need to know the industry inside-out"

Sanjna Shetty, Assistant Producer, Zoom starts her day with planning, research and conceptualisation of shows. From planning to execution, until the show goes on-air, she remains on her toes.

Shetty has been working with Zoom for the last four years. On a regular basis, she expresses her writing skills through her blog ‘Phoonk Off’.

In a candid conversation with exchange4media, she talks about her passion for the job, projects she is proud of, people she looks up to and much more…

Why did you decide to be a part of the entertainment industry?

Every individual in India has a place for entertainment in his daily routine and from a very young age, I liked to document, share and interact with people. While doing my Bachelor of Mass Media, I realised that the possibilities for entertainment in today’s generation is endless. After a short internship at a TV channel, I realised that entertainment is going to be my life from then on.

What are the three things that the industry has taught you?

There are hundreds of misconceptions about the entertainment industry. Talent that you watch on screen have the least to do with the content put on-air. There are hundreds of people responsible for a piece that is enjoyed by the whole country. The most important lesson I learnt here is ‘To master your craft, you need to know the industry inside-out’.

What do you love about your job and what are the things you dislike?

The fact is that what I do is out there for everyone to see, criticise and praise is the most motivating factor. I have control over how you would view a story and I have to present it in the most entertaining manner. The challenge of it all is the best part of my job. There are not many dislikes but every now and then I wish I had a personal life. I don’t miss out on much because working for the entertainment industry is one big party.

Which is the one project you are proud to have associated with?

Last year we showcased the journeys of Bollywood directors through their movies. The show was called ‘Bollywood Storytellers’; it was a learning experience and I was immensely proud of the final product. Femina Miss India, Filmfare Awards (not in the same order) but they all gave me a high that makes me stick to this line of work each and every year.

If you wouldn’t have been in this industry, what do you think you would be doing?

I think I would have written a book, worked for a magazine or anything that involved writing, but somehow related to entertainment. It’s very important to enjoy what you do, because life is a long journey and being bitter about your profession will degrade you.

Who is the one leader in the industry whom you look up to?

It has to be people like Siddharth Roy Kapoor, John Abraham, Vineet Jain. They have a vision and they go for it. They work towards reaching out to quality viewership. The way they approach TV content is fascinating and sure-short winner.

Five brands, channels, production houses that you would want to work with…

Viacom 18, AKFPL, Turner Group, BBC Worldwide and Dharma Productions.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I don’t plan that far, but if I had to fantasise about my future successes…I will be producing independent content with my branding on it. That’s my dream and I know I will do it one day.