What does it take to be a talented content creator and strategist? Kaustubh Chaturvedi talks about his body of work and offers insights on content creation and film production. He has proved his mettle through his body of work.
Kaustubh’s journey is an example of the fact that life can be hard, but with a dedication to your craft, you will definitely emerge as a winner. He’s a multi-faceted personality who is a skilled film director, masterful anchor, and a thorough professional at that.
His journey from a junior producer to an Assistant Producer at the widely popular web media channel, ScoopWhoop is a massive inspiration for any young content creator. His story proves no matter how hard your life journey is, you will sail through because of your patience and perseverance.
Take a look at what this popular web-icon had to say to Storiyaan about his journey, his dedication towards his craft, and his work culture at ScoopWhoop.
Interview
Questions and answers
You are trained in Film Production, cross-cultural communication, and cinematography. Can you tell us in detail about your career span in the creative industry?
Right after schooling, I went to Mumbai to pursue an acting course and also featured in Channel [V] Gumrah’s Episode 2 of Season 1. As I was too naive to decide for myself, I returned to Lucknow and did my Bachelors in Journalism & Mass Communication. There I majored in Film studies and I directed a short film in which I was also the lead protagonist. It was fecilitated as the best short film. I also performed in various other short films, theatres, Nukkad Natak It was fecilitated as the ‘Best Short Film’. I was a part of their research team. After completing my Masters, I applied for popular media houses like Filtercopy, TVF, and AIB. . Later, I moved to Delhi for a Masters in Film & TV Production and made a couple of short films. I interned at NDTV RED DOT PRODUCTIONS for their Reality show India Unravelled. I was part of the research team. After completing my Masters, I applied for popular companies like Filtercopy, TVF, and AIB. But deep down, I always hoped to work for ScoopWhoop. I had to wait for a few months before I got my first break as a Junior Producer in ScoopWhoop in Nov. ’17.
As you're currently working in ScoopWhoop, can you tell us about the work-culture and your experience working there?
It’s been more than two and a half years of my association with ScoopWhoop.
Talking about working in ScoopWhoop, would you like to share a memorable incident at the workplace?
ScoopWhoop leaves you with innumerable memories. Initially, for OK TESTED, we did a video where only a team of four was allowed to have Bhang during office hours. It was a mind-blowing experience for me as I had the liberty to be high at the office. For another video, I was a Drag Queen and had to perform for the office. My partner, Kanishk also tagged along. I strongly feel I broke all my boundaries and came out of my comfort zone after joining ScoopWhoop.
What is the thing that makes you dislike your job at times?
The part that I dislike the most is the thought of leaving the company someday for a more financially secure job.
People working in the creative industry are paid less in comparison to white-collar jobs. What is your take on the same?
I think every professional needs to be appreciated and rewarded for their work. No doubt there are huge pay gaps between artists working in the industry and it’s something that needs to be resolved.
What is the most important life lesson that you have learned but in a hard way?
Khud Pe Taras Khana Band Karo. People have been nice to me because of my vibe. But there were situations when I needed people to support me. When I realized that it had become a habit, I worked on it.
Who do you look up to in your life? Who is your major inspiration?
I was really inspired by the movie ROCKY IV. “It’s not about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you get hit and keep moving forward.” This line struck my soul and I still look up to it. Well, every day is a new experience for me. I don’t have a Guru, hence, I keep learning from everything.
Kaustubh, we took a lot of inspiration from your feed on Instagram, and we would love it if you share a secret of creative engagement being a content creator and producer yourself?
There is only one secret to create engagement on every platform. Be unique and never follow any particular Content Creator. These days, people go crazy to get views and likes on their Instagram or any other platform. I would like to tell them not to get affected by the likes and views as long as their content is fresh and relatable. I would suggest aspiring Content Creators look up to many creators and not just follow a few. Watch and expand your horizons; come up with something different and better.
Tell us one thing that you love and hate about ScoopWhoop.
I love the work environment. Be it the CEO or the help, everyone’s treated equally. If you have an idea, you can pitch it without any regrets. Sometimes, the team works on Saturdays and Sundays. But hate’s too strong a word for that, haha!
What is the biggest downfall that you have faced in your life, and how did you overcome it?
There’s no downfall, I always keep growing from experiences and learn from every mistake I make. For example, I am away in a different city from my family, living alone in a flat. I have to cook, clean, entertain, and take care of myself. Tough times do bring out a tougher you.
It is a cut-throat competition when you are working in the media. Is there any advice that you would like to give to students who plan to pursue this field?
It is a well known fact that there is a cut-throat competition in the media and communication field. Keep believing in what you are doing. Some people won’t like your idea but others will. You don’t have to please everyone. Be mindful of critics and keep working. Keep track of your process and have patience.
What are some skills that are essential for students who want to step in the creative industry, and how can one improve them?
Patience, Gratitude, and Observation. Be confident and have a passion for what you do. A unique idea is not as important compared to making an ordinary idea unique. Seeing the things from your perspective and bringing that perspective to people is all that matters.
Can you tell us in brief about the most interesting projects of your career so far?
Two of my favorite projects at Scoopwhoop and OK TESTED would be Bungee Jumping and Kumbh. I walked and shot with heavy equipment on my shoulder for 2 days straight. Never had I thought that I would jump off a cliff and have the experience of a lifetime from a professional viewpoint.
Lastly, where do you derive the inspiration to do all the super amazing things we get to see?
I push and inspire myself so as to bring a smile on my mom’s face. She is always happy when she sees me online and on YouTube. I am a Mama’s boy, so I guess she’s my biggest source of inspiration and support.