Shoojit Sircar and Advait Chandan sat down for a masterclass on filmmaking at IFFI (International Film Festival of India 2022) on Monday, where the two directors discussed the nuances of direction and how making a film is essentially about teamwork.

“I have worked with like-minded people, many of them friends. More than expertise, I look for someone who understands me. The most important thing is the how the team gels with the director. The key people in the process are the cinematographer, followed by the casting director and the costume designer,” said Shoojit, the director of films like Sardar Udham, Madras Café and Pink. If the crew is new, they may have many suggestions, but those may not always be useful for the director, who has lived with the script for a long time, the director added.

Shoojit spoke about his love for football. “I love soccer more than filmmaking, so you can understand that my soccer experience is like making a film. When there is an 11-member team that work towards scoring a goal, they play a good game.”

He also mentioned how he does not try to second guess what the audience wants. “What I’ve made or I am attempting to make, there is no better judge of it than me.”

Advait, who has movies like Laal Singh Chaddha and Secret Superstar under his belt, said, “I’ve never been to a film school, so when I’m selecting my crew, I like to be the dumbest person in the room. I like to surround myself with people who have more experience than me. That gives me a huge sense of security.”

He also spoke about the importance of listening to your crew. “Have your ears open and be receptive. Making a film is like being in a marriage. You have to treat your crew like a partner – with respect and love. Sometimes you will get along. Sometimes you will part ways. You will agree, disagree, argue and fight.”