MAINAK BISWAS
filmmaker | visual artist | writer
PHOTO ESSAY
by Mainak Biswas
note for,
adeline virginia woolf
averted in the bedchamber woolf lived -
unchaste desires were unholy in matrimony,
scarred by gallant men as her nearest and dearest,
inscribing using blunt ink she kept singing with gallows humour,
until pebbles were lighter than the burden on her shoulder.
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PROJECTS
Showcase of Work
Streaming on MovieSaints
Director/Writer/Producer
Land Of Lost Triggers is a short film that deals with dysphoria and everyday travails of our Indian farmers. The story portrays the dynamic shift that ultimately leads to the loss of hopes and lives that our protagonist faces. What happens to be the last resort of the farmer in the hands of merciless system forms the crux of this heart-wrenching narrative.
WRITE-UPS
Raising the Bar
A Juxtaposition of Then and Now
by Mainak Biswas
seat of the Muses
by Mainak Biswas
nectar
/ˈnɛktə/
noun
(in Greek and Roman mythology) the drink of the gods.
by Mainak Biswas
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX, UNITED KINGDOM
M.A. Filmmaking
September 2022 - March 2024
Merit
Activities and societies: Sussex Film Society, South Asian Students’ Society
• Organised and hosted events actively participating with Sussex Students’ Union.
Paper presentation:
• Celebration of Killing - on account of Galuh Wandita, Watching The Act of Killing in Indonesia (Documentary, 2012)
- Under the supervision of Vincent Du (Short Documentary: Research and Production)
The program's curriculum was meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of all facets of filmmaking, encompassing theoretical studies, practical workshops, and hands-on production experiences. Courses covering film theory, history, and criticism provided a solid foundation, equipping me with the analytical tools necessary to deconstruct cinematic texts and contextualise them within broader cultural and social frameworks. Complementing the theoretical component were practical modules that allowed me to develop proficiency in various aspects of filmmaking, from screenwriting and directing to cinematography and editing. Under the guidance of experienced faculty members and industry professionals, I had the opportunity to hone my technical skills and refine my creative vision through a series of collaborative projects and individual assignments.
UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA, KOLKATA, INDIA
B.A. English Literature Honours
July 2018 - August 2021
First Class Honours
Activities and societies: Literature and Film Society
Foundational courses laid the groundwork, introducing me to the diverse landscape of literary genres, critical theories, and analytical frameworks. As I navigated through seminal works of Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, and beyond, I developed a keen eye for textual analysis and interpretation, honing my ability to dissect complex narratives and unearth layers of meaning. As the curriculum progressed, I embraced the opportunity to explore specialised areas of interest within the vast expanse of English literature. From Victorian novels to postcolonial literature, from modernist poetry to feminist discourse, each course offered a unique lens through which to examine the human experience and the intricate interplay of language, culture, and society.
• Minor : Journalism & Mass Communication and Political Science
Notable Alumni - English Department - Finished in Top Quintile
RESUME
Experience & Expertise
Sep 2023 - Mar 2024
Number 9 Films, London, UK
VIDEO PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
• Assisted in the planning and execution of production processes
• Set and maintained organized and detailed schedules for production
• Juggled multiple projects and tasks to ensure high quality and timely delivery
• Collaborated with creative team and director to ensure alignment between artistic vision and editing requirements
Dec 2022 - Jun 2023
McDonald's, Brighton and Hove, UK
CREW MEMBER
Demonstrated expertise in delivering exceptional service, handling cash transactions accurately, and maintaining a clean and organised work area in fast-paced customer service environments. Receiving positive customer feedback and strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented setting.
Dec 2021 - May 2022
Hoichoi, Kolkata, India
ARTIST MANAGEMENT INTERN
• Work with celebrity client to identify audience target, marketing position and goals
• Collaborate in the implementation of management plan objectives
• Coordinate and schedule auditions, meetings, calls and appearances for clients
• Cultivate relationships with actors, producers, casting directors, media, entertainment executives
Nov 2021 - May 2023
DropsPlay, Kolkata, India
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
• Experience in developing creative concepts and brand strategies
• Developed a forward-thinking culture of collaboration, inclusion, and creativity across the agency to drive employee engagement
• Lead successful photo/video campaigns in working with clients
• Lead a team of 40 individuals in creative and digital departments
Dec 2021 - Feb 2022
Youth Art Scene, Kolkata, India
PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR
• Organizing and co-ordinating the event
• Handling social media content
• Worked on the photography and video production team
• Guest relations with artists and musicians
Mar 2020 - Apr 2022
Calcutta Cacophony, Kolkata, India
CONTENT WRITER
• Ideating and marketing blogs on social media
• Handling photography and video production
• Strategically plan social media and experimental campaigns for clients
• Lead and manage specialised content catering to audience
Jan 2020 - Mar 2020
CalBunka, Kolkata, India
EVENT COORDINATOR
• Organising and co-ordinating the event
• Handling social media content
• Worked on the photography and video production team
• Guest relations with artists and musicians
• Overlooking and co-operating in a team
Jan 2019 - Apr 2019
Sonic Solution, Kolkata, India
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
• Assisting and supervising several scripts and pitch decks
• Assisting on edits of showreels and other projects
Apr 2018 - Dec 2018
Pixelgenio, Kolkata, India
CONTENT WRITER
• Develop original content for digital platforms, including website pages, blog posts, articles, social media posts, and email campaigns
• Created detail-oriented content with expertise in SEO and Social Media Marketing
• Reviewed quality of existing content, making changes or suggestions as needed
SKILLS
PROFESSIONAL
Screenwriting
Web Content Writing
Copywriting
Photography/Cinematography
Film Editing
Project Management
Pitch Development
Social Media Content Creation
Marketing & Advertising
Media Production
Production Planning
Communications
Operations Management
TECHNICAL
Celtx
StudioBinder
WriterDuet
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe After Effects
DaVinci Resolve
Final Cut Pro
Google Workspace
Microsoft Office
Canva
Slack
ABOUT ME
My Story
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My educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Filmmaking from the University of Sussex, graduating with a Merit, and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Literature from University of Calcutta, where I graduated with First Class Honours. These academic pursuits were complemented by active participation in film societies, cultural groups, and a minor in Journalism & Mass Communication and Political Science, fostering a comprehensive skill set in creative storytelling, project management, and strategic communication.
During my tenure at Number 9 Films as a Video Production Assistant, I honed my abilities in planning and executing production processes, ensuring meticulous attention to detail while managing multiple projects concurrently. This experience, coupled with my role as a Crew Member at McDonald's, fortified my commitment to delivering exceptional service, fostering strong teamwork, and adapting swiftly to dynamic work environments. My professional journey also led me to serve as a Creative Director at DropsPlay, where I spearheaded creative strategies and fostered an inclusive culture that propelled successful photo/video campaigns. Additionally, my tenure as an Artist Management Intern at Hoichoi provided invaluable insights into audience targeting, client management, and relationship cultivation within the entertainment landscape. Noteworthy experiences as a Content Writer at Calcutta Cacophony and Pixelgenio, Assistant Director at Sonic Solution equipped me with versatile skills in content creation, social media management, and project coordination.
My creative endeavors include published photography works featured three times by Vogue Italia. As a multi-faceted Director/Writer/Cinematographer, I brought to life 'ITI (Yours Truly)' in 2019 and led as the Director/Writer/Producer for 'Land of Lost Triggers' in 2021. Both films garnered international acclaim, securing awards at prestigious film festivals such as the Tagore International Film Festival, Prague International Monthly Film Festival, Pune International Short Film Festival, Golden Short Film Festival, and The Lift-Off Sessions (2x). These films have been widely screened on OTT platforms such as YouTube's Hook Films Channel, MovieSaints, and published by MUBI. My recent portfolio spans diverse projects encompassing short films, documentaries, music videos, photography assignments, and written publications. I am particularly drawn to stories exploring societal and psychological nuances, and my storytelling often delves into these compelling aspects of the complex human narratives.