Jagadeesh Sa (Jagi or Jags) is an Indian filmmaker who lives and works in India. Jagi Invert, as he is fondly called, writes, directs and produces his own stories into movies, and he has done quite well for himself. Jagi served in the offshore Marine and Production Industry. One particular day midway through the Ocean from work, he figured he had a creative streak. So, he followed his intuition, a few days later Jagi quit his job in the Marine and Production Industry and entered in the film industry.
“My first Job was an AD & Dialogue coach for an Advertising commercial in my hometown. I would say I felt more heat than on my offshore job. I was comfortable though I loved the direction and the film techniques. So, I decided to join with a film crew and started learning filmmaking from scratch and then I got to work on my first feature film, Atlanta which was a horror movie.” says Jagi
indieactivity: How did you get into directing?
Jagi: I listened to my instincts and intuition; that moment of epiphany I had when I was working in the Offshore Marine Industry. It was at this point I wanted to be a filmmaker. I found a soul inspiring happiness when I started focusing and gathering information on filmmaking and especially directing. This process had happened earlier on and for quite sometime, I considered it deeply and then I had the epiphany that made me to quit my job and began a new career as AD (Assistant Director) on the production of a commercial. This was the beginning…..
indieactivity: How do you choose a project to direct?
Jagi: SCRIPT “THE SCRIPT” and the script is what matters most to me. The script should have great depth and strong resolute characters involved in the pursuit of a basic premise or goal that moves me to the story. I prefer a script that is based on humanity one that has a connection with nature (Universe).
indieactivity: Describe wrong impressions actors, writers and directors have about directing?
Jagi: I rarely encounter misconceptions on my projects or on other projects. I was the writer, director and I moulded the actors in accordance to the script. A hard working director, actor or writer shouldn’t have wrong impressions about their work. They must stay positive and their thoughts focused to make a great movie unless the director directs them wrong. I understand that misconceptions do happen, but in a collaboration it should be almost non-existent
indieactivity: Do you take courses to increase your craft?
Jagi: I don’t often take courses. I keep an open mind daily during my work, and I learn and absorb from life. I sought out to learn and I listen to my team and friends, although I am fairly confident in my own approach to filmmaking. I upgrade myself on techniques in filmmaking by reading interviews, making videos, watching movies, online tutorials.
indieactivity: What books do you read?
Jagi: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, Brando by F.X.Feeney is a must read.
indieactivity: Why will you choose an actor, writer or producer. What do you look for?
Jagi: I look out for like minded artists who I can bond with. Such a bond during a collaboration saves time and and creates deeper connections. I look out for “love and trust”. Eventually passion, intellect, perseverance, integrity and determination all these add up to the make a great movie obviously.
indieactivity: When you are offered a project, what things do you put in place to deliver a good job?
Jagi: Primarily a script matters a lot. Secondly, a good crew, the cast and finally and obviously the budget. I schedule and make a business plan. I always look for two things; No.1 is the project someway of any benefit for the mankind and two is it good profit for producer. That’s it. (KARMA)
Atlanta Vampire Movie
indieactivity: Briefly explain your latest work?
Jagi: I have recently completed my feature film to release by June. Currently we are in post-production. The movie is about a woman an experimental drama based on a camouflaged truth. It is definitely a must need for the world. The other movie is in production and expected to release in July. It is a Sci-Fi film.
indieactiivty: What thing/situation helps you during production?
Jagi: 1) Good planning & a backup plan: 2) always expect the unexpected when on a production set. Keep moving forward with a smile on set. (I know it’s tough but still…LOL); 3) Don’t give up but stay positive; 4) and you most deadly weapon is “Patience“ Ha ha ha…
indieactivity: Explain a creative choice you took on set on a recent production?
Jagi: I had to make such a choice on my movie (now in post-production) and another upcoming film. These choice happened in regards with certain character changes I made; one is a “Dwarf” and the other “baby”. The second instance involved a drone. We were shooting on the shore of an ocean or what you would call in the US a Beach. The drone had a difficulty flying against the wind at the Beach. I had to call in a boat crew. The final aerial shot from the drone came out really very great and quite realistic.
indieactivity: What do you want from an actor in production?
Jagi: Passion and professionalism ….simple!
indieactivity: How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production?
Jagi: I need to definitely “Vibe” with my producer. My experience has taught me this. I have two example like this that happened with both my movies (Universal connections are cool for collaborations). I owe this to myself.
Jagi Invert On Set
indieactivity: What do you think a director can do to get into the film industry?
Jagi: I’m pretty sure his work can do all wonders just as he deserves.
indieactivity: Who is your favorite directors?
Jagi: James Cameron, Christopher Nolan and M. Night Shyamalan
indieactivity: Why?
Jagi: I really admire their work. Their work holds a deep connection to human nature and the Universe. I love this! They are definitely a big inspiration for me in my career. I’m still learning from these artists.
indieactivity: What advice would you give to directors around the world?
Jagi: Often times during the journey of filmmaking, you feel like you are alone, that it’s only you. You’re in your bubble. I suggest that you hold on to the fundamental quality of faith. The other side of the pain is something really very good.
Briefly write about your career
Atlanta Vampire (Feature) Director: Giles shepherd,
Starring: Chelsea, Carl Childers, Elena, Jevocas, Craig.
Synopsis: It’s a Horror comedy. (I worked as VFX supervisor, Second Assistant. Director & Executive producer)
The Patriotic Act – Feature film-Director: Wayne slaten,
Starring: Jason, David, James Hong, Shayla Bagir, Michelle Elle, Julie Oliver.
Expected Release Dec 2017
It’s a Sci-fi action thriller. (I worked as Second Asst director/India unit director)
Mangi – Short film – Director: Letlotlo Molotsi
Accepted release Aug 2017.
A drama. (I worked as associate producer & 1st assistant director)
BH – Director Jagadeesh.Sa
Accepted release June 2017.
An experimental drama.(I was the writer, director & executive producer)
EPHY – Director: Jagadeesh.Sa
Accepted release July 2017.
A thriller, Sci-fi. (I’m the writer, director & executive producer)
Follow Jagadeesh Sa on Social Media
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In Conversation with Michael Oblowitz Director of Confidential Informant
Confidential Informant stars Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth
