Versatility is Nalaka Kahagalla’s middle name for he is a video editor, videographer , photographer and a multi media lecturer all rolled into one. A highly talented and creative video editer and videographer his services are much sought after in the industry. What is even more unusual is that his initial professional background was in accountancy.It says much for his versatility that was able to seamlessly switch between two vastly different fields.
Today, Kahagalla is the proud owner of four companies , namely Media7even Video Productions, Academy of Multi Media, Media7even Educational Cntre and Studio Media 7even. In addition he is guiding the footsteps of many students aspiring to enter the multi media field. As a dedicated teacher he always puts his students first- “ Children and youth are very precious, we must always put them first’ he says. Except on Tuesdays Nalaka Kahagalla devotes all his time to teaching his students.
Tuesdays are devoted by him to creative work in videoediting, videography, photography and his youtubr channel Cinema hush hush. As its name denotes Cinema hush hush is all about what goes behind – the –scenes in the world of film and naturally the channel has thousands of viewers eager to peep into the other side of cinema.
Asked about how he came to be interested in multi media Kahagalla said, “ even as a child I was curious about how films and television productions were made. So, I learnt what I could about it and this led to my taking to this field”.
Nalaka Kahagalla had his early education at Ananda College, Chilaw and Asoka College, Colombo10. After finishing schoolhe studied and worked in the accountancy field but the lure of multi media was too strong. So, he started to work as a Gampaha district news reporter for as TV channel but soon realized it was not for him.
Then, this y,talented and ver atile young man decided to turn entrepreneur starting his own Computer Academyin 2005. Nalaka kahagalla was responsible in inculcating computer skills in many students who are now doing well in life thanks to the Kahagalla legacy of computer knowledge.
At this time Kahagalla began to really become interested in videography and received requests to cover weddings.He did not possess a video camera but borrowed his brother’s camera and videoed a wedding. The video was a success and he started receiving many requests to video weddings. A camera became a must and Kahagalle bought one and continued his career as a successful wedding videographer.
Then came a great change in life for him. He got the opportunity to study at the Holmsglen University in Melbourne , Australia. He was successful in obtaining the diploma in multi media. On his return to Sri Lanka he embarked on his current career.
In 2014 he was able to enter the local film industry as a Behind – the- Scenes (BTS) videographer.Among the films he has worked on are Madhura Charika, Wassanaye sada, President Super Star and Gindaree 3 all directed by Udayakantha Warnasooriya and Rush directed by Mahesh Munasinghe.he has also worked on some soon to be released films.
Nalaka Kahagalla has now turned his hand to producing films and is currently directing and producing a short film. He is also handling the filming and editing.
Nalaka Kahagalaa’s ambition is to be a creative film director and he has put his foot on the first rung of the ladder film directing with his short film.