Hi Children, do you love movies? Have you ever looked up from the screen you were staring and wondered what it would be like to make your very own films one day?
Well today you get to meet Rajeev, a young filmmaker following his dreams. Just like any young child he loved watching movies and wanted to be a part of the glamour and excitement that comes along with Hollywood movies. Well he didn’t stop there, he did all he could to make his dreams a reality.
It all started when he went to the US. for his studies to do on BFA in Film at Evangel University (Missouri, USA) He went on to do on MFA in Production for Film and Television at Chapman University, USA—ranked among the top 4th film schools in America.
After his graduation, he got to work as a Director’s Assistant on the set of Captain America, how cool is that! And since then he has worked with several international directors and now has his own production company. With all this exposure, one day he may even go on to direct his own Hollywood movie! Today on our career page we meet Rajeev Colton, a rising star in the world of movie production.
What inspired you to love movies?
When I was 6 years old, I watched a movie called Jurassic Park. It was thrilling, exciting and had a wholesome satisfying ending. I remember from that point on wanting to work on something that created that same feeling. I also love storytelling. Movies combined all those things for me.
Did you always know you wanted to work in film when you were a child?
I absolutely did, and that dream has only grown with time.
What was it like acting in school plays and making short films in Sri Lanka ?
It was so much fun. Getting to work on stories and share them with others. It confirmed the dream and calling I had on my life. I also got to learn so much about all the work that goes into it and meet other people who had the same passion and interests.
Why did you choose to study film in the United States?
I grew up watching Hollywood movies such as Jurassic Park, so going and studying close to Hollywood made the most sense.
Can you tell us about one of your favourite short films you worked on?
The short film I am most proud of to date is a movie I made in 2018 called Pavements. It was an original concept I came up with, combining three short films based on true stories together. What I love about movies is what makes them interesting to watch; concepts and cool ways of telling the story. It was also my first short film I did after coming back to Sri Lanka from doing my undergraduate degree, and it is available on YouTube to watch.
What was it like being appointed as a teaching assistant to two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Asghar Farhadi ?
One of the best experiences of my life. Learning from a great filmmaker outside of the Hollywood space showed me that I as a Sri Lankan filmmaker can take all the things that make Hollywood movies great, and combine my culture and experiences into them. Showing what our land looks like, what our people are like, and what’s it like to be a Sri Lankan.
What does a Director’s Assistant at Marvel Studios do?
So many things:
* Organising the director’s transport, food, and meetings.
* Taking notes and researching things about the script and movie.
* Accompanying them in most meetings.
* Taking/rolling calls and responding to some emails.
* Being on set and making sure they have everything they need to direct.
* Sometimes, it’s also being a friend and a place for them to talk freely and relax.
How did you feel when you got the chance to work on Captain America: Brave New World?
I couldn’t believe it at first. A dream come true! I was so excited and I also took a moment to be proud of myself. Proud of all the hard work it took for me to get here, not knowing anyone in film and Hollywood, I had to do everything by myself to prove I was worthy of the role. Dream big and strong and the doors will open.
What’s the most exciting part about working in the movie industry?
Getting the opportunity to create stories in a cool way. Being on set is so much fun. Meeting other storytellers and learning from them, and getting to be a role model for other young people who started out just like me.
What advice do you have for children who dream of making big Hollywood movies one day?
Hold onto you dream, no matter what. Don’t let anything or anyone take it away from you. It’s not about money – there is always a way to get ahead in the world, especially now.
Also, start now – whether acting, writing or filming… start creating with what you have and learn as much as you can on your own. The answer may not always be film school, it could even mean getting a job in commercials or displaying your talents in social media, by taking that chance opportunities can open up… So, don’t discount anything that will take you ahead. And always, be kind to yourself and to others!
