Sid Sawant

Sid Sawant graduated in 2013 and has been keeping himself busy on both sides of the camera. He told us a bit about his work, his inspiration, and how Humber helped him get where he is now.

What are you currently working on?
This year has marked a tectonic shift in my career. The same year I joined the actor's union (ACTRA) I became the Production Manager of Playfight VFX, a Toronto-based visual effects company. For the past 2 months I have been filming in Los Angeles, working on a new TV show for Hulu. Shoot days have been intense, 12-hour shooting days filled with stunt rehearsals, principle photography, and the fun of shooting on locations like Universal Studios back lot, the Disney Ranch and a variety of on-site locations in LA. As the production comes to a camera wrap, the team back in Toronto are prepping the post assets to put on the final touches that will really bring the entire cinematic experience to life.

Any other projects/shows you’ve worked on since graduation that you’re particularly proud of or that were particularly fun or fulfilling?
Right after graduation I had the privilege of getting work from independent features to union commercials. The 2013 short I starred in named Sun was selected by 8 film festivals internationally and won 2 people's choice awards. After that award-winning short, I worked on my first feature, playing the lead role in Street Soldiers (2016). These projects were a chance to work with a diverse and talented set of ethnic actors in the Greater Toronto Area.

What’s inspiring you right now?
Inspiration comes from the strangest of places. It can come from seeing an awesome show or reading a really good script right down to applying for a grant and hoping the project gets funded. Recently what has inspired me is living the LA life as a filmmaker. Being on set and absorbing as much as I can of the experience definitely drives me to continue to strive at my craft.

How did your time at Humber prepare you for what you’re doing now?
My time at Humber was a great jumping off point for understanding how the industry works. There is no guaranteed road to success in the film world, but Humber did an excellent job of educating and developing my ability to network and collaborate with all kinds of artists and technicians. The training as an actor and working with such talented faculty not only helped me develop as an actor but also as a director and producer.

What advice would you give to somebody wanting to follow in your footsteps?
If there is anything else you can do in the world, go off an do that. But when you come to the conclusion that the only thing you can do is make movies, buckle up, because it’s one heck of ride. There will be times when you will be elated, times that you will be pushed to your wit's end, the brink of sadness, and stints of pure euphoria. You will probably experience all of these as a filmmaker. Whenever you question why you started doing it in the first place, watch the first thing you ever worked on followed by the most recent thing and take a moment to appreciate how far you have come as an artist.

Find out more about Sid on Twitter @sidsawantartist, Facebook at Sid.Sawant.Artist and Instagram @sidsawantartist. Find out more about Playfight VFX on Twitter @playfightVFX and Instagram @playfightVFX. Sid is also on Instagram as @onUPphotography.