Meet Aneel Khan | Digital Video Specialist & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aneel Khan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aneel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I think often times people will answer that they want to be their own boss. But in all honesty, how many of you like your bosses!? I kid I kid! Joking aside, obviously that is a huge plus. For me though, I wanted to have total control over anything I did, especially creative projects. For short films and most commercials I write, your only restrictions are your own imagination. I absolutely love that I can create anything and not have to worry about getting it approved or changing something. One of the only things that can be a factor is budget, but that’s when you get to show your skill set. The idea being, “here’s what I can do with this budget, imagine what I can with more.” And yes of course, I wanted to have a business to make money. That’s why they exist, after all. As I’ve grown up, I’ve realized the importance of having multiple revenue streams. That’s why I have a full-time job and a part-time job, all while trying to grow my own business. My business is still in it’s early stages and there is still a lot of room for it to grow. I’m excited and can’t wait for all of the opportunities. But I eagerly await for the day when my business will be successful enough to provide for me and my family. That’s the day I can stand proud and feel accomplished for creating something mostly on my own. I say mostly because we all got some sort of help from family and/or friends!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As of now, my focus is doing videos, though I do some photography as well. For video projects, I am concentrating on doing commercials mostly, though I offer my services for other events as well. This year was suppose to be when I started advertising to do commercials for small business. But when COVID-19 happened, it stalled my plans a little. Nonetheless, I have already started working with several small business owners, to create custom commercial packages. I do everything from writing, to shooting, all the way to editing. I take pride in the fact that I can go to these business owners and create something catered to them. Clients will usually have an idea of my video background, but because I minored in Marketing, I feel like they trust me more with the entire process. They know I will deliver something visually striking, while at the same time relevant to what their business is about. Although this is an extremely rewarding aspect of my business, I will eventually go back and concentrate on doing films. I would say I’m most proud of the short films I’ve done. Whether they were ones I did on my own or the ones I’ve collaborated on, this is where my true passion lies. I will forever be most proud of my two short films, Holy! and Reel Life. One of which won Best Comedy and one that won Best Picture. The latter of which earned me a trip to Los Angeles to attend the Oscars! Very proud moment indeed. As far as what I’m excited for, I have a few scripts I have written, one of which I am currently working on. It will be a short film noir with a young detective exploring the city streets of Atlanta. I am most excited to shoot that, hopefully within the next year. Currently though, I am shooting a cooking show, which is something new for me, but very exciting! Professionally I got to where I am because of my education, family support, and luck. But I can’t say it was easy. There’s definitely challenges, but that’s what sets you apart from others, how well you tackle those challenges. A lot of things you’ll overcome just by putting myself out there. The more you put yourself out there, the more confidence you will get in your abilities. It’s important to always be creating. Whatever it is, just pick up and shoot. You stay in practice and even learn new things along the way that you can utilize on your actual paid shoot. One other big challenge is yourself. Motivating yourself and having that drive is often easier said than done. Definitely something I am working on and has become a lot easier with my wife’s support. It’s good to surround yourself with like minded people who can give constructive criticism and support when you need it. I don’t really want the world to know about my brand or story, but rather the stories that I will be able to create. The short films, which I hope will one day become features, will be what I want people to remember. If there is something about the company I would want people to know, it would be that you can’t do it alone. Also, I would want people to get inspired. Being a foreigner in the U.S. I would specifically want other minorities to take inspiration, so they can create films through their perspectives. More importantly, I would want people to realize the value of hard work and dedication, not on my part, but of my parent’s. It is because of them that this brand is able to exist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I don’t drink, but I have been to several bars due to friends who drink. Of the bars I’ve been I would say Punch Bowl was the most fun I had. In fact, going to the Battery would be a good place to visit in general. It’s a very nice area to walk around and we could also check out a Braves game too. Another place to visit would be the Avalon in Alpharetta. Very nice, high-class area. Amazing restaurants there, me and my wife have frequented a place called Rumi’s Kitchen there. Persian food to die for! Plenty of other stuff to as well, movies, lawn (ice rink if you go in winter), and sometimes they may have a season theme event going on. Ponce City/Krog Market, just have to go here. Love the atmosphere, plenty of shops and restaurants. And near the Beltline Trail, which is a fun walk! Some people might be over this place, but I still like Atlantic Station. Still worth checking out in my opinion. I’m big on breakfast and you’ll be able to find a few good places, but definitely check out Highland Bakery if you like sweet stuff in the mornings. Not even sure if they still have it, but I had their peanut butter french toast…my goodness. The rest are usual suspects and probably stuff you can google, Stone Mountain, Coca-Cola Factory, Aquarium, High Museum, Botanical Gardens, Piedmont Park, etc.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my parents who were and are my motivation. Without my Dad’s dedication and drive, we would not be here. And without my Mom’s hard work and love, I would not have the motivation to pursue the career I have chosen. Of course my wife, Farah, my driving force. She is always there to support me, always there to push me, and well, just there for whenever I need her. I can say with certainty that the level of confidence she has given me has been invaluable to me as a person and absolutely critical for my business to grow. Thank you for everything, but especially for the best gift of all…you know what that is. I love you my Ru!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akhanproduktions/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneel-khan-b2099844/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKhan-ProduKtions-830064763796603
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCip7RA5d55Sx5WdrWdfXxPw
Other: https://chapteronefilmworks.wordpress.com/