Meet Mallika Singh | Production Design and Filmmaker

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

Hi Mallika, how do you think about risk?
Risk has a certain addiction to it because, by nature, it plays against the odds. I think, we, as people regulated by routine, don’t realize how in many small ways, the odds favor us, and therefore risk-taking becomes a conscious choice. I think there’s a thrill to it, a chance that the risk you take may or may not work, but gosh, when it does, it is fabulous. Filmmaking is risk-taking, because everything right from a frame hanging on the wall to a character taking two steps forward after murdering their fiancé, is a choice intended to make the story work. In my experience, so much in filmmaking is problem-solving, that when the problem magically presents itself, there’s a risk in the solution. And that gamble gets to me every time. I like to prepare myself for the possible worst, hoping for the impossibly best, and that has fared well for me in my career and life, but you take away the risk, and even the hot dishes feel cold, as stated in the film The Menu; my sentiments, exactly.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I do production design for films, essentially pertaining to designing the world of that film’s story. I love being in that department, where I get to delve into the psychology of the characters, the psychology of that era, to be able to tell the story with visual cues and collaborate with directors to make their vision happen. In my own romantical headspace, it is like flirting with the story. I’ve shuffled with a fair share of art forms, to be honest. From Indian Classical music, illustrating, miniature model-making/sculpting to now writing and production design and working in the art department for films, I’ve tried my hand at a bunch of things, and treated them all with their due respect, and it has supplemented my creative process in production designing today. I do think that some of my biggest lessons would be that research is mandatory, that confidence needs practice, and to read the news. Some of the most peculiar things make for the best kinds of inspiration for stories, and you’ll find it there.
My biggest personal project has been my thesis film called The Forgotten, a drama/mystery short film about an old woman with Alzheimer’s stuck in a crucial memory loop, that I wrote and directed, which just went through the final post-production, and about to enter the festival circuit, so I’m excited to see what’s in store for this project. Professionally, where I am today, I hadn’t imagined to be, say 5 years ago. And I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I don’t like to set long-term goals for myself. Goal-setting feels like pressuring myself to put on horse blinders, and as someone who likes to be creatively stimulated, I believe it’ll not allow me to see what else life has to offer. I haven’t operated in a manner that I must have this by the time I’m 25, must be living a certain lifestyle by the time I turn 30, etc. The pressure and self-doubt can really get to you, so having room for small self-checks really helps. It’s important to understand and accept that the success ladder for creative fields doesn’t work like it does in other fields. It wasn’t easy, getting here and making room for myself in a space already flooded with fantastic creative minds, but at times having my friends around me, and being in love with what I do made the trying bit of the journey easier, and still does.
I’d like to believe that I’m a closeted optimist, so when it all works out for me, whenever that is, I’ll know what I want to tell the world.

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?
This would be a difficult one. Assuming they’re coming in the fall, I’d take them to Burt’s Farm to see the pumpkin harvest, the drive up there is pretty too. And the Amicalola waterfalls are close, but that trek would depend entirely on their stamina. I love visiting bars, and trying their concoctions, so I’d definitely take them to Ormsby’s, Cocktail Bar, The Red Phone Booth and Eleanor’s, Church, Octopus Bar.
If they’re in for something eerie, maybe the Doll’s Head Trail would be a fun little trek.
We’d have to go watch one film at The Plaza because that’s the rule for film students, and if we’re very broke we’ll just walk around it, stand in the lobby and come back. I’d also like to take them to Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market for some snacking, or a Sunday brunch. I recently spotted a Tiny Door Atl at the Beltline, so if it’s still there, I’d love to take them to spot it too and have ice cream on the way back, maybe even walk through the Krog Street Tunnel.
I’m big on taking walks so we’d definitely go around some cute neighborhoods like Cabbagetown, and Piedmont Park where I know the perfect spot for golden hour.
I’d take them to check out thrift stores in Doraville, grab some good Asian food anywhere on the Buford Highway, and finish off with dinner at Delbar.
And I’ll make them a mean chicken curry, North Indian style.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been many shoulders that supported me to stand and be where I am today, but my biggest shoutout would undoubtedly go to my grandfather. A professor himself, he made me realize the effect stories have on us. As a young child I would get anxious being physically away from my parents, something he sensed and started telling me stories to divert my mind. And his stories of Indian Mythology, Arabic folktales, and a number of mystery-adventure stories, became my peace. I think in some way, what I do today started with his storytelling. My faculty and friends at Savannah College of Art and Design helped me shape my craft of filmmaking, writing, and designing. I ventured into filmmaking with no prior knowledge of films per se, to do my master’s, simply because I loved stories, but they helped me achieve the way to tell them. I’ll forever be grateful. And lastly, a special shoutout must go to my one person, my go-to person, Nitya Bellani. She came with me to the States to pursue her master’s as well, from New Delhi, and we’re what they call a package deal; can’t take one without the other. Our friendship of over 20 years is beautiful, one of my most precious achievements, and carries some of my most treasured memories. I have cherished our creative collaborations, and the faith we have in each other, and her creative drive is always going to be an inspiration to me.

Website: https://mallikasingh131.wixsite.com/my-site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloro.fill/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallika-singh-4677501b3/

Image Credits
The Black and white images are credited to photographer Jesse Yohanes.