Meet Sruthi Subramanian | Producer & Storyteller

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

Hi Sruthi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think I was always meant to pursue a creative career, even if it didn’t feel obvious at first. Growing up, I lived in very different cultural environments—Muscat, then Chennai, and now Atlanta—and each place shaped me in its own way. At home, I came from a very traditional family that held on tightly to its roots, while outside, I was constantly exposed to new perspectives, languages, and ways of living. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I found myself turning to stories as a way to process and connect.

Film, in particular, fascinated me because it holds so much power—it can make you laugh, cry, question, or even heal. To me, filmmaking isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about creating conversations that might not otherwise happen. When I worked on my short film Illam, for example, I realized that while I was drawing from my own personal experiences, I was also giving voice to something many people had gone through but never put into words. That’s the kind of impact that keeps me here.

Choosing a creative career was less about a single “aha moment” and more about realizing I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I’m not someone who could settle for the safe or conventional route if it meant silencing the part of me that wanted to tell stories. Yes, it comes with uncertainty, but that uncertainty excites me—it means I’m constantly learning, constantly growing. At the end of the day, I want to create work that not only reflects who I am but also makes someone out there feel a little less alone. That’s what makes all the challenges worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is filmmaking and storytelling. What sets me apart is the way I approach my work both as a producer and as a director. I can clearly differentiate between what is good for the story and its message, and what is good for production. Even when things go into mayhem during production, I never compromise on the story. At the end of the day, I want a film that is clear, intentional, and carries its message without confusing the viewer. As a perfectionist, I spend a lot of time in pre-production, obsessing over details like colors, symbolism, and even the small nuances in a character’s behavior. I think this is what makes me a producer who is also creatively driven.

I did not know anything about filmmaking before I came to SCAD. Back in 2022, I was working in Chennai as a dancer, choreographer, and actor for music videos. That was my first taste of set life and I was completely fascinated. The adrenaline, the fast-paced environment, and the passion that everyone brought to the project was addictive. I loved that while we dancers focused on our performance, the camera team was creating something of their own, and the director’s team was leading everything from the story perspective. All of us were doing different things, but together we created a music video that people could watch on TV. That experience made me fall in love with cameras and the beauty of creating art that continues to live on.

Since then, my love for cameras and storytelling has only grown. I have worked as a director of photography on several short films and documentaries. I especially enjoy designing shots in pre-production with the director and then bringing them to life on set with the gaffer. There is nothing more satisfying than framing a shot that feels intentional and pushes the story forward. When I first started, learning to use a Blackmagic or a RED Komodo, editing raw footage on Adobe Premiere Pro, and using Avid Pro Tools for sound design all felt like Greek and Latin to me. But because I was surrounded by friends and classmates who were learning alongside me, the process felt less intimidating and more exciting.

During my last couple semesters at SCAD, I was able to expand my experiences even further. I worked on the PBS TV show chefATL as the production coordinator for the final two episodes, which gave me a deeper understanding of professional workflows and the pressure of working with large crews. I also worked as Best Electric for an LED Volume XR stage project, where I was right hand to the gaffer. Lighting a sound stage like that showed me just how much artistry and technical knowledge go into creating those worlds.

I am proud of myself for not shying away from new experiences or tools. Instead of letting them intimidate me, I’ve always taken them on as challenges and proved to myself that I am capable. The satisfaction I get from knowing I can, and I will, no matter how difficult or stressful the situation is, is what keeps me going. What makes it possible is the fact that I am surrounded by people—friends, family, and collaborators—who genuinely care for me and check in on me.

The biggest lesson I have learned so far is that this career is not about having everything figured out from the beginning. It is about curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to learn. I want people to know that my work is always rooted in honesty, and that my goal as a filmmaker is to tell stories that are intentional, clear in their message, and capable of creating connections.

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?
Atlanta has a very special place in my heart because it gave me freedom and independence in my early twenties. My best friend did in fact visit me for a week. She flew down from New York to visit me during spring, and I got to see the city again through her eyes. It was just the two of us, lots of Lyft rides, and the prettiest cherry blossoms in bloom. We spent the entire week being touristy, and that experience reminded me all over again how fun and vibrant this city is.

We started off at the Coca-Cola museum, where, of course, we took all the Gen Z pictures for the gram. Then we headed to the Georgia Aquarium, which ended up being one of our favorite stops. Watching the dolphin show felt magical, and when she saw the hammerhead shark, she immediately declared it her “loml”,—which still makes me laugh. We also spent time walking around Tech Square, meeting friends at Georgia Tech, and just soaking in that college energy.

One day we went to Six Flags, which was so much more fun (and scarier) than we had imagined. Another day, I took her to the Atlanta Zoo where we vlogged everything in the silliest way possible, creating memories I’ll treasure forever. We also stopped by the Fernbank Museum for more adventures and, of course, more photos. We wrapped up our week at Ponce City Market, walking, eating, and just enjoying the atmosphere of one of my favorite spots in the city.

That week showed me how Atlanta is the perfect mix of playful, cultural, and full of life. For me, the most fun part wasn’t just the places we went but how each of them carried a different kind of energy, and together they made the city feel like home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I truly believe that everyone I’ve met along the way came into my life at the right moment for a reason. First and foremost, I want to thank my mom and dad. Trusting me enough to move halfway across the world to pursue film and television wasn’t an easy decision, but their support gave me the freedom to chase a dream that many might have considered impractical. I also want to thank my friends, both back home and the ones I’ve made at SCAD; they’ve been there for me not just in my wins, but also in my lows, and that balance has kept me grounded. I’ve always been a people person, and I live off the energy of those around me. So much of who I am is shaped by the love and encouragement of my community.

A huge shoutout goes to Team Illam. They believed in my vision and worked alongside me to bring the film to life—without them, it wouldn’t have been possible. I also want to thank my SCADshow team for filling that year with joy, laughter, and core memories that I’ll carry with me forever.

And finally, I want to recognize the loved ones I’ve met along the way—the people who shared such intimate and genuine moments with me. Those connections have shaped me into the person I am today. In particular, my friend Kathy deserves a special mention. Her friendship has been nothing short of unconditional, sweet, and genuine. No words can really capture the comfort and strength her presence has given me, but I’ll always be grateful for it.

Website: https://sruthisubramanian3.wixsite.com/31sruthi/

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