Following my recent collaboration with Google and their Australian-based director, we headed to the lush landscapes of Kerala for another installment of the Google for Startups series. This time, the focus was on Entri, one of South India’s most successful EdTech platforms.
The goal was to weave a narrative that connected Entri’s business growth with the real-world impact on their users—all while moving across different geographical locations in just 48 hours.
The Challenge: Two Cities, Two Days, One Vision
Production in Kerala offers stunning visuals, but moving a crew between cities requires precise timing. To capture the authentic “roots” of the startup and its users, we split the production:
- Day 1 (Half Day): Captured the rural user perspective in a secondary city, showcasing the grassroots impact of the app.
- Day 1.5 & Day 2: Transitioned to the bustling hub of Ernakulam to film at Entri’s headquarters and capture the founders’ business journey.
Project Snapshot:
- Client: Google
- Director: International (Australia)
- Locations: Ernakulam & Rural Kerala
- Gear: Sony FX6 (Main) & Sony FX3 (B-Cam/Gimbal)
- Crew: 3-Person Compact Team
Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw2b2rq2YJ4
Managing the Logistics of South India
As the Fixer and Production Manager, my primary role was ensuring that the transition between cities was invisible to the Director. I handled the local permits, transport logistics across Kerala’s unique terrain, and location scouting that reflected the “Inclusive Learning” theme of the film.
Because we operated with a lean 3-person crew, we were able to embed ourselves into the Entri office and user homes without the disruptive footprint of a traditional large-scale production.
My Holistic Contribution
In line with my “jack of all trades” approach, this project required me to pivot between roles instantly:
- Line Production: Managing the budget and schedule to ensure we maximized our 1.5 days in Ernakulam.
- Director’s Assistant: Providing the local context needed to help an international director navigate the cultural and linguistic nuances of Kerala.
- 2nd Camera Operator: Utilizing the Sony FX3 to capture candid user interactions and high-energy B-roll while the main unit was on the FX6.
Why This Matters for Your Project
Shooting in India—especially in the Southern regions like Kerala—requires more than just a fixer; it requires a partner who understands the rhythm of the local environment. For this Google project, we delivered a high-end startup story that looks like it took a week to shoot, completed in just two days.
If your production needs to move fast, stay on budget, and capture the heart of India’s tech scene, I have the local network and the technical skill to make it happen.
Planning a shoot in Kerala or South India? Get in touch with me