Learning Without Structure, Creating with Honesty
From where it started to where it stands today, Abhishek Dey shares his journey as a filmmaker. ‘It’s something that has always come naturally to me, making videos just feels right. It gives me a sense of purpose, like I’m building something meaningful with my time. And in a very real way, it’s also what sustains me financially.'
What first drew you to filmmaking and visual storytelling?
'It started with films, video games, and a lot of time on YouTube, where I began teaching myself how to make videos. I always had ideas I didn’t know how to express, and filmmaking gave them a form. Most of my learning came from the internet. I didn’t even have my own system at first, so I learned through tutorials and experimenting on a friend’s laptop. Over time, I started taking it more seriously. I don’t come from a structured or technical background, but that shaped my approach. I’m more drawn to storytelling and building things slowly, with intention. Looking back, that unconventional path didn’t just teach me filmmaking, it shaped how I think as an artist.'
How has working in Mumbai influenced your creative outlook?
'I’m originally from Shillong, Meghalaya, and have been living in Mumbai for the past three years. I didn’t take a conventional route into filmmaking. After 12th, during the pandemic, I dropped out and taught myself through the internet, with strong support from my mother. Moving to Mumbai shifted my perspective. Coming from a smaller town, the exposure to people and pace made me more intentional. It also gave me access to build and execute ideas, which pushed me towards freelancing. The city added depth to my storytelling, though it’s been a mix of growth and challenges.
While formal education might have made me more technical, learning on my own helped me build a more instinctive and personal approach. It shaped me not just as someone who makes videos, but as someone who thinks like an artist.'
Walk us through your creative process
'Right now, I wouldn’t say I’m creating a lot. I’ve been a bit inconsistent lately. My process usually starts with understanding what I already have, my skills, tools, and whether I can realistically execute an idea. I build from what’s accessible. If something feels simple enough to execute without too much friction, I do it. If it feels complicated, I set it aside. I also stay within my strengths. For example, if I’m sketching, I avoid things I struggle with and focus on what I can do well. I don’t like to think too big in the beginning. This approach comes from earlier mistakes where I would hold onto projects for too long and end up not finishing anything. Now I’ve learned to let go and work with what’s possible in the moment.
Sometimes things flow and I build on them, sometimes I pause and return later with a clearer mind. My process isn’t fixed, it depends on where I am mentally. But overall, it’s about starting small and letting things evolve naturally.'
In a world that consumes visuals in seconds, what does slowness mean to you as a filmmaker?
'Slowness comes very naturally to me. Whether I’m making films, writing, or even consuming content, I’m always drawn to a slower pace, and I try to bring that into everything I create. I’ve tried adapting to fast edits and algorithm-driven content, but it doesn’t feel intuitive. I find it hard to think in a way that’s built around speed and structure just to keep up.
That’s why my process comes in phases. I might create consistently for a few days, then step away for weeks, observing and returning when it feels right. I know conventional consistency could help me grow faster, but I choose slowness because it feels more honest to my practice. Of course, with client work I adapt when needed, but whenever I have the choice, I lean towards slowing down.'
How do you manage the finances?
'I’m not very good at managing my finances. It’s something I never really learned, and right now I’m mostly living paycheck to paycheck. It works for now, but I’m still figuring it out. To sustain myself, I take on projects beyond what I enjoy. I don’t like editing much, but I still take those gigs. At the same time, I’ve realised that working only for money can hold me back creatively. So I’m trying to be more mindful. I still take on such work, but I’m slowly moving towards earning through things I genuinely enjoy, like writing. For now, it’s a cycle. I earn, sustain myself, and use that to keep creating.'
Which filmmakers, artists, or ideas have shaped your visual language most significantly?
'If I had followed a more formal path, I’d probably have clearer references. But being mostly self taught, my influences aren’t very defined. Growing up, Jurassic Park left a strong impression, so Steven Spielberg is an influence, more for that sense of wonder. More recently, I’ve been drawn to darker storytelling. Filmmakers like Ari Aster and shows like Dark have shaped how I think about mood and intensity.
Beyond that, it’s a mix of everything. Music, films, and visuals I come across. I don’t track names, I just absorb what resonates, and over time, it shapes how I create.'
Tell us about your favourite project.
'It’s actually two projects, but I see them as one since I shot them over two days. They were music videos for two rappers from Shillong who are also close friends. I just wanted to create something I personally wanted to see, something different from what was already out there. There wasn’t a fixed plan, it was all experimentation and figuring things out as we went. We’d plan something in the morning, then the weather would change and we’d have to adapt. But somehow, it all came together into something visually strong. What makes these projects special is that everything was instinctive. Nothing was pre-planned, ideas kept forming in the moment, and that spontaneity really shaped the outcome. When the videos were released and appreciated, it made it even more meaningful. That’s why they’re still my favourite. Of course, looking back, I do question some choices, but that’s just part of the process.'
What are a few barriers that you’re breaking?
'I tend to think metaphorically, so everything feels layered. When it comes to barriers, the biggest one was my background. I come from a Bengali family where people follow structured paths, and I chose to drop out. Even moving to Mumbai was similar, I had no plan, just the belief that I’d figure it out. A lot of what I was told was risky or not the right way, I still chose to do. And somehow, I’m still here, figuring things out. It’s not perfect, but it works.
Beyond that, barriers are hard to define. There are many, both internal and external, and they keep shifting. I don’t think I fully understand them yet.'
What’s an honest realisation you’ve had about being a filmmaker?
'I don’t come from a formal filmmaking background. Everything I know is self-taught, so my approach isn’t very structured, but it feels honest. Early on, I realised I can’t make something unconventional and expect everyone to like it, so I’ve accepted that my work won’t be for everyone. Now, I focus on making what I want to see. If it connects, great. If it doesn’t, that’s fine too. What matters is that the film exists and that I’m satisfied with it.
I haven’t made a full film yet, but I’ve written two shorts and developed a feature concept. Since I don’t have the resources to fully execute it, I’ve been working in fragments, building slowly and learning along the way.'
What does success mean to you?
'I think it keeps changing depending on where I am mentally. There’s a contradiction in how I see success, and I’ve learned to accept it. On one hand, it’s practical, being able to manage my finances, pay my bills, and live a stable, comfortable life.
On the other hand, it’s more of a dream. The idea of leaving everything behind and living a quiet life in isolation, close to nature, with no noise or rush.
So my idea of success sits somewhere between these two. One is grounded and real, and the other is something I hold onto more emotionally.'
