Writer-director Michael Gupta, has brought his unique directorial perspective to Photoplay/Playtime. His eye for compelling stories and ability to capture vibrant visuals are already apparent in his latest commercials, for Western Sydney Wanderers and ASICS.
Gupta commented, “I’m drawn to telling authentic stories from the fringes, stories from outsiders who we might not typically give voice to. Photoplay supports my desire to delve into diverse worlds, and I’m a big fan of their roster. I look forward to working with good people on great things.”
His stories encompass narratives driven by the theme of an outsider looking in – identity, race, the complexity of youth and coming-of-age feature heavily in his work.
He was identified as one-to-watch as an emerging screenwriter and director, after graduated from AFTRS Screenwriting in 2015 and was subsequently selected to participate in Screen NSW & Metro Screenʼs First Breaks Film Lab. Through this program, Michael wrote and directed the Screen NSW and Metro Screen funded and developed short film, The Lake, which received official selections around the globe and premiered at the Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying Encounters Short Film Festival in the UK, before returning home for its Australian premiere at the 2017 St Kilda Film Festival.
His most recent short film, The Echo, adapted from the poem, The Rider by Naomi Shihab Nye, zeros in on a young boy who discovers the faster he goes the closer he can get to outrunning his loneliness. It is the first part of an anthology of short visual expressions exploring youth. The Echo was selected for the Accelerator Shorts program at the 69th Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) 2021, made Onepointfour’s On The Cusp selection and held its world premiere at the 66th Oberhausen International Short Film Festival 2020.
Gupta’s other works include short film, Flower, a poetic portrait of a young Muslim woman grappling with the force of a major life decision. His latest music video for Blessed, No Changes, via Rainbow Valley Records/Warner Music Australia is another example of his ability to immerse viewers into the lives of the often misunderstood.
Oliver Lawrance, executive producer, Photoplay, stated, “Michael is such a talent. His films create raw, cinematic moments that take us inside the minds of his characters for a ride outside our comfort zone. He brings a new perspective. We’re really excited to be making films together.”
Gupta has just worked on a new film for Google I/O and is currently developing long and short-form work for television, film and commercials.
View Michael Gupta’s reel here. For enquiries contact Oliver Lawrance.
