Crafting Cinematic Worlds: A Conversation with Award-Winning Production Designer Armaan Pujani

Armaan Pujani has rapidly ascended to prominence in the world of production design, amassing an impressive array of accolades in a short span. His groundbreaking work on JEROME earned him a coveted spot as a Showcase Finalist for the HBO Short Film Award at the 2023 American Black Film Festival, along with the Audience Award at Cine Gear Expo 2023. Pujani's creative vision for MIS-ALIGNMENT garnered nominations for Best Student US Short and Best Midnight Short at the prestigious Palm Springs International ShortFest 2024. His versatility extends beyond short films, as evidenced by his collaboration with international music sensation Diljit Dosanjh on the viral hit "FEEL MY LOVE," which has amassed over 5.8 million views. Armaan's talent has also graced television screens, with his work on MADE IN HEAVEN Season 2 showcased at Amazon Prime Video. His contributions to WE MET AT CAMP and JANE AUSTEN'S PERIOD DRAMA further highlight his ability to excel across diverse genres and formats, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in production design.

Q: Your career has seen remarkable success in a short time. How did your journey in production design begin?

A: My path to production design was shaped by my upbringing in Mumbai and my early love for cinema. Family movie nights sparked my fascination with visual storytelling. Initially, I pursued architecture, which honed my spatial visualization skills. However, post-graduation, I realized my true passion lay in creating worlds for the screen, leading me to transition into production design.

Q: JEROME has been a significant milestone in your career. Can you elaborate on that experience?

A: JEROME was truly an important project for me. Being recognized as a Showcase Finalist for the HBO Short Film Award at the American Black Film Festival was an incredible honor, especially considering ABFF's 27-year legacy in celebrating diversity in cinema. Winning the Audience Award at Cine Gear Expo 2023 was another highlight, as it's an event that draws industry professionals from around the world. The Honorable Mentions at Urbanworld and Montreal International Black Film Festivals further validated our team's creative vision and hard work.

Q: Your work on MIS-ALIGNMENT has also received notable recognition. What can you tell us about this project?

A: MIS-ALIGNMENT was an exciting opportunity to push creative boundaries. Its selection for Palm Springs International ShortFest 2024, with nominations for Best Student US Short and Best Midnight Short, was particularly significant given the festival's status as a qualifier for BAFTA, Goya, and Academy Awards. The film's inclusion in LA Shorts 2024, known for launching the careers of Oscar-nominated filmmakers, was another proud moment that speaks to the quality of our work. This also was the first project to recognise my talent and receive Best Production Design Award at K-lidoscopi film festival in Spain. 

Q: How did you approach the production design for Diljit Dosanjh's "FEEL MY LOVE" music video?

A: Designing for "FEEL MY LOVE" was an exhilarating challenge that allowed me to showcase my skills on a larger scale. Working with an international superstar like Diljit Dosanjh demanded a visually striking and memorable set. The video's massive viewership of over 5.8 million was a testament to the impact of our design and allowed me to reach a vast audience with my work.

Q: You've worked across various formats, including television. Can you share your experience working on MADE IN HEAVEN Season 2?

A: Working on MADE IN HEAVEN Season 2 was a fantastic opportunity to apply my design skills to a longer format. The show gave me the opportunity to work on a wider scale with designing weddings for larger than life pictures. The show has been a popular watch for the audiences in India and it is only a testament to the level of filmmaking. 

Q: What's your strategy for managing creative ambitions within practical constraints?

A: My approach involves identifying key design elements that are crucial for storytelling. I focus on allocating resources efficiently and finding innovative solutions to design challenges. Effective collaboration with the key principles in the team and a proactive problem-solving mindset are essential in striking the right balance between creative vision and practical limitations.

Q: Looking at your impressive track record, what are your future aspirations in the field of production design?

A: Moving forward, I aim to continue pushing the boundaries of production design by taking on diverse and challenging projects. I'm eager to collaborate with visionary filmmakers on both independent and major studio productions. My goal is to create immersive visual experiences that not only enhance storytelling but also leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. I am particularly interested in exploring how emerging technologies can be integrated into production design to create even more captivating cinematic worlds.