An Indian-born filmmaker shares the wild and human side of life behind the camera.
Los Angeles, CA – August 2025 — The life of a cinematographer isn’t always about red carpets and award ceremonies — sometimes it’s about hanging off the side of a speeding boat while gripping an ARRI 416 camera for dear life.
That’s exactly what happened to Smit Patel during a high-octane shoot. “One foot was on the boat, the other in the air, and the crew was holding onto my leg to keep me from falling in,” Patel recalls with a laugh. “The director was still yelling, ‘Pan! Pan! Pan!’”
Born in India, Patel’s journey from still photographer to award-winning Director of Photography has been filled with risk, resilience, and relentless creativity. Trained at the New York Film Academy and influenced by Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense, Patel’s style blends bold framing with emotionally charged lighting.
His filmography includes Blood on Your Teeth, Ai Seize the Day, Insurance Jimmy, and Ties of Darkness. Along the way, Patel has collected accolades, festival selections, and a growing reputation for turning challenges into cinematic gold. When he’s not behind the camera, Patel DJs, follows sports, and enjoys music — but as his friends know, if he doesn’t pick up the phone, he’s either shooting… or sleeping.
