Deepa Keshvala, Director of Photography

“My work as a photographer has been a reference point for colour, composition, grade, naturalism; it always come back to satisfying the anthropologist in me – why do people do what they do?”

If you ever find yourself on a shoot for a TV commercial then there’s a good chance that the Director of Photography, will be male and white. Deepa Keshvala, one of the UK’s most sought after DOP’s, is neither of these things.

And in this brilliantly refreshing and inspiring conversation Deepa gives me her unique take on the creative process.

She tells me about her first film, Canned, a documentary about meeting her estranged alcoholic father, and why she had to make Kara, a fictionalized version of the same encounter.

We talk about the influence of India on her work, about how best to collaborate with a director, and about her role on the extraordinary BAFTA nominated short Goldfish.

Plus, she gives me the inside track on one of my all-time favourite commercials Viva La Vulva, which if you haven’t seen is well worth looking up.

And with great dignity Deepa explains why, just a couple of months ago, when faced with unethical behaviour on an advertising set she took the bold decision to walk.*

I loved talking to Deepa. I hope you enjoy listening to her just as much.

Also available to listen to on iTunes, Spotify and Soundcloud.

*If you’ve experienced unethical behaviour on set then please share your story with Deepa at advertisingethics@protonmail.com.