Today we’d like to introduce you to Aneel Khan.
Aneel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My father brought us here to Georgia in 1990 in the hopes of a better life and education. I was just 5 years old at the time. My dad was quite a successful photographer back home, opening several studio shops in the city. After moving here to the states, he continued working in photography and also started doing videography while working a full-time job. My mom took interest in cooking and sewing, while also looking after all 6 of us children. The art gene definitely runs in the family. But aside from getting the gene passed on from them, my parents have been my biggest inspiration and motivation.
As I had stated, the art gene definitely ran in the family. Drawing was one of my earliest hobbies. My skill was pretty well known as early as elementary school. One of my teachers showed a drawing of mine to the entire staff at the school! Though I continued to draw throughout high school and college, my favorite pass time easily became going to the movies. Growing up with 3 older brothers, I could easily go to any movie and we would go almost every other weekend. The more movies I watched, the more determined I was to make a career in the industry.
Although I continued to draw and watch movies, my passion for writing grew immensely as I reached adulthood. I love the power it has to create wonderful stories and how it never limits your imagination. I knew that there was a lot to learn when it came to writing, but I loved it and knew I wanted to follow it. Because I also had such great admiration for cinema, it was only natural to combine the two and decide that I wanted to write for films. Towards the end of high school, my drive led me to Georgia State University to pursue a degree in Film & Video.
While there, me and my friend took part in my first short film for the Campus MovieFest film festival. That was my gateway into making short films. My roles changed based on necessity, I started as a writer and director and actor if need be. Then eventually I had to learn how to edit as well. Each year we progressively got better, even winning awards along the way. It was an incredible feeling just having your film play in front of a huge crowd, but even more so when it wins and you get to go up on stage for recognition.
In 2013, I started my production company with the name, AKhan ProduKtions. Since then, I am fortunate that the company has grown significantly. Though my primary focus still is making films, the company provides video services for corporate events, weddings, and other occasions. As a videographer, I work a lot with MNK Pics, which is owned by my brother, Nabil Khan. Aside from running my own company, I work full time as a Technical Director at the Gem Shopping Network.
I also work with Chapter One Filmworks, a local production company that specializes in cultural films. My roles with the company include assistant director, script supervisor, social media specialist, and editor. Many of the films I have worked on with them have gone on to play for numerous universities throughout Georgia.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am a firm believer that the best things in life don’t come easy. Having said that, I wouldn’t say that I’ve had a difficult journey, but it hasn’t gone without its challenges… and that’s a good thing. When you have no difficulties or no challenges in life, you know it’s time to move on. That’s how you grow.
There’s still a lot more I want to accomplish and I know the road will be long. But I also know that I am lucky to have a loving family and amazing friends to help me along the way. Most recently, I married my # 1 fan, Farah! She is my biggest supporter and has encouraged me to never give up on my dreams. I am thankful to everyone in my life for where I am now.
Please tell us about AKhan ProduKtions.
AKhan ProduKtions was founded in 2013. Though my primary focus still is making films, the company provides video services and editing for all kinds of events, ranging from small business commercials to weddings.
I’m well recognized for the short films I’ve done. The very first films I did was with my best friend, Ricardo Humareda. We had never written or shot a film before, nor did we have the camera equipment. Luckily the Campus MovieFest festival offered all the gear you needed to make a film, so we entered and hoped for the best. I learned a great deal making these films and the more we did, the more I learned. One of our films, “Holy!” won the Best Comedy Award. Another film I did call, “Reel Life,” would end up winning the entire festival. That win would give me an all-expense paid trip to attend the Oscars in L.A.! It was definitely one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
My multicultural background gives me a unique insight when it comes to talking to clients that may come from a diverse background themselves. Knowing certain traditions and traits also sets me apart when it comes to writing stories. Many of my stories involve real-life experiences that I’ve been through.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
A lot of people think that I have a great sense of humor. I believe life is dull without any humor, so I never miss any chance to make someone laugh! My childhood is full of good memories and great laughs, but I still recall how proud I was of being voted the funniest boy in 3rd grade!
Pricing:
- $400-600 – 1 Videographer for 2 to 3 hours (Basic)
- $1,200-1,600 – 2 Videographers for 5 to 6 hours (Advanced)
Contact Info:
- Phone: 404.513.5237
- Email: akhanproduktions@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akhanproduktions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKhan-ProduKtions-830064763796603/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneel-khan-b2099844/
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