(May 7, 2025) Imagine telling a powerful story in just two minutes — and doing it over and over for some of Hollywood’s biggest films. That’s Gaurang Bhat’s gift. From Mumbai to Los Angeles, he’s become the go-to trailer maker for Killers of the Flower Moon, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Bob Marley: One Love and Kung Fu Panda 4, working with top studios like Paramount, Disney+, and Universal. His work has screened at Cannes and won awards at the Dadasaheb Phalke and Pune Short Film Festivals.
From Grandparents’ Tales to Animation: Mastering Emotional Storytelling
An only child, raised by resilient, career-driven parents who always encouraged his creative pursuits, much of his early inspiration came from spending time with his grandparents, who introduced him to the world of storytelling. “From a young age, I was deeply captivated by cinema — not just the visuals, but the way stories could move people emotionally,” he tells Global Indian. That passion led him to pursue Animation at Whistling Woods International in Mumbai and later Film & TV Production at the Los Angeles Film School. “These experiences helped me build a versatile toolkit, allowing me to bring stories to life across different mediums — from animation to live action and post,” he adds.
Interestingly, as a child, he was that kid who would rewatch scenes just to figure out why they made him laugh, cry, or feel something he couldn’t explain. “I’d sit with my grandparents and ask questions about characters as if they were real people. But the turning point came during animation school when I saw a character. I helped spark an emotional reaction in someone else. It was a small classroom screening, but that moment felt huge. That’s when it hit me: storytelling isn’t just something I enjoy; it’s something I need to do. That connection, that quiet magic between screen and audience, is what made it clear this was my calling,” he reminisces.
Gaurang Bhat
Turning Point: Sparsh – Leprosy Mission Gives Voice to Resilience
One of the key milestones in his career came early on when he directed a documentary Sparsh – Leprosy Mission. “It was a deeply personal project, and when it gained international acclaim, it marked the first time I truly believed in my ability to make an impact through storytelling. Rather than focusing on the condition itself, we wanted to shine a light on the strength, resilience, and humanity of those affected by it. Filmed in India, we had the privilege of hearing stories that were raw, honest, and at times, heartbreaking. The courage of the individuals we interviewed was nothing short of inspiring,” he says.
That project gave him the confidence and courage to set his sights higher and pursue bigger opportunities. This documentary went on to receive international recognition, and it remains one of the most impactful and meaningful works he has ever had the honour of being part of. “It was more than just a film; it was a chance to give a voice to those who have been silenced for far too long,” he says.
From Commercials to Trailers: Blending Storytelling and Strategy in Minutes
He then transitioned from commercial production into trailer production, where he has been fortunate to be part of marketing campaigns for films like Killers of the Flower Moon, Bob Marley: One Love, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, and Kung Fu Panda 4. “Every step of the way has been a learning experience, pushing me to grow as a filmmaker,” he says.
Trailer production, he goes on to add, is where storytelling and strategy come together. “It’s about capturing the essence of a film in just a few minutes while staying true to its emotional core. I work at a production company specialising in theatrical trailers, TV spots, and digital content. With my background in cinematography and animation, I approach each project with a holistic perspective on visuals and pacing. My goal is to uncover the emotional heart of a film, which will stay with the audience long after the trailer ends,” he adds.
Hollywood Calling: Shaping First Impressions for Paramount, Universal & Disney+
He admits that collaborating with studios like Paramount, Universal, and Disney+ has been a surreal and deeply rewarding experience. “What consistently stands out is the scale, precision, and creative rigour behind each campaign. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of films — from A Quiet Place: Day One to Trolls Band Together — each with its own tone and storytelling style. Every project brings a unique film, and it’s both a challenge and an honour to help shape a film’s first impression for audiences around the world,” he says.
Festival Accolades & Industry Recognition
Over the years, his work has been recognised at festivals like Lakeside International, Pune Short Film Festival, the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards, and even screened at Cannes Film Festival (Short Film Corner). Some of the trailers he has produced, like A Quiet Place: Day One, Trolls Band Together, and a few for Disney+, have also received recognition within industry circles. “Awards are great affirmations—they don’t define the work, but they help it reach further. These acknowledgements are encouraging, not just personally, but because they shine a light on the teams and the effort behind each project,” he avers.
Stepping Out: From Cultural Challenges to Unending Creative Growth
Moving to a new country in his early 20s was challenging, as being away from family, adapting to a new culture, and finding the right people to collaborate with is not easy. “Breaking into Hollywood as an international creator wasn’t easy; there were moments of doubt and cultural adjustments. But I remained focused on storytelling, which is a universal language. I believe that true creative growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, and none of my success would have been possible without the collaboration and support of others,” he adds.
Bhat is inspired by creators who remain curious and constantly evolve, like Christopher Nolan and Satyajit Ray. “Their dedication to pushing boundaries and staying true to their vision motivates me to do the same,” he says.
Today, Gaurang Bhat stands at the intersection of art and commerce—where every frame must move an audience and every clip must tell a story. Whether he’s drawing on childhood memories from Mumbai or tapping into Hollywood’s biggest campaigns at PPC, his drive is the same: to find that emotional spark and share it with the world. As he looks ahead to new projects and fresh challenges, one thing is clear—Gaurang will keep proving that a great story, even in just two minutes, can change the way we see a film forever.
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