Poonam Wahi: Weaving magic across screens with stories and strategy

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Poonam Wahi, a dynamic Creative Producer with a wealth of experience spanning feature films, advertising, and international projects. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for managing diverse creative teams, Poonam’s journey from her college days to working alongside some of the biggest names in the industry is truly inspiring. She shares insights into the challenges of producing compelling content across various platforms, the valuable lessons she's learned from her mentors, and her exciting future plans. Join us as we explore the creative mind behind some of the most memorable projects in the entertainment world.

How did you turn towards handling productions? 

During my graduation our college o2ered extra course like film appreciation, advertising, art and design. Since I was doing a royal course in BA (pass course J ) I had the opportunity to pick up these additional courses which increased my interest towards film making. I was also the Vice President of my college, which gave me the experience of organising college and inter college event. Organising shows and events excited me and I wanted to do something that I could look forward to rather than a mundane 9-5 job. Gave my entrance exams for Mass Communications, got through Symbiosis (SIMC), then there was no looking back. Did my internship with PK and after the course got over went and joined him full time.

What is the major difference between working on a feature film, ad films and international projects ?

- Major challenge in ad films is to tell a story in 30 secs, which is now reduced to 20 secs. One needs to convey a story and then make place for the brand to establish. You look at a good ad and you not only understand the story, one understands the backstory of the characters as well.

- Indian Feature Films have a certain charm about them, the story telling, the song and dance etc. the team that comes on board becomes a tight ship for the duration they are signed up for and eventually becomes a family. In India we carry our emotions to work and that is what gets translated to screen as well.

- International Features on the other hand are super professional, they have a system of working, and their paperwork is very strong.

Executing a project is a tough job, so are there any challenging experiences that you want to share? 

Every project comes with it’s set of challenges and that’s what makes each project exciting. If the project is simple then we try and add that extra bit to make it interesting. That is my Dopamine.

After working with many big names, what are the qualities you observe in them and tried to adopt it in your working environment? 

Have imbibed a lot from everyone I have worked with, the most important thing I have learnt is that one needs to maintain their calm to function better and always try and have a 360 view.

Would you want to turn your passion of storytelling into writing or directing your own film or short films ? 

I am super passionate about what I do. I am a Creative Producer and seldom does a Director get the combo of a Producer and Creative, so for now I am happy and my hands are full, but like they say, never say never. Who knows what is destined.

What are your future plans ? Any exciting projects ? 

We are in the process of developing some long form projects. We are super excited about those and are hoping to put them on floor super soon.

Also Read: Producer Poonam Wahi launches her own production house, PWF