Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanatan Kadakia
Sanatan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thank you for allowing me to participate in this interview! I was born and raised in Gujarat, India. I initially pursued an education in engineering but later shifted my focus to IT, which eventually led me to the UK, where I earned a Master’s degree in IT. During my time there, I developed a passion for cinema while working as a projectionist at one of the world’s largest cinema chains.
After graduating, I moved to the US and began my career in IT. Since then, I have been working as a Program and Project Manager in the IT sector.
My journey into the entertainment industry started in 2013. Fueled by my passion, I reached out to a local production company in Houston to learn more about filmmaking. I began working as a production assistant and still photographer on corporate and commercial projects during my spare time. After five years of learning through various seminars, workshops, and networking events, I decided to start my own production company.
In 2018, I founded Hidden Ridge Productions, through which I invest in independent feature films and documentaries.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have faced the same challenges that many executive producers encounter, primarily the need to find filmmakers who have both a compelling script and the ability to execute the project within an agreed-upon budget and timeline.
As you know, independent films often operate under tight schedules. Maintaining the integrity of the story while being mindful of the budget is essential. After many years of attending networking events, workshops, and seminars, I was able to find and collaborate with the right filmmakers who could build a team with the right skill sets to meet the aggressive timeline.
The other area where I had to invest a significant amount of time and energy was to understand the legal aspect of the filmmaking. As you know, Filmmaking in general requires extensive negotiations and agreements. In addition, I produced several projects internationally which added an additional layer of complexity due to the involvement of multiple jurisdictions.
Fortunately, I had a great legal team that oversaw all of my projects globally. Their comprehensive knowledge and experience have been invaluable, providing us with the guidance and support we needed to navigate complex legal landscapes. This collaboration has significantly contributed to our success and helped us tackle challenges with confidence.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hidden Ridge Productions?
Thus far I have executive-produced numerous genres and indies from around the world and they are available on major VOD platforms.
A few of my projects are going through a film festival run at the moment and will be releasing this year.
I love the independent film industry as it allows filmmakers to have the opportunity to dive into complex themes, explore unique narratives, and experiment with innovative storytelling techniques. I want to continue to work in independent film industry space as a producer and would love to collaborate with amazing filmmakers.
Over the years, I have cultivated a deep passion for writing, which has led me to craft a screenplay that is close to my heart. I am now contemplating the possibility of producing it myself, eager to bring my vision to life on the screen.
1. The Baby in the Basket, Drama (released on February 17th)
A baby in a basket is left on the steps of an isolated monastery on a Scottish island. The nuns take it in, planning to care for it until a storm passes. Soon though, strange and unexplained events begin to happen at the convent. Starring Amber Doig-Thorne (Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey), Michaela Longden (How to Kill Monsters), Elle O’Hara (When Darkness Falls), Lisa Riesner (Charlie’s Angels) and Nathan Shepka (Lock & Load) alongside veteran British talent Annabelle Lanyon (Legend), Maryam d’Abo (The Living Daylights) and Paul Barber (The Full Monty).
2. Scrap, Drama
After getting laid off, young single-mom Beth finds herself living in her car and struggles to hide her homelessness from her estranged brother Ben. Starring Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery/Dazed and Confused), Vivian Kerr (Grey’s Anatomy/Castle) Lana Parrilla (Once Upon a Time/Boomtown) and Beth Dover (Orange is the New Black).
Watch it on Apple TV:
https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/scrap/umc.cmc.4zwfgq5xrtuhk0cebcyrjllvf
3. SPITHOOD, Horror/Thriller
Australia’s first film written by First Nation people without referencing their roots and starring three Indigenous characters leading the new horror film, SPITHOOD newly released in the US & UK on Prime Video.
A mental health worker is forced to confront her troubled past and a violent patient after he escapes his confinement and goes on a determined rampage.
See it on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DBHKTR6B/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
4. Winter Island, Horror
Seattle’s award-winning suspense and indie horror film, Winter Island now available on Prime Video and Apple TV:
When a young girl is found dead on a small, wooded island, her teenage brother’s postmortem visions point to an evil presence within their own family.
Watch now on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DDNKZQ5C/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
5. Control, Action/Thriller
British Home Secretary Stella Simmons drives home one night while engaging in an affair with the Prime Minister. A mysterious man remotely hijacks her self-driving car, forcing her on a rampage through London. Stars Kevin Spacey as ‘The Voice’; Lauren Metcalfe (Bridgerton/War of the Worlds), Mark Hampton (Lift/One More Shot), Eire Farrell (Barbie), and Natasha Kemball (City of Life/Drained).
See it now on Prime Video https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CW8783D7/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
6. Murder among the Mormons, Documentary
An American true crime documentary television mini series on the 1985 Utah Bombings.
See it on Netflix : https://www.netflix.com/title/81226889
7. Séance, Horror/Mystery & Thriller
Upcoming feature about grief, adultery and ghosts. It’s recent world premiere at Newport Beach Film Festival Séance was written and directed by Vivian Kerr. The film stars Jilon VanOver (Better Call Saul/Murder Company). Scottie Thompson (12 Monkeys/NCIS), Connor Paolo (World Trade Center/Alexander) and Vivian Kerr (Scrap/Grey’s Anatomy).
In 1892 California, a Victorian woman contemplating adultery is forced to take refuge from a storm at the home of her first husband and his unstable wife, who claims to be haunted by their dead child. Is there a film website for this yet?
Get more detail on IMDB : https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20413126/
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Houston has a special place in my heart, as the city has offered me numerous valuable opportunities. It is a vibrant city that has played a significant role in transforming my aspirations into reality.
When it comes to filmmaking, Houston has a very supportive film community and lower production costs which significantly benefit independent filmmakers. Additionally, the city offers a variety of backdrops suitable for different genres, ranging from drama to science fiction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sanatankadakia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanatankadakia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanatankadakia
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanatankadakia/
- Twitter: https://x.com/sanatankadakia1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sanatankadakia1233
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10067735/
