Meet Ritika Gupta - The storyteller behind the lens

From the moment she stepped behind the camera, Ritika Gupta knew exactly what she wanted to say—and how to say it. With a filmmaker’s eye, a producer’s command, and an assistant director’s grit, she is fast becoming a distinct voice in the evolving landscape of indie films and the global cinema industry.A graduate of the prestigious New York Film Academy, Ritika doesn’t just tell stories—she designs experiences that linger.Her journey began not with a grand debut, but with a challenge she set for herself while in film school: to create something honest, bold, and original. Where others aimed for polish, Ritika focused on process—testing boundaries, trusting instinct, and letting the work teach her. Her first short film ignited something deeper: a lifelong pursuit of storytelling that is emotionally intelligent, visually refined, and grounded in human truth.Today, she is known for her work across narrative features and short films, where she explores themes of identity, emotional conflict, and the quiet dramas of everyday life. In these projects, she has served as a 2nd Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager (UPM), bringing to the set not only her creative instincts but also exceptional leadership, organisation, and problem-solving skills. Her ability to multitask, manage large crews, and maintain clarity under pressure makes her an indispensable asset in high-stakes production environments.Ritika’s directing sensibility is rooted in intentionality—every shot, every silence, every movement on screen serving a clear purpose. But her behind-the-scenes experience is equally rich and impactful. As an assistant director, she has contributed to films that have been showcased at festivals and released on streaming platforms. Her work in this role reflects a deep understanding of cinematic language, scheduling, team coordination, and logistical foresight.

She’s a collaborative force and a reliable backbone on set, ensuring both creative flow and production efficiency.As a producer, Ritika grounds creative vision in structure, timelines, and seamless execution. She is known for her ability to bridge the gap between artistry and logistics—anticipating needs, solving problems on the fly, and ensuring every department has what it needs to succeed. From budgeting and crew management to script breakdowns and post-production oversight, her work reflects a deep commitment to turning vision into reality.Her time with the production company she worked for was pivotal in her career. Working under this company exposed her to high-level industry standards, and the mentorship she received from seasoned professionals profoundly shaped her approach as both a producer and an AD. It refined her skills in strategic planning, elevated her sense of cinematic timing, and taught her how to balance creative ambition with operational discipline.

The training and mentorship she received at NYFA further helped build the confidence and discipline that now guide her through both pre-production and production phases.“A great set runs on trust, timing, and teamwork. As a producer and AD, my job is to balance the creative vision with the practical clock—protecting the story while protecting the day. Whether I’m scheduling scenes or solving last-minute crises, my job is to make sure the story gets told—without losing the plot behind the scenes,” she says.R

itika is now charting her own course—producing emotionally resonant visual stories, expanding into music videos and branded content, and continuing to produce and assist direct ambitious narratives. Her goal isn’t to follow trends, but to craft work that resonates. With a steady hand and a sharp vision, she continues to challenge expectations and redefine what it means to be a filmmaker on a global stage today.In a medium often driven by spectacle, Ritika Gupta brings depth. In a business defined by pace, she brings patience. And in every story she helps bring to life, she brings purpose.Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.