In the high-stakes world of filmmaking and advertising, Kinjal Tanna stands as a colossus of creativity and precision. As the Founder-Producer of KKDD Film Production LLC, Tanna’s reputation as a master of his craft extends far beyond the advertising industry. With a career spanning over two and a half decades, he has collaborated with national and international brands, A-list celebrities, and renowned production houses.
Amongst his collaborations include those with celebrated aerial camera operators—some of the top rated in the world, contributing to high-octane sequences in Fast & Furious and Marvel blockbusters. His network of industry titans includes working alongside Andy Cheng, the legendary stunt coordinator behind Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Rush Hour 1 & 2, and Shanghai Noon; Craig O’Brien, whose expertise shaped action sequences in Iron Man 3, Black Widow, Mission Impossible: Fallout, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and xXx: Return of Xander Cage; and John Feist, an Emmy Award-winning producer/director with whom Tanna collaborated on a groundbreaking documentary series in Dubai.
A Visionary Filmmaker Redefining Excellence
Tanna, also a seasoned producer and the driving force behind KKDD Films, has spent over 25 years in the dynamic world of media production. From humble beginnings as a freelance writer reviewing films to working with some of the biggest names in advertising and cinema, his journey is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and an undying passion for storytelling. With an entrepreneurial mindset and a hands-on approach to production, Tanna has not only built a successful company but also shaped the careers of countless industry professionals along the way.
His work spans across continents, having produced projects in diverse locations such as the UAE, India, the UK, the USA, and Africa. Whether it’s collaborating with top-tier directors, managing large-scale commercial shoots, or embracing the ever-evolving landscape of digital media, Tanna remains at the forefront of the industry. In this in-depth conversation, he shares insights into his journey, the role of collaboration, the evolving responsibilities of a producer, and his vision for the future of filmmaking.
Early Inspiration and Journey into Film Production
Tanna’s fascination with movies, serials, and television commercials began at an early age. By the age of 14, he had already ventured into media as a freelance writer for Junior News, a children’s magazine under Gulf News. “My passion for cinema led me to review English films released in Dubai, eventually landing my first celebrity interview with Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor after the release of Lamhe.”
Despite taking a detour into marketing after college, the world of media always lingered in the back of his mind. In 2000, a chance meeting with an acquaintance running a production studio reignited his passion, marking the beginning of his journey into media production. Enrolling in the Manhattan Film Academy, he honed his skills in filmmaking, setting the foundation for a successful 25-year career in production. By 2004, he had established his own company, KKDD Film Production LLC, which continues to thrive today.
Fostering Collaboration Among Creatives
As an advertising producer, Tanna emphasizes the importance of collaboration. He believes that the success of a commercial hinges on the synergy between the director, the director of photography (DOP), and the rest of the crew. His role as a producer extends beyond logistics—he is responsible for aligning the client’s vision with the creative team’s execution.
From multiple discussions with clients and agencies to ensuring seamless coordination between art directors, set designers, and cinematographers, Tanna ensures that every project maintains brand consistency. By fostering an environment where each creative mind is valued, he ensures that every commercial produced under his banner meets the highest standards of quality and creativity.
Selecting the Right Projects
For Tanna, choosing projects goes beyond financial considerations. He firmly believes in the saying, “If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.” His passion for storytelling drives his selection process.
While KKDD Film Production LLC frequently pitches for new projects, not every opportunity aligns with their creative vision. Factors such as budget constraints, client compatibility, and timelines play a crucial role in decision making. However, when a script resonates with his team, they pursue it with unwavering enthusiasm, ensuring that each project is executed with excellence and innovation.
The Evolving Role of Producers
In the fast-paced world of advertising and entertainment, the role of a producer is constantly evolving. Tanna highlights, “Producers act as the backbone of every project, managing everything from client relationships to on-set logistics. Unlike financiers, advertising producers are deeply involved in the creative and technical aspects of a shoot.”
With new technologies and industry trends emerging rapidly, staying informed and adaptable is crucial. Whether it’s advancements in digital cinematography or shifting audience preferences, a producer’s ability to navigate these changes determines the success of a project. Tanna’s hands on approach ensures that he remains at the cutting edge of the industry.
The Impact of Digital Platforms and Streaming Services
The rise of digital platforms has transformed content consumption. Unlike in the past, when commercials primarily aired on television, advertisers now need to tailor their content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Tanna notes the significant shift in funding models, with streaming services now backed by venture capital and production partners. While traditional television still commands high advertising revenues—evidenced by Super Bowl and IPL commercial slots—the growing dominance of OTT platforms cannot be ignored.
He believes, “Under my leadership, KKDD Film Production LLC has successfully adapted to this shift. From producing a documentary airing on Amazon Prime in the US to completing the fourth season of a dance show for an Africa-based channel, the company has embraced the opportunities presented by digital platforms while continuing to deliver high-quality television content.”
Lessons Learned in Film Production
Having started from the ground up, Tanna believes that no task is too small. His hands-on approach ensures that he understands every aspect of production—from pre-production to post-production.
The Future of the Film Industry
“Change is the only constant in the entertainment industry. The most important thing is the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement to stay ahead in a competitive market.” By pushing creative boundaries and embracing technological advancements, he envisions a future where his production company remains a trailblazer in the industry. “There are interesting technologies which are challenging traditional film making which is AI Generated content — for which we are personally evolving our team and collaborating with some great talents from the US and Asia to give our clients an AI produced content.”
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
With over 25 years in the industry, Tanna takes immense pride in the relationships and mentorships he has built. Many professionals who started their careers under his guidance have gone on to achieve remarkable success, creating their own legacy in the world of film and advertising.
He was also successful in convincing the Indian Government’s Ministry of External Affairs to introduce the “Film Visa” Category under their Visa section — as previously this particular category did not exist and led to many issues with Foreign crews who wanted to shoot in India. This was thanks to his initial interaction with Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore — Minister of State, Information and Broadcasting. Where he presented to pros and cons of having this visa category to streamline production process across India. The Government took these suggestions into consideration and within 24 months added this category of Visas.
Encouraging the younger generation to follow the right path, he believes, “Success is not just about individual achievements but about lifting others along the way. By nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence, I hope to leave an indelible mark on the filmmaking landscape.”
Shooting Across the Globe
Tanna has orchestrated some of the most iconic commercial shoots, featuring global superstars like Priyanka Chopra, Virat Kohli, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, and Mahesh Babu. From collaborating with Bollywood stars to working with top-tier directors like Siddharth Anand, Prabhu Deva and Farah Khan, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Despite executing seven flawless shoots with Virat Kohli, Tanna said the seventh still brought a rush of anticipation– a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection. “Every project, no matter how many times you’ve done it before, must be treated like your first—because excellence is never an accident; it’s a habit,” he believes.
Tanna’s work has taken him across multiple countries, each offering unique production experiences. His projects have spanned continents, from orchestrating a sky-surfing stunt in the USA with a top Hollywood aerial camera operator to producing a documentary series in Dubai alongside Emmy Award-winning director John Feist. His collaborations with action choreography maestros like Andy Cheng—whose martial arts prowess electrified the Rush Hour franchise and Shang-Chi—and Craig O’Brien—whose precision engineering powered Marvel’s most explosive sequences– have provided invaluable insights into the architecture of blockbuster filmmaking.
His experiences—whether being held at gunpoint in Africa or executing high-budget productions in the UK—have only strengthened his resolve and love for the industry. Working with stunt directors instrumental in creating mind blowing sequences for Marvel, and learning from directors who have won multiple Emmy Awards, his journey has seen him collaborate with some of the best talents across the globe.
Tanna’s journey from a passionate film enthusiast to a renowned producer is a story of resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the craft. As the industry continues to evolve, his vision and expertise ensure that KKDD Film Production LLC remains a pioneering force in global cinema and advertising.
With a career filled with remarkable experiences, collaborations with industry greats, and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, Kinjal Tanna continues to inspire the next generation of filmmakers, leaving behind a legacy that transcends borders and time.
