Nisha Parti is the founder of Parti Productions, a company that aims to produce films and TV Drama that will have at their heart an undeniable link to India. Working with leading British producer David Heyman, Nisha was the first to read and discover the unpublished manuscript of Harry Potter and recognise its potential which led to him securing the film rights for a joint venture between Heyday Films and Warner Bros.
In 2019 she signed a first look distribution deal with Sony Pictures Television. In 2013 Nisha was selected as a Breakthrough Brit. An initiative run by BAFTA and Burberry to select and mentor emerging talent from the industry. She was Indian Creative Consultant on John Madden’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for Fox Searchlight and Blueprint Films.
Nisha comes from Indian origin with British nationality and multicultural upbringing in London. In an exclusive interview with the newsweekly, Nisha spoke about her career, being a female film producer and the future of women in the post-Covid world.
From photocopying and making cups of tea
I was supposed to do medicine at Uni – like all good Indians! - But I dropped a grade in my Physics and rather than take a year out, I did a generic science degree, which I found pretty uninspiring. I always loved watching films but it was at Uni that I realised I wanted to get into that industry so I went to Film School and did an MA in Film Production at NSFTV. I then contacted hundreds of companies to try and get an internship and one replied! So that was my way in as I didn’t know anyone in the industry myself. So from photocopying and making cups of tea I had to work incredibly hard to get a paid job and then slowly work my way via various companies. It was a very long and hard journey before I finally set up my own production company. But I learnt a huge amount along the way.
Pursuing a non-Asian career
My parents had three girls and were pretty supportive and encouraging in letting us do what we wanted. My dad just thought we would all get married anyway so we should enjoy ourselves in the meantime! All three of us have followed rather “non- Asian careers''. Fashion, Beauty and Film. My Dad was an entrepreneur and we have definitely all got that gene from him. In the end he was super proud of all of us for doing so well in our own fields. So I didn’t really need to do any convincing. Although they never understood what I did and always did wonder why it takes so long to make a film! We lost my amazing father to Covid last year and he was and still is a driving force in terms of my ambition to succeed in whatever I do, and to make sure I enjoy the ride along the way.
Biggest takeaway as a woman in films
Hmmm that is a hard one. I have to admit I have never felt held back in my career because I am a woman. On the way up I have predominantly worked for very successful white men who were encouraging and supportive. But I am very well aware that MOST producers are white and male. It isn’t a hard industry to work in as a woman, but it is a hard industry to work in at the TOP – as a woman. There are only a handful of female producers and even fewer Brown ones. There is an issue of pay in the big corporations as recently exposed at the BBC and that is an issue which needs solving because it is outrageous that a woman can do the same job and not get paid the same.
A change in work culture for women
I think a lot of women do very well in lower level jobs and as they climb the ladder then often decide to take time out to have kids and having kids and making films (when you have to travel and work all hours) can be really tough. So I think that is a big obstacle for women who want to produce. It is really hard without a supportive partner. I also think the industry is run by men predominantly so there is little in place to support women with kids. I would love to try and introduce proper childcare systems for the industry and for productions. It would really help encourage more women to work on sets.
Are women producers taken seriously?
Yes on the whole I think they are. But it is harder for women to get to those positions and I think they have to grow quite a thick skin and often be quite ballsy and outspoken in order to compete. As a result we are often seen as “aggressive” and “difficult” which drives me a bit mad. Whereas a man who throws his weight around is seen as strong and successful and that behaviour is more acceptable in men I think. I am pretty honest and can be pretty punchy. You often have to be to get things done and drive something forward. So you cannot be too afraid of what people think of you. And luckily I don’t! But at the same time it is really important to try and be kind whilst working really hard. I think those two things are possible.
Filmmaking can be unforgiving
It is a very tough and unpredictable industry and for many freelancers the pandemic has been very tough as there has been little support for them. I am very lucky that I have an overhead deal with Sony so they have covered my costs during the pandemic. And shooting has been allowed to go ahead and the thirst for TV Drama has never been greater as so many of us are at home devouring box sets. So it is a good time for the TV industry but alas has been brutal for the film industry which I think will change forever after cinemas have been closed for so long.
The future of women in films
I don’t think anything much has changed for women because of Covid. I think it has been a harder battle for me being Brown and wanting to make Asian content, than because I am a woman. There is not enough diversity of thinking and content in the industry and it is an everyday battle to convince the broadcasters and financiers that Asian stories can sell.
Tips to our women readers who'd want to pursue a career in film production
My main tip would be not to worry about the fact you are a woman. Work your arse off and be focussed and dedicated. If you are smart and dedicated and work hard you will find a way through. It is a really hard and competitive industry which only pays well if you get to the top. So do it because you LOVE storytelling and the world and are prepared to roll up your sleeves and work very hard. Don’t do it because you want to meet film stars or think it is glamorous because most of the time it really isn’t!
