Business

Mayur Patankar’s Journey from a Small Town in India to the Cinematic World of Los Angeles

Published

3 years ago

April 5, 2023

Mayur Patankar’s story is one of passion, courage, and a relentless drive to succeed in an industry far removed from his roots. Hailing from Bramhapuri, a rural town in Maharashtra, India, Mayur took a leap of faith seven years ago, moving across the world to Los Angeles to pursue a Master’s in Cinematography at the prestigious New York Film Academy. It was a decision that would change his life, opening doors to working with some of the biggest names in entertainment and advertising. “It was the scariest and most unconventional decision I’ve ever made,” Mayur recalls, but one that turned out to be the best for his career.

Mayur’s journey didn’t follow the typical path of someone born with a camera in hand. In fact, he began his career with a degree in forensic science, unsure of his true calling. “I didn’t have one of those ‘I wanted to be a cinematographer since I was a kid’ stories,” he explains. His interest in photography developed gradually as he started working at a sports broadcast company in Delhi, where he began covering sporting events and after-parties. His love for shooting videos led to travel blogs and, eventually, the realization that filmmaking was his true passion. With YouTube as his initial teacher, he dived into learning the basics of photography and cinematography, leading him to the New York Film Academy.

Mayur’s work ethic and willingness to adapt and learn quickly gained him a foothold in the competitive world of filmmaking. His resume now boasts collaborations with renowned artists and companies, including Billie Eilish, Nike, Netflix, and more. “My most humbling experience was working on Space Jam 2 with LeBron James,” Mayur says, recalling his early days on set after graduating film school. “I thought I knew it all, but quickly realized it was only the beginning. That project taught me to empty my cup, be open to learning, and constantly improve my craft.”

Mayur also highlights his work on The Guilty with Jake Gyllenhaal and lighting Billie Eilish for her music videos as some of his most memorable projects. “Every project is different, whether I’m the cinematographer, gaffer, or playing any other role. I push my creative boundaries and give my best every time,” he says, adding that his best keeps getting better with each new challenge.

Despite his success, the road to becoming a prominent cinematographer wasn’t always easy. Growing up in a small town where filmmaking is an unconventional career choice, Mayur faced initial skepticism from his family. “My dad thought it was a prank when I said I wanted to go to America for a diploma,” he laughs. However, his family’s support never wavered, and once they saw his determination, they did everything they could to help him pursue his dreams.

Navigating the cultural and professional differences between India and Los Angeles also posed significant challenges. From dealing with stereotypes to building trust in a competitive industry, Mayur learned to adapt and thrive. “I realized the importance of being open-minded and respecting different cultures,” he says. “It’s about standing out with your unique creative vision, but also being someone people want to work with.”

Mayur’s story is proof that hard work, resilience, and following your passion can lead to extraordinary success. With his unique blend of technical expertise, creativity, and the cultural richness of his Indian roots, Mayur Patankar continues to make a mark in the world of cinematography, inspiring others to take risks and pursue their dreams.

Business

The Key Components of a Successful Digital Marketing Strategy

Published

3 days ago

November 16, 2025

Matthew Wiles

In today’s hyper-connected world, a well-defined digital marketing strategy is essential for any business that wants to grow, build brand trust, and stay competitive. Whether you’re a local retailer, an eCommerce business, or a professional service provider, your online presence plays a major role in shaping how your audience perceives you. For example, industries like legal services are increasingly recognising the benefits of specialised digital marketing for law firms to attract and engage clients in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Below, we explore the key components that make up a successful digital marketing strategy—and how to align them with your business goals.

Clear Objectives and Measurable Goals

Every effective strategy begins with a clear understanding of what success looks like. Your goals might include increasing website traffic, generating leads, improving search engine visibility, or enhancing customer retention. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives helps ensure that each marketing activity contributes to tangible outcomes.

A Strong Brand Identity

Your digital marketing efforts should reflect a cohesive brand identity that resonates across every channel—your website, social media, email campaigns, and online ads. Consistent visual design, tone of voice, and messaging establish credibility and make your business instantly recognisable.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SEO remains the backbone of digital visibility. From on-page content optimisation and keyword targeting to technical site health and link-building, SEO ensures your business appears where customers are actively searching. Local SEO, in particular, helps businesses connect with audiences in specific geographic areas—an essential tactic for professionals and service-based businesses.

Engaging Content Marketing

High-quality, relevant content builds authority and nurtures relationships. Blogs, videos, infographics, podcasts, and whitepapers provide opportunities to educate, entertain, and inspire your audience. Great content not only boosts SEO performance but also establishes your brand as a trusted industry leader.

Social Media Engagement

Social platforms allow you to interact directly with your audience, showcase brand personality, and promote your services. The key is to use the right platform for your audience—LinkedIn for B2B engagement, Instagram for visual storytelling, or Facebook for community connection. Regular posting, active engagement, and data analysis are crucial for success.

Paid Advertising (PPC and Social Ads)

Paid campaigns can provide immediate visibility and lead generation, especially when combined with strong targeting and data insights. Tools like Google Ads and Meta Ads Manager allow you to reach specific demographics, remarket to previous visitors, and maximise ROI through ongoing optimisation.

Email Marketing and Automation

Email remains one of the most effective tools for nurturing relationships. Automated workflows can deliver personalised experiences, keeping leads engaged throughout the buyer journey. From newsletters to drip campaigns, consistent and value-driven communication is key.

Data Analytics and Continuous Optimisation

No digital marketing strategy is complete without performance tracking. Tools like Google Analytics, social insights, and CRM data reveal what’s working—and what’s not. Regularly reviewing metrics enables businesses to refine their strategy and continually improve results.

Final Thoughts

A successful digital marketing strategy is more than a checklist—it’s an evolving framework built on research, creativity, and constant learning. When each component works together seamlessly, your business can attract, engage, and convert customers more effectively, while maintaining a powerful and professional online presence.