Cinematic Alchemy

Srishti Chhabria & Amber Payne
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Welcome to Cinematic Alchemy, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of transforming ideas from page to screen. Join me, Srishti Chhabria and my co-host, Amber Payne, as we unravel the mysteries of video production, sharing the gritty, honest insights we've gathered from years in the industry. Whether you're an entrepreneurial spirit or just curious about what goes on behind the camera, we're here to demystify the process and equip you with the knowledge to create visual masterpieces. We can’t wait for you to join us on this exciting journey! Produced and Hosted by Srishti Chhabria & Amber Payne. Music by Samuel GR Morgan Artwork by Ellie Costello

  1. 07/16/2025

    One Year, 50 Episodes: What We’ve Learned Along the Way

    We’ve hit 50 episodes, and exactly one year since the podcast launched. This episode is a bit of a heart to heart. No guests, no case studies, just us reflecting on the wild ride of building this show, growing our careers, and learning (a lot) along the way. We talk about how the podcast helped us grow more confident, figure out what we actually want to do in the film world, and stay connected during some tough times. We also share the advice that stuck with us from our guests, from making bold moves to starting over at 40, and chat about the media that really made an impact. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just found us now, thank you. This one’s for you. Here are the highlights (06:08) Our Guests (07:26) Building Confidence (11:11) No Time Limit (20:09) Simon's Advice (26:03) Panda Cheese (31:00) Editing Magic Srishti Instagram: @srishq  Amber Instagram: @amberlillianpayne  Connect with us here: Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk  Instagram:  www.instagram.com/cinematicalchemypodcast www.instagram.com/gunpowderhouse www.instagram.com/srishq www.instagram.com/amberlillianpayne LinkedIn: Gunpowder House LinkedIn Srishti LinkedIn Amber LinkedIn This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

    44 min

  2. 07/09/2025

    Telling a story in 5 to 10 seconds? We’ve got this

    In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our latest project. We explain what an ident is (those quick sponsor clips before a TV show), why they’re harder to make than they look, and how we managed to tell a mini story in just five to ten seconds. This was also our first time working closely together on set, and it came with tight deadlines, strict rules, and a few creative challenges. If you're curious about the real work that goes into high-profile content like this, tune in!  Here are the highlights (05:07) Building the demographic (10:16) James Patterson (17:48) Working with tight deadlines (21:14) What is a “Video Village”? (27:00) Having a short timeframe (30:00) Keeping it fun The James Patterson Sponsorship Press Release: https://lbbonline.com/news/Penguin-Random-House-Sky-James-Patterson-True-Crime https://sponsorship.org/havas-play-launches-penguin-random-houses-first-tv-channel-sponsorship-for-james-patterson-on-sky-crime-investigation/ https://www.marketing-beat.co.uk/2025/07/03/penguin-james-patterson/ Link to view the idents: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL77Ov6f56vL0GbSz5RW8K17Gb9yfNxBKS Connect with us here: Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk  Instagram:  www.instagram.com/cinematicalchemypodcast www.instagram.com/gunpowderhouse www.instagram.com/srishq www.instagram.com/amberlillianpayne LinkedIn: Gunpowder House LinkedIn Srishti LinkedIn Amber LinkedIn This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

    42 min

  3. 07/02/2025

    Don't Let Him In: Behind the Book Trailer

    In this episode, we’re diving into the behind-the-scenes of creating promotional book trailers for Lisa Jewell’s Don’t Let Him In.  We share how our team turned this gripping crime thriller into cinematic teasers without giving away any spoilers, and the unexpected production challenges we faced - including last-minute casting changes and shooting 48 slates in one day.  We also chat about communicating with clients under pressure, what makes book trailers so uniquely tricky, and how to visually capture mystery and menace.  If you’ve ever wondered how books come alive on screen before their release, this one’s for you. Here are the highlights: Challenges and Creative Process (4:01) Production Details and Team Collaboration (9:56) Client Communication and Problem-Solving (12:37) Marketing Strategy and Audience Engagement (15:35) Technical Challenges and Solutions (26:13) Advice for Creating Book Trailers (26:30) Connect with us here: Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk  Instagram:  www.instagram.com/cinematicalchemypodcast www.instagram.com/gunpowderhouse www.instagram.com/srishq www.instagram.com/amberlillianpayne LinkedIn: Gunpowder House LinkedIn Srishti LinkedIn Amber LinkedIn This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

    47 min

  4. 06/25/2025

    The Art of Short Form Filmmaking with Harry Norton - Part 2

    This week on the podcast, we’re continuing our deep dive into short form filmmaking with Harry Norton. We talk about the emotional themes, the early writing process, and what it’s like to move from a loose idea to a fully developed pre-production phase. We also touch on how daunting it can be to get started with a creative project - especially when you know the resources, time and energy it’ll take to pull it off. The conversation goes beyond just craft. We get honest about creative anxiety, perfectionism, and what it means to find peace in the progress, not just the outcome.  Whether you're working with a big team or just starting with a notebook, the key is to start and stay open to the journey.   Here are the highlights: Comparing Short Form and Feature Films (1:24) The Importance of Starting and Overcoming Fear (7:05) Challenges of Collaboration and Resource Management (11:19) Pre-Production Phase and Creative Freedom (16:35) Balancing Ambition and Acceptance (19:50) Creative Freedom and Genre Exploration (21:33) Siren Song Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sirensongfilm/siren-song-a-fantasy-thriller-short-film Connect with Harry: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-norton-737736126/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norts_0000/ Connect with us here: Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk  Instagram:  www.instagram.com/cinematicalchemypodcast www.instagram.com/gunpowderhouse www.instagram.com/srishq www.instagram.com/amberlillianpayne LinkedIn: Gunpowder House LinkedIn Srishti LinkedIn Amber LinkedIn This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

    24 min

  5. 06/18/2025

    The Art of Short Form Filmmaking with Harry Norton

    This week, we’re talking about short form filmmaking with returning guest Harry Norton. From micro shorts to five-minute narratives, we explore what makes these projects both uniquely difficult and completely essential for honing your craft. We talk about why short films are their own distinct medium, not just a smaller version of something bigger. Every second counts, so how do you write, shoot and edit in a way that serves the story without wasting a moment? Amber shares the process behind her upcoming micro short, Siren Song, and how it went from five pages to two through years of refining. If you’ve ever struggled to cut down your ideas or wondered what really belongs in a short, this one’s for you. Here are the highlights: Harry’s Background and Roles (1:08) Challenges of Short Form Filmmaking (1:38) Adapting to Short Form Storytelling (5:25) Effective Short Form Storytelling (5:43) Developing the Idea and Script (8:24) Challenges in Writing and Editing (19:24) Personal Experiences and Perspectives (20:39) Siren Song Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sirensongfilm/siren-song-a-fantasy-thriller-short-film Connect with Harry: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-norton-737736126/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norts_0000/ Connect with us here: Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk  Instagram:  www.instagram.com/cinematicalchemypodcast www.instagram.com/gunpowderhouse www.instagram.com/srishq www.instagram.com/amberlillianpayne LinkedIn: Gunpowder House LinkedIn Srishti LinkedIn Amber LinkedIn This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

    28 min

  6. 06/11/2025

    Mise en Scène: Crafting Visual Storytelling Through Set Design and Details

    In this episode, we dive into something we both love talking about mise en scène - the mood, the energy, the intention behind what we see on screen.  If you’ve ever wondered how filmmakers create a world that just feels right - this is the episode for you. We explore how visuals tell their own story: lighting, colour, wardrobe, even the way a space is designed. It’s not about having a massive budget - it’s about making thoughtful, intentional choices that support the emotion you want your audience to feel.  We also share how working with constraints can actually boost creativity and how we each approach crafting a visual language that supports the heart of a story. Whether you're a director, writer, or just obsessed with great visual storytelling, this one's full of insights and inspiration. Let’s get into it. Here are the highlights: Discussion on Mise en Scène (1:11) Pre-Production and Guiding the Eye (3:51) Mise en Scene in Fantasy and Reality (5:31) Texture and Depth in Mise en Scene (25:17) Easter Eggs and Subtle Clues (25:34) Practical Tips for Filmmakers (32:54) Connect with us here: Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk  Instagram:  www.instagram.com/cinematicalchemypodcast www.instagram.com/gunpowderhouse www.instagram.com/srishq www.instagram.com/amberlillianpayne LinkedIn: Gunpowder House LinkedIn Srishti LinkedIn Amber LinkedIn This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

    38 min

  7. 06/04/2025

    Leadership in Creative Projects

    We’re back for part two of our deep dive into the softer (but no less vital) side of filmmaking - leadership, management, and all things organisation.  If you’ve ever wondered how to strike the balance between managing a project and becoming that micromanager, this one’s for you. We unpack how trust, empathy, boundaries, and delegation can transform a chaotic set into a smooth, respectful, and actually enjoyable working environment. Plus, a reminder that leadership isn't about being the boss - it’s about showing up, communicating well, and being someone your team can trust.  No matter your role, you’ve got what it takes to lead with kindness and clarity. Here are the highlights: Defining and Understanding Micromanagement (1:57) Collaboration and Empathy in Management (3:20) Pre-Production and Time Management (10:45) Delegation and Trust in Leadership (20:59) Empathy and Mediation in Team Dynamics (31:18) Investing in Relationships and Building Trust (42:11) Episode Links: Organisational Unit 5.0 https://docs.google.com/document/d/19u7eFpHW49bVgDPZbzdOyUzC6zFezCcnXNqfTsOogtg/edit?usp=sharing Note: Please duplicate the file and use your copy, no edits will be possible in the original file  Amber’s YouTube Show, Merely Roleplayers YouTube Link to the Channel: https://youtube.com/@merelyrp?si=zsiaGWHuLACpGz1b Please like, share and subscribe! Connect with us here: Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk  Instagram:  www.instagram.com/cinematicalchemypodcast www.instagram.com/gunpowderhouse www.instagram.com/srishq www.instagram.com/amberlillianpayne LinkedIn: Gunpowder House LinkedIn Srishti LinkedIn Amber LinkedIn This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

    47 min

  8. 05/28/2025

    Communication, Collaboration, and Creative Leadership: Navigating the Human Side of Filmmaking

    Ever found yourself in a creative project thinking, “Wait, why is this so chaotic?” You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the behind-the-scenes magic that makes film projects actually function - communication, organisation, leadership, and yes, those so-called “soft skills”. We chat about what real leadership looks like, how communication can make or break a production, and why being human - and treating others like humans - really matters.  Whether you're heading up a team or just trying to get your files in order, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it. Here are the highlights: Leadership and Accountability (2:33) The Importance of Communication in Filmmaking (6:07) Active Listening and Asking Questions (9:19) Introduction of the Srishti Organisational Unit (14:55) Respecting Work-Life Balance (22:45) Thoroughness and Trust in Teams (28:02) Episode Links: Organisational Unit 5.0 https://docs.google.com/document/d/19u7eFpHW49bVgDPZbzdOyUzC6zFezCcnXNqfTsOogtg/edit?usp=sharing Note: Please duplicate the file and use your copy, no edits will be possible in the original file  Amber’s YouTube Show, Merely Roleplayers YouTube Link to the Channel: https://youtube.com/@merelyrp?si=zsiaGWHuLACpGz1b Please like, share and subscribe! Connect with us here: Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk  Instagram:  www.instagram.com/cinematicalchemypodcast www.instagram.com/gunpowderhouse www.instagram.com/srishq www.instagram.com/amberlillianpayne LinkedIn: Gunpowder House LinkedIn Srishti LinkedIn Amber LinkedIn This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

    33 min
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About

Welcome to Cinematic Alchemy, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of transforming ideas from page to screen. Join me, Srishti Chhabria and my co-host, Amber Payne, as we unravel the mysteries of video production, sharing the gritty, honest insights we've gathered from years in the industry. Whether you're an entrepreneurial spirit or just curious about what goes on behind the camera, we're here to demystify the process and equip you with the knowledge to create visual masterpieces. We can’t wait for you to join us on this exciting journey! Produced and Hosted by Srishti Chhabria & Amber Payne. Music by Samuel GR Morgan Artwork by Ellie Costello

Information

  • Creator
    Srishti Chhabria & Amber Payne
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Srishti Chhabria & Amber Payne
  • Show Website
    Cinematic Alchemy