Shahrear Polock has turned his childhood interest in different forms of art into a successful career as an advert and music video director…writes Sumaiya Iqbal
SOURAV LASKAR
While our actions in reality are defined by situation and circumstance, its portrayal in reel requires a visionary, someone who can capture the right expression and reaction to turn them into a reflection of reality. At 30, Shahrear Polock has become just that through his direction into some of the most viral music videos and adverts on television.
His fascination for role started back in 2009 with a PD170 camera that he bought with the intention to document different moments of life. He was only 22 years old then. Seven years later, Polock has signed more than 200 contracts with different companies for directing their commercials. Some of his clients include the likes of corporate firms like Grameenphone, Airtel, RFL, Microsoft, BMW and many more.
Television commercials are widely criticised for capitalising and in effect exploiting sentiments to sell products and services. Asked about the ethical premise on such commercials, Polock says, ‘In some videos or ads, the addition of excessively emotional scenes may be inappropriate or even unnecessary. However, in cases of videos which raise awareness on an issue or bring focus to relationships that need attention, I wouldn’t call it a misuse. When and how emotion is added is the main thing.’
His view however, skip the fact that leading brands have been exploiting sentimental values such as the spirit of liberation war which has no relevance with the brands.
Be that as it may, the young director has established himself as not only an advert director but also a music video director in the industry in course of time.
Born in Dhaka, Polock spent most of his school life in Khulna with his parents and younger sister. He had his schooling at Khulna Zilla School and graduated in Mass Communication from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh.
When asked about his childhood, his eyes light up as Polock mentions how his art supplies, love for music and the outdoors used to make him alive when he was younger. ‘I would never get any studying done and I truly found no interest in my text books but if there was news of a trip, an art competition or a hard rock concert, I’d be the first in line,’ he says with a smile.
‘To be honest, direction was not a career goal back when I was a teenager, rather I focused more on music. It was unfortunate however, as I was always out of tune,’ he adds with a laugh.
Polock founded Prekkha Greehoo Visual Factory, a growing audio-visual production house in 2009 along with two other friends. ‘I remember visualising scenes for every song I listened to; and every painting I made was accompanied with the thought of how the elements would appear if they moved bit by bit. I was an emotional child and I still am, and I found my escape through art. Art has always fascinated me and will continue to do so. I believe my direction is a reflection of that fascination,’ adds Polock, who has had an intimate relationship with different art forms in his childhood.
Polock has worked with a number of well-known musicians in the country while making their music videos.
Polock’s very first work however, was with the Bangladesh Army, where he was requested by a friend to make the official video for a reunion in 2009. The offer came at a time of distress for Shahrear and his family for his mother had been severely ill due to the failure of both her kidneys.
‘I spent four Eids at the hospital taking care of my mother. It was a very difficult time for us. I even stopped studying for a while but I knew that I had to keep myself busy with work to prevent myself from going into a state of depression. I therefore said yes to the project,’ shares the young director.
‘It could have been a small project but I had something much larger in mind for which I requested some time to study the lives of military personnel and the surroundings at the cantonment area. I spent a total of two weeks immersed in the environment to inspire myself and my team. We were new at this and did not have the technology we have now but it was an experience that taught me a lot,’ he says humbly. The courage he mustered back then was solely for his mother and he mentions how a lot of his endeavors even today are inspired by her memory.
Right after his project with the army, Polock started receiving offers both within and beyond his network for various types of videos through which he was able to develop a rich portfolio. His work stood out among the rest for the visuals he specialised in, his technique, the emotion he brought to his videos and especially the ability to perceive the client’s needs and deliver accordingly.
As regards to the difficulties faced on a regular basis in the field, Polock mentions how the work can be extremely demanding of one’s emotions once finances, venues and technical pressures are put aside. With project after project coming in, a director has to switch from one state to another in terms of storyline, visuals and emotions. ‘Yes, it takes hours on end and quite a bit of energy but directors need to mentally connect to their projects as well. This becomes difficult when one day you are required to be a romantic and the next day you need to be a cut throat sales man!’ he elaborates.
He also mentions that his passion for the craft keeps his ship going.
In the next few years or so, Polock plans to slowly move into directing individual films. He wishes to see his work touch thousands. ‘I only strive to create art that will leave an effect, as little as it may be, on the one who stands as witness,’ he says.
Aspiring commercial directors often find themselves in a daze once they realise the heavy competition in the corporate field. The work is such that firms look for plenty of experience paired with creativity and fresh ideas. Polock thinks that young directors can gradually grow in the industry by doing part time jobs to pay for the equipment and shooting costs. Internships at firms that specialise in direction and the arts also help build a bridge to a career in direction if done with passion.
However, one most vital requirement to be a successful director in advertising world is the ability to respond to the needs of the clients, mentions Polock. Directors need to be versatile and willing to take on challenges, even if it is out of their comfort zones. It all comes down to pursuing the field with everything one has.