Thomas A. Xavier

Thomas A. Xavier
Shooting on set
Born	(1957-08-21) 21 August 1957
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Cinematographer
Years active	1985 – present

Thomas A. Xavier (born 21 August 1957) is one of the ace cinematographers with forty five years of work in the Bollywood and Silverscreen industry.

Admired for his original work on the feature films like Baazigar, Khiladi, Yes Boss, Soldier, Daraar; he has given us beautifully shot superhit Bollywood songs like Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon, Wada Raha Sanam and Yeh Kali Kali Aankhen.

Early life and family

Thomas Xavier was born in Mumbai, India to Augustine Xavier and Thangamma Xavier and belongs to a Malayalama Catholic family. He is the eldest of all his siblings. Thomas Xavier is married to Swati Malkan. The couple have Three children, Son Vdyut Xavier(Actor), Ankit Xavier and daughter Brinda Xavier.

Career in Cinematography

Xavier has Stared his career early at the age of 14. He began his career with some of the best production houses and directors of Hindi cinema. Known for his distinctive original work, Thomas serves the vision as he shapes and discovers light, composition and movement.

Since 2009, he has been making mark in the television industry by contributing as Director of Photography to the shows like Mahabharat, Meera - Krishna Se Laagi Aisi Lagan, Jai Shri Krishna, Bandhan, Surya Putra Karna, JaanBaaz Sindabad and more. In 2013, Thomas Xavier was nominated for the best Cinematography category for his mythological television drama series MAHABHARAT.

Recently, he contributed his talents as Director of Photography for Amazon Prime's TV commercials starring bollywood actor "Salman Khan". Thomas Xavier's work has taken him all over the world from Norway to the busy streets of New York, but he always loves coming home to his beautiful family in India.

Work Experience

• Director of Photography & camera operator in Feature Films & Drama, Commercials & Ads, Music Videos, Movies, Documentaries. • Experienced with the latest HD & Digital Cinema cameras, Film & 3D • I hold an experience of around 44years in the TV, Filmmaking, Media and Entertainment environment.

Background and Achievement

Xavier was nominated in the Best Cinematography category for television period drama Mahabharat on Star Parivaar Awards, 2014. He has been nominated as Best Cinematographer for movies like Soldier and Mahasangram.

Commenced work in the film industry as an apprentice of Indian cinematographer and producer, Ishan Arya. And worked under Baba Azmi as an assistant for many esteemed films like Mr. India, Woh Saat Din, and more. Seethamma Pelli was his first movie as an independent cinematographer in 1984

Worked till 1985 as an assistant cameraman in many prestigious films, some of which are

Bazaar	Sneham	Janmabhoomi
Bezubaan	Vamsha Vriksha	Kashmir Kadhali
Hum Paanch	Radha Kalyanam	Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya
Mohabbat	Dharam Aur Qanoon	Woh Saat Din
Pyari Behna	Rajadhi Raja

Projects

Feature Films

Yes Boss	Soldier	Baazigar	Chori Chori Chupke Chupke	Khiladi	Daraar
Baadshah	Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Operating Cameraman)	Ready (2nd Unit DOP)	Veer (2nd Unit DOP)	Mahasangram	Mr.Black Mr.White
Julie	Ladaai	Qahar	Kurbaan	Phool Aur Kaante	Saajan Ka Ghar
Aulad Ke Dushman	Bachke Rehna Re Baba	Car Thief	Chehere	Diljala	Intaqaam
Hum To Mohabbat Karega	Khamosh	Khilaaf	Mera Suhaag	Market	Parivaar
Pehchaan	Radha Ka Sangam	Ram Shastra	Virodhi

REGIONAL FILMS

Bullet

Mane Lvi Dene Navrang Chundadi

Seethamma Pelli

Kuthe Kuthe Shodhu Mi Tila

Vazir

TELEVISION SHOW & TVC

TELEVISION SHOW	TVC
Mahabharat	Amazon Prime
Jai Shri Krishna	Shree Khodaldham
Jaanbaaz Sindabad
Surya Putra Karna
Bandhan
Jamai Raja
Meera

Key accountabilities and responsibilities

• Study and understand the script for better interpretation of the scenes with a vision to conceptualize the best frame

• Selection of cameras and equipments suitable for all aspects

• Choose settings and locations for films and determine how scenes will be shot in these locations under any weather circumstances

• Setting up cameras and equipment such as lighting rigs to meet production objectives

• Work in tandem with the Producer/ Director to allocate tasks and assist in supervising a team of cameramen as delegated by the director on the field or studio

•Acting as a principal point of contact from time-to-time to lead a team in dealing with the production. Along with, consulting with team members on matters arising from the needs of the program

• To be responsible for the care of equipments, also advising the Director of any risks arising from the proposed method of shooting and keeping abreast with new equipments, production techniques and changing work pattern

Camera Supervision

- Studio supervision and on location camera operations

- Rigging of camera equipment

- Planning camera moves

- Liaison with Directors, Producers and Lighting staff

- Supervision of staff

Lightnings

- Designing and planning original studio lighting

- Setting up studio lighting

- Operating studio lighting for rehearsal, live and recorded programs

- Working on tight deadlines

- Interpretations of producers program and artistic aspirations

Creative Input

• Advise and guide on story treatments in terms of production values and technical viability.

• Carry out directing, either on location or studio taking into account time constraints, lighting requirements & film-making techniques.

• Completed daily audio equipment tests to identify and resolve any potential technical issues within the facility.

• Adjusted lighting systems and other settings of equipment to perfection during shoot to ensure the delivery of a cohesive and enjoyable experience for the audience.

• Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound and actor movement for each shot or scene.

Special Skill

Special Effects– I have experience with Blue Screen, Front & Rear Projection, Process Plates, Miniatures, Lasers, Anamorphic and Motion Control

Aerial Photography – I have a lot experience also shooting from helicopters and fixed wing aircraft with Tyler, Continental and gyrostabilizers systems

Contribution

Contributed to the film fraternity with some of the best cameramen like Sameer Arya, Damodar Naidu, Lenin A. Xavier, Manoj Akram Khan, Anil Xavier, Narendra Gediya and Bhavesh Rawal to name a few.

Extensive Foreign Shooting

An area of interest to me has been the blue and green screen matte process.

I have worked with over 70 Producers, Production Houses for over 45 years photographing many live-action, commercials, feature films, prime-time network series. I have traveled to London, New York, Dubai, Singapore, Norway, Chicago, Australia, Switzerland and many more.

Over the years I have worked on different projects and varied equipment's, with changing technology that has enhanced my skills with perfection. This has helped my motivation to make work exciting in this ever changing industry.

Since 1986 I have been working as Director Of Photography/ Cinematographer for several independent projects.

I am an active member of the Indian Cinematographers Society/ Association.