Sujit Chatterjee - Session 01

AR-020-5-1

(00:00:00 – 00:00:39) Brief introduction to the conversation.

(00:00:40 – 00:13:40) Entered media without training, for pocket money. Introduced to CENDIT by a family friend in 1981. Shifted from transmission to production after an incident. Learned while working with seniors more focused on still photography. Participated in and recalls NGO-linked media training programs and film work.

(00:13:41 – 00:15:18) Describes diverse programmes CENDIT did, including trade fairs. Technological evolution from VHS and U-matic to advanced Sony cameras. After the '90s, there was more freedom in choosing formats.

(00:15:19 – 00:24:48) Left CENDIT in 1992 due to personal and financial pressures. Joined Times TV, then freelanced. Worked with Zee TV, CNN, and others. Experienced dissatisfaction with digital tech's shift from older, larger equipment.

(00:24:49 – 00:32:00) Reflected on working across many formats and contexts. Tech changes once gradual became sudden. Emphasized efficiency, video clarity, and shooting without breaks. (00:32:01 – 00:41:17) Describes the unseen technical effort behind film production. Compared analog vs digital, arguing something was lost in the shift. Talked about fieldwork, resolution quality, and purpose-driven camera choices (feature vs news).

(00:41:18 – 00:45:03) Field conditions affected equipment. In 1985 you had to clean and maintain constantly. Recalls Vietnam shoot — outdoor conditions required technical caution and skilled support.

(00:45:04 – 00:51:29) Stopped working after 2018 by choice. Wanted to rest after decades of nonstop work. Had an accident later; took it as a sign to slow down. Feels he’s lived and worked through his peak (1990s–2010s).

(00:51:30 – 00:57:28) Discusses teamwork — the essential role of technicians, audio assistants, etc. Highlights work environment and changing skill levels within teams.

(00:57:29 – 1:01:35) Branded equipment meant limited contact with manufacturers. Once attended a trade fair demo. Repair/maintenance had more interaction with brands than production staff. No feedback loop from users like him.

(01:01:36 – 1:07:55) Felt greater satisfaction in earlier years. But salary delays (3 months unpaid) and instability forced many to leave. Gradually, CENDIT became defunct. Rent and financial pressure made continuation impossible.

4 April 2025

Oral histories of technical personnel in Broadcast and Community Video

Sujit Chatterjee