Dhanung Bulsara: Small City, Big Dreams
AS LONG AS CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION IS INVOLVED,
I WANT TO BE APART OF IT.
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BACKGROUND
Dhanung Bulsara is young an ambitious and energetic individual who currently lives and works in Guelph, Ontario. Born into a stereotypical middle eastern family, he has always been motivated to build onto the foundation his parents laid out for him when they moved to Canada; "a better life." Dhanung credits his creativity to his cultural roots, especially Bollywood films. Bollywood films instilled a love for music and dance, something which he still makes time for in his busy schedule. Dhanung grew up being an avid sports fan, so to find a career in which he could pursue both passions simultaneously was the ultimate goal. As a result Dhanung has acted in short films and commercials, been a choreographer, master of ceremonies not to mention being a radio personality in recent years. Currently he holds the title of Video/Broadcast Coordinator at University of Guelph, and was recently award a prestigious OUA Webcast of the Year for his efforts.
RESUME IN A FLASH
Sheridan College, Media Fundamentals
Conestoga College, Broadcast Journalism
Radio Personality on FM Radio (99.5 KFun)
Video/Broadcast Coordinator, University of the Guelph Athletic Department
Director/Producer GryphVision (2015-16 OUA Webcast of the Year)
Actor (Short Films, Commercial)
Master Ceremonies/Choreographer/Dance Teacher
COFFEE BREAK
Dhanung tell us a bit about where you've come from and what inspired you to pursue broadcast journalism?
Truthfully, it was my back up plan. I enrolled at the Media Arts program at Sheridan College, a highly touted Film program in Oakville. After a year, I decided not to continue my education there and not to take the school route for film and rather do experimental projects and create at my own leisure. However, it was important for me to get an education somewhere as back up plan (also didn’t want to piss my parents off). What drew me to this program, besides being close to home was it exposed you to the different outlets of media (print, video & radio). A lot of it was hand on and the classes were small. Allowing more attention from your teachers, and more accessibility to resources and equipment.
It seems you were destined to be in front or behind the camera, tell us how you ended being the broadcasting coordinator at Guelph?
Actually, it's not that crazy of a story. It was pretty much word of mouth and pure luck. A good friend of mine, mentioned there was a need for a individual with my particular skill set at the university of Guelph. They had just begun webcasting some of their varsity games and were looking to expand and grow their video and webcasting capabilities within the OUA and CIS. Originally the position was a part-time gig which allowed me to pursue some of my other passions simultaneously. However in the coming months the role evolved into a more challenging but exciting position which would allow me to incorporate quite a bit of my background in video and broadcast journalism.
So tell us a bit about what exactly it is you do as a video/broadcast coordinator.
I handle all details in respect to production and direction of all live webcast coverage of Gryphon Athletics varsity games, this includes managing a small broadcast team. I am responsible for everything from writing scripts, creating graphics and all video content on our social media platforms during games. In addition to that I often get the opportunity to create original content for marketing purposes that highlight and promote our teams, thus the title of 'video coordinator' became attached my job description.
What are some of the challenges that you face balancing the commitment to your job and your passions?
Finding that balance between ambition and patience. We live in an ADHD generation; everyone’s multitasking and our attention spans are shrinking. I’m guilty of being apart of the majority, I want to do so many things but also have to learn to respect the process and go through growing pains that come with the creative field.
I also find you have to think about adapting to technology and trends. There’s a constant movement and it’s important to swim and not sink. A good saying I always abide by is "you evolve or evaporate from a situation, always look to be better from an issue."
With that in mind, what are some of your aspirations? How do see yourself growing as a young professional?
For me that is an on going question. It changes almost every day, because I love so many different things. I try to have my hands on all the things I’m passionate about, because I don’t want to live with any regrets. The end goal is to entertain people. The amount of joy I gain by doing so is something that drives me.
How do see yourself growing as a young professional?
Growth is the key word here, I am always eager to learn, adapt and develop my capabilities. I'd like to think that it's very important for young individuals to not become complacent and comfortable if you want to move forward. I think networking, staying hungry and being relevant are three things that come to mind.
Ultimately, I’d like to become a recognizable personality, a voice, an influencer, ideally I'd make some sort of impact on people. Maybe that means being an actor or a Sports/TV personality, who knows! As long as creativity and imagination is involved, I want to be apart of it.
What lessons have your successes and failures taught you?
Ah, there’s a lot but in either case, whether you achieve success or failure you should use them, as learning experiences and it should only make you hungrier. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and be prepared to take some chances to achieve your goals. As you go on, you won’t be able to make everyone happy but those who respect you craft and the grind will understand. Optimism and persistence is what keeps me going.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
Well the most obvious answer is just growing into it. I always watched sports and films growing up so it’s just been beaten into the fibres of my body. But I draw a lot of my current inspiration from social media and whatever is trending on the Internet. I spend a lot of my time in a day, browsing, scrolling and just digesting what people are liking and sharing. What they’re talking about, what’s important to them. Becoming a good listener has become my strongest attribute, because I value people’s opinions and what makes them tick. THEN I create content that resonates with them.
How important do you think it is as someone in the digital marketing world to keep up with trends?
Very important! This goes back to being relevant. With so many options in social media outlets, it has become very unpredictable as to how long things will last. Our attention spans are constantly shrinking and for that reason this is why I feel it's important to stay with the trends. If you can develop the ability to identify up and coming trends you will potentially be able to always stay ahead of the curve. If you get really good at doing this you could possibly put yourself in a position to also be a trendsetter.
What are three essentials tools to be success in your job?
1. Attitude - not sure if this question is about physical tools, because if that’s the case I’m going to throw a little twist. The most obvious thing I could say is my cell phone, a camera, my computer etc. But I really feel like it starts with your attitude, being optimistic has been the key to my success (although, I still feel I have a long way to have achieved any). But I’m a half glass full guy, over empty.
2. Networking - developing relationships and holding on to them. I’ve had lots of people help to get me where I am today, and grateful for every one of those individual’s who have made time for me along the way.
3. Peace - whether it’s eating healthy, working out, going to the movies, reading a book or travelling. Whatever it is that clears your mind of negative energy and just being able to get yourself away from it all, find that. Don’t be consumed by your work and being drowned by it. Give yourself an opportunity to recharge your batteries!
If you could give one piece of advice to an individual who shares similar aspirations – what would you say to them?
Don’t be afraid! As Miss. Frizzle (Magic School Bus) would say, "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!" You can’t be afraid of what people may think, you just have to trust your gut sometimes. I know what I am going to say now is somewhat cliché but it still holds true. Fear is the biggest killer of creativity. Don’t be afraid to fail hard and fail often, but keep in mind when you fail always fail forward!
