Lifestyle

From India to Hollywood: Rishab Chandra’s cinematic brilliance is catching everyone’s attention

Published

2 years ago

March 10, 2023

Rishab Chandra’s path to becoming a renowned cinematographer is nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from Bangalore, India, this young visionary has carved out a niche for himself in the world of filmmaking, working with prestigious brands and renowned artists across the globe. Chandra’s passion for the art of visual storytelling was ignited at a young age when his mother brought home a DSLR camera on a whim. From that moment on, he became inseparable from the device, exploring the depths of wildlife photography until the age of 16.

It was then that a chance encounter with a club promoter propelled Chandra into the world of event cinematography. His work quickly gained recognition, and he soon found himself collaborating with some of the biggest names in the electronic music industry, including Skrillex, Tiesto, KSHMR, and DJ Snake. Chandra’s talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, and by the age of 20, he had already begun touring with renowned artists such as Nikhil Chinappa, Lost Stories, Tyga, Alan Walker, Krewella, Bonobo, and Troyboi, capturing the energy and excitement of music festivals like Sunburn, DGTL, and Ultra.

One of Chandra’s most significant achievements came when he became one of the few Indian filmmakers to have a music video released on Spinnin’ Records, a global record label signed with some of the biggest DJs in the world. The video, “Mantra” by Mariana Bo, showcased Chandra’s ability to seamlessly blend his cinematic vision with the pulsating rhythms of electronic music. But Chandra’s ambitions didn’t stop there. At the age of 23, he ventured into the world of luxury automotive brands, establishing himself as one of the youngest cinematographers in the country to work with prestigious names like Porsche and Lamborghini.

“Chandra’s work with these iconic brands has been a testament to his exceptional skills and creative vision,” says industry experts. “His ability to capture the essence of these luxury vehicles, from their sleek lines to their raw power, is truly remarkable.” Chandra’s journey then took him to Los Angeles, where he spent a year studying at the prestigious New York Film Academy. It was during this time that he began working on numerous short and feature films as a Director of Photography, gaffer, and camera operator.

As Chandra’s journey continues to unfold, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and cinematographers around the world. With a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep passion for his craft, this remarkable young talent from Bangalore has truly made his mark on the global stage.

Lifestyle

Duravo’s Success Story: Engineering the Perfect Suitcase

Published

5 days ago

September 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Duravo

By: Mae Cornes

When Matt Muhr and Dan Cooper founded Duravo, they started with something other than luggage design. Instead, their journey began unexpectedly: the world of tactical and anti-ballistic gear. This unconventional background led them to discover a self-reinforced composite material used in professional sports equipment, military gear, and automotive components.

Working closely with a German engineering team, Muhr and Cooper developed Flexshell™, a material that combines strength and lightness. “We saw an opportunity to bring advanced materials science to an industry that hadn’t seen significant innovation in decades,” Muhr explained.

A Lightweight Contender in a Heavy-Duty Market

Duravo’s entry into the luggage market came at a time when established brands dominated the landscape. However, the company’s focus on material innovation sets it apart from competitors.

The Duravo International, an expandable carry-on, weighs just 5 pounds, making it significantly lighter than many competitors’ offerings. This weight reduction doesn’t come at the cost of durability or capacity. The suitcase expands from 37 liters to 46 liters, providing travelers with flexibility without exceeding airline size restrictions.

Cooper noted, “Our goal wasn’t just to make another suitcase. We wanted to change how people think about luggage durability and weight fundamentally.”

Rigorous Testing: Proving Durability in the Lab and on the Road

To validate its claims about Flexshell’s durability, Duravo invested heavily in product testing. The company reports subjecting its luggage to weighted tumble tests, extreme drop tests, and thousands of handle yanks.

The company does not publicly share specific test results, but it states that Flexshell provides five times the strength of traditional plastics used in luggage. This claim would represent a significant advancement in luggage materials if independently verified.

Technology Integration: Beyond Basic Storage

Duravo’s products incorporate several tech-friendly features, reflecting the changing needs of modern travelers. The luggage includes built-in USB access for charging devices, a hidden sleeve for tracking devices like AirTags, and compartments designed to protect electronics during travel.

These additions address common pain points for travelers, such as keeping devices charged and preventing lost luggage. However, it’s worth noting that some of these features, such as USB charging ports, are becoming increasingly common in premium luggage offerings.

Market Performance and Customer Reception

Since its launch a year ago, Duravo reports generating over 1,500 customers. While this number suggests steady growth, it’s modest compared to established brands in the luggage industry. The company currently limits its market to the U.S. and Canada, indicating potential for expansion.

The company reports positive customer reviews, a critical factor in the luggage industry, with an online star rating of 5 out of 5. However, independent verification of these ratings and a larger sample size would provide a more comprehensive picture of customer satisfaction.

Challenges and Competition in a Crowded Market

Despite its inventive method, Duravo faces significant challenges. Established brands like Away, Monos, and Tumi command substantial market share and brand recognition in a highly competitive luggage market.

Duravo’s focus on high-end materials and manufacturing in Germany will likely result in higher production costs. This could make it difficult for the company to compete on price with brands that manufacture in regions with lower production costs.

Environmental Considerations and Future Directions

Duravo emphasizes the eco-friendly nature of its products, stating that Flexshell is recyclable. However, specific data on the material’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle is not readily available. As sustainability becomes increasingly important for consumers, more transparent and detailed environmental information could benefit the company’s market position.

Duravo’s success may hinge on its ability to scale production while maintaining quality, expand its product line, and effectively communicate its value proposition to a broader audience. The luggage industry’s recovery and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic will also play a crucial role in shaping the company’s trajectory.

As Duravo continues developing its brand and product line, its story is an interesting case study in bringing materials innovation to a well-established consumer goods category. The company’s future success will depend on its ability to balance innovation with market demands and effectively compete with more prominent, established brands.