Meet Our Community Makers: Spotlight on Creative Director Pranto Podder

Community Makers
Nov 20, 2024
8 min read

Every creative has a story, and for Pranto Podder, a seasoned creative director, New York City has been a canvas for his vision since 2015. With over six years of experience, Pranto has worked on a variety of high-profile projects that blend art, culture, and innovation. Recently, he chose Cocoon’s Casa Caeli—a venue that he describes as having a “perfect blend of elegance and raw, industrial charm”—as the setting for a unique project with Huel.

In this Community Makers feature, we spotlight Pranto’s creative journey, the impact of Casa Caeli, and how Cocoon’s seamless booking experience made his production a success. Let’s dive into Pranto’s story, uncovering the city’s role in shaping his vision and why Casa Caeli is a top choice for NYC creatives.

Pranto Podder setting up his camera during a photo shoot at Casa Caeli, highlighting the venue's versatility for professional media productions.

Pranto Podder setting up his camera during a photo shoot at Casa Caeli, a perfect space for media productions.

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The Creative Journey of Pranto Podder

Pranto’s journey to New York City in 2015 was filled with ambition and an open mind, ready to take on the challenges and rewards of a new creative landscape. “New York has a way of pushing you, challenging you, and forcing you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible,” he recalls. Adjusting to the city’s relentless energy, he found it to be both demanding and deeply inspiring. “It hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges have shaped me into who I am today,” he says, reflecting on the transformation both personally and professionally.

Six Years of Creative Direction

In his six years as a creative director, Pranto has built a portfolio that speaks to his versatility, vision, and adaptability. Each project, from branding to large-scale productions, presents an opportunity to evolve creatively. One of his standout experiences was a dynamic shoot for New Balance in Brooklyn, where he captured the essence of urban running with high-energy action shots and close-ups. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a concept come together and knowing that I played a part in making it happen,” he reflects. This shoot was fast-paced and technically demanding—a reminder of why he thrives in New York’s energetic creative scene.

Pranto’s dream project? “A global campaign that blends fashion, sport, and culture, telling a story not just about the product, but about the people who wear it.” For him, each project builds on the last, creating a continuous journey of artistic growth and exploration.

Catering setup for a photo shoot at Casa Caeli, illustrating the venue's ability to support creative projects and events with full amenities.

Set-up for Pranto’s shoot at Casa Caeli, with the modern kitchen as the backdrop, preparing for the perfect shot.

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Why Casa Caeli Stands Out for Photo Shoot Production in NYC

With his latest project at Casa Caeli, Pranto found the perfect setting for his vision. He describes the venue as a “photographer’s dream,” blending natural elegance with an industrial edge that provides endless creative possibilities.

For his shoot with Huel, Pranto appreciated how the “natural light coming in was incredible, making the entire process feel more organic and fluid.” Natural light is a key element for Pranto, whose style favors bright, authentic visuals that tell a story. Casa Caeli’s lighting allowed him to experiment with angles, shadows, and highlights that complemented his subject.

Casa Caeli second-floor living room with access to a modern kitchen, open-concept design ideal for corporate events, private gatherings, or production shoots requiring a flexible space for social interactions and catering.

Casa Caeli is a spacious and light-filled space, designed to offer a harmonious blend of contemporary architecture and natural light, creating an inviting and open atmosphere.

Front view of the second-floor living room seating area at Casa Caeli, featuring modern furniture and a comfortable layout, ideal for filming relaxed lifestyle scenes or hosting intimate events.

Versatile Layout for Seamless Production

One of Casa Caeli’s major advantages is its adaptable layout. Pranto’s team could transition effortlessly between different setups, maximizing their time and creativity on set. “The layout allowed us to move seamlessly between different setups, which really helped us maximize our time and creativity on set,” he says. This flexibility is a major benefit for directors who need to capture diverse shots within a single space.

Another standout element was the Cocoon team. Pranto shares, “Beyond the aesthetics, the team at Casa Caeli was super supportive and accommodating, which made the experience even better.” He found Casa Caeli to be a standout venue among NYC’s rental options—a place that enhances both the production process and the final visuals.

Mid-Modern and cozy interior of Casa Caeli featuring light marble open kitchen with bar seating and large windows

Casa Caeli’s modern kitchen features clean lines, white surfaces, and state-of-the-art appliances, offering a bright and functional area.

Diagonal view of the second-floor kitchen and dining table at Casa Caeli, featuring contemporary design, ideal for filming lifestyle scenes or hosting intimate gatherings.

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A Closer Look at Cocoon’s Production Studio Services

For Pranto, one of the major draws of working with Cocoon was how easy and efficient the booking process was. “What I appreciated most about Cocoon’s services and booking experience was how seamless and stress-free it was,” he explains. The entire process was designed to allow him to focus on the creative aspects of his project without worrying about logistical details.

Meet Nafisa, the Casa Manager assigned to Pranto’s production at Casa Caeli.

Wide Range of Unique Studio Spaces

Cocoon offers a broad selection of photo shoot studios and production spaces throughout NYC, each one carefully curated for various project types. From intimate photo shoots to large-scale commercial productions, Cocoon’s venues cater to the needs of creatives with flexibility and style. Pranto notes, “The flexibility and variety of spaces Cocoon offers really stood out.” Cocoon’s processes are intuitive, streamlined, and designed with production needs in mind—helping creatives find the right space quickly and efficiently.

Pranto suggests that Cocoon’s continued expansion of venue options would be valuable, especially if it includes outdoor locations or sites with distinct architectural features. He adds that “having 360-degree virtual tours of spaces” would streamline planning even further, allowing him and other creatives to visualize setups ahead of time.

Behind the Scenes with Pranto: Highlights of the Casa Caeli Production

Pranto’s shoot with Huel at Casa Caeli was filled with memorable moments. Working alongside his team and the talent from Huel, he describes the experience as both fun and creatively inspiring. “Their enthusiasm made the entire process flow naturally and really elevated the experience,” he shares. From the vibrant energy of the team to the seamless transitions between setups, everything came together perfectly.

With Casa Caeli, he felt that the right setting unlocked a new level of creativity, helping him to capture visuals that felt genuine, vibrant, and true to the vision. The experience has left him eager to return and explore more of Cocoon’s production studios, each with its own unique character.

Lighting equipment setup at Casa Caeli for a photo shoot, showcasing the venue's adaptability for professional media and production projects.

Pranto inspects the kitchen setup, illuminated by production lights, ensuring every detail is perfectly arranged for the shoot.

How Cocoon Can Support Your Next Project

Whether you’re looking to capture dynamic visuals, host an event, or create a memorable production, Cocoon’s portfolio of spaces is tailored for creative minds. Casa Caeli alone offers a blend of urban charm and professional support that’s hard to find in NYC.

Ready to book a space that will bring your vision to life? Start by booking a call with our team to discuss your project needs. Discover Casa Caeli or explore more from our Blog and Community Makers series for inspiration.

Wrapping Up

Pranto Podder’s journey is a testament to the power of the right space and a supportive team. His shoot at Casa Caeli brought his vision to life in ways only possible at Cocoon. Whether you’re a seasoned creative director or just starting out, Cocoon’s venues and services make it easy to focus on what you do best—creating unforgettable work.

If you’re inspired Pranto’s story, you can follow him online:

Behind-the-scenes rooftop portrait of Pranto Podder during a photo shoot at Casa Caeli, showcasing the venue's urban skyline view and creative potential for productions.

Pranto stands on Casa Caeli’s rooftop, with a stunning NYC postcard backdrop and the vibrant cityscape in the distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a photo shoot production studio?

Look for a space that offers flexibility in layout, natural lighting, and a unique aesthetic that enhances your brand’s vision. Casa Caeli, with its mix of industrial and elegant elements, is perfect for productions looking to stand out. The space is already furnished with modern and neutral design, making it an easy turn-key production studio for a lot of photo shoot briefs.

How do Cocoon spaces elevate creative projects?

Each Cocoon venue is carefully curated to inspire creativity and support seamless production. With our SuperConcierge service and flexible booking options, Cocoon provides an effortless experience from start to finish.

What makes Casa Caeli popular for photo shoots in NYC?

Casa Caeli’s natural light, adaptable layout, and urban charm make it ideal for projects ranging from lifestyle shoots to commercial productions. It’s a space that enhances the creative process for its modern and neutral design, easily matching a large spectrum of brand’s guidelines.

Written By

Piero Faggiolly

Piero Faggiolly is a Marketing Specialist at Cocoon Flex Spaces, where he works closely with the team to share practical insights about event venues, media productions, weddings, brand activations, and corporate gatherings across New York City.

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Group portrait of the Cocoon team in a bright studio space, with members casually posing on chairs, stools, and the floor, a man sitting on a ladder reading a book, and a disco ball and plants on the floor.

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