Cover Photo: Sayali Upadhye at launch party of Ten Twenty Productions.
Sayali Upadhye, a dynamic film producer from Pune, India, is more than just a creator; she’s a storyteller with a passion for making vibrant cinematic narratives and bringing real-life stories to film. Sayali’s love for stories can be traced back to her childhood, where she was captivated by her grandmother’s recitations of the Mahabharata. These powerful tales, rich in societal complexities and the nuances of human nature, fueled her imagination and sparked a lifelong fascination with the art of storytelling. This early exposure to epic narratives laid the foundation for her future work, shaping her understanding of the human condition and inspiring her to explore universal themes through the medium of film.

Throughout her experience in the entertainment industry, Sayali’s creative spirit found expression in numerous avenues. She graced the stage with her performances, directed short plays, captured the essence of individuals through her sketches, and devoured literature, each experience enriching her understanding of narrative and its impact. As a creative producer, she hasn’t confined herself to a specific genre and has worked on narratives, documentaries, and animation films.
Academic Journey & Following Her Passion

Her academic journey at MIT’s ADT University in Pune, where she studied Industrial Design, further honed her visual sensibilities. Although focused on visual arts, Sayali never truly left behind her passion for cinema. Even during her design projects, she explored the possibilities of film by documenting them. This consistent engagement with the moving image served as a constant reminder of her deep-seated love for storytelling through the cinematic lens.
After a year working as a visual designer, Sayali made a pivotal decision: she left her IT job to pursue filmmaking. This bold leap of faith took her to Los Angeles, where she found herself naturally drawn to the role of a producer. She discovered a profound connection with the holistic creative experience and the problem-solving nature of production. This role allowed her to collaborate with other storytellers while also contributing her own creative vision to the project, making her an integral part of the cinematic process.As a creative producer, she hasn’t confined herself to a specific genre and has worked on narratives, documentaries, and animation films.
Through her production company, Ten Twenty Productions, Sayali is dedicated to bringing South Asian diaspora stories to the forefront of films. She strives to explore universal themes such as loneliness, the formation of chosen families, self-identity, and moral dilemmas. Growing up in a Marathi household in India, her deep connection to her language and cultural heritage is at the heart of her work. She harbors a specific dream of creating a Marathi film set in Konkan, the picturesque region of Western India.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sayali remains committed to her artistic passions. When she’s not immersed in a film project, she can be found wandering the vibrant streets of Los Angeles through her father’s vintage film camera, capturing the essence of her environments. She also finds solace in nature, trekking across the scenic landscapes of California, finding inspiration in the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
Insight Behind The Vision of Ten Twenty Productions
In a recent interview, Sayali provided insight into the vision behind Ten Twenty Productions: “Ten20 exists because of a shared passion for bringing people together through the community of film. We looked at the traditional structures of the movie industry and wanted to create something better. Our mission is to tell stories about genuine human connection… We want to bring important, engaging, and entertaining stories to life on screen. For our clients, cast, crew, and collaborators, we understand the need for open doors in the film industry. We want to be job and opportunity creators, and we want to nurture and support the next great generation of film artists… providing an unparalleled sense of community, productivity, and joy for all people working on our films.”
Sayali Upadhye Shares Proudest Achievements of Ten Twenty Productions

During our conversation, we asked Sayali about her proudest achievement regarding their upcoming projects. Her response highlighted their commitment to female-led narratives. She shared, “Our inaugural slate has a wonderful collection of female-lead films. We love to tell stories about women, and bring them to life with a level of quality and entertainment that attracts audiences of all types.” This emphasis on strong female characters and engaging storytelling clearly forms a cornerstone of their vision. Adding a heartfelt note, Sayali also mentioned the resounding success of their pre-Ten20 short film, “A Karaoke Space Odyssey,” directed by Achim Mendoza. The film has garnered international acclaim, receiving selections and awards from various countries, including the US, the Philippines, and Korea. The success of this prior project, which she described as “a foundational piece of our trio’s friendship and professional relationship,” clearly holds deep personal significance for the team and underscores their ability to create compelling and globally resonating content.
Sayali’s rise in the film industry shows passion, perseverance, and a profound belief in the power of film to shape perceptions, bridge divides, and create a more empathetic world. Her journey is far from over, and her contributions to the global film industry are sure to be both significant and inspiring in the years to come.
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