I lead as President of the AI/VR Motion Picture Guild™, building a global community for creators shaping the future of AI-driven and immersive storytelling. As CEO of Esha Bargate Productions LLC, I produce meaningful, visually compelling narratives for worldwide audiences. I’m passionate about blending creativity, innovation, and heart—bringing powerful stories to life across both traditional and emerging media.

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

What excites me about judging for the Telly Awards is the opportunity to champion exceptional storytelling and groundbreaking creativity. I’m passionate about work that blends strong narrative vision with technical innovation, especially in emerging fields like AI and immersive media. Being part of a platform that honors global talent and pushes the industry forward is both inspiring and energizing.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

My first pivotal role in the industry was as an Entertainment Marketer & Sales Executive. This position offered a front-row view of the industry’s economic engine, teaching me a lesson that transcends technological epochs: Film and television are, at their core, a meticulously engineered business, not merely a creative pursuit or a hobby. The landscape of technology—from celluloid to streaming—shifts with every passing decade, yet the enduring principle since the establishment of the major Hollywood studios in 1900 remains constant: the imperative to successfully monetize the project and ensure the continuity of the enterprise. My core takeaway is an appreciation for the indispensable synergy between artistic vision and stringent financial viability.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

My favorite project I have worked on is the short film “Sarhadein.” I am very proud because it is now available for everyone to watch in India on Apple TV and Google TV in India. I started my company last year, in 2024, and worked with another production company. My job was to create the plan for Media Strategy and Distribution. I made sure the film got successfully placed onto these big streaming platforms. I am very happy that we did it!

The Guild is working on a very exciting global mission to share the right knowledge with people. It invites experts from around the world under different groups like the North America, South Asia, Africa, and MENA Editions. These groups host special interview sessions, such as “AI Meets Cinema,” which teach people about new technologies like AI/VR filmmaking is changing the landscape and their challenges. We are very excited to keep sharing this important knowledge with people globally. We are excited to announce that we are working on launching two upcoming workshops! These workshops are designed for anyone who is in the world of creativity.

We look forward to sharing more details about them soon!

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

The most challenging aspect of my role is managing the high-speed pace of technological innovation while maintaining a commitment to responsible growth. As I build a global network focused on emerging technologies like AI and VR, a substantial effort is required to ensure that our training programs and tools remain current and effective daily. Our primary goal is to expand the Guild rapidly, but it must be done thoughtfully and ethically to provide the highest quality assistance to people worldwide.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

For me, excellence in video begins the moment my senses activate—what I see, what I hear, and how it makes me feel. A strong piece of content should draw you in visually, engage you through sound, and emotionally involve you in the story. That experience is only possible when the foundation is solid: strong production, clear storytelling, and purposeful direction. But most importantly, editing brings the true flavor of a video to life. Even with great footage, without thoughtful editing and refined post-production, the emotional impact is lost. Excellence is when all these elements work together seamlessly.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

Currently, I serve as the President of the AI/VR Motion Picture Guild™ and the CEO of Esha Bargate Productions LLC. My responsibilities include leading media strategy, developing innovative film and TV projects, building global partnerships, and overseeing IP and distribution pipeline. I also guide creators as they explore AI-driven and immersive storytelling, helping them bridge creativity with emerging technology. What I enjoy most is the deep research, learning, and networking that comes with being at the center of such a dynamic and evolving industry.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

It is a very busy and good time for me right now! I am working on fun and important projects for clients under my company, Esha Bargate Productions LLC. At the same time, I am also starting to work on a major new program for the Guild. This Guild project is just starting now, so it is in the very early stages, but I am very excited. I will definitely be sharing all the news about this big project next year, 2026.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?

To spark creativity, I rely on two main practices. First, I listen to specific music, usually Nigerian or Latin music, which helps me connect deeply with my intuition and generate new ideas. Second, I am currently reading about neuroscience, which is fascinating me with how the mind balances creativity and logic. This blend of studying the brain and listening to music gives me a lot of great spark for all my work.

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

My biggest inspiration is to be a Global Media Entrepreneur through my company, Esha Bargate Productions LLC. My main goal is to build a worldwide Guild. This Guild will help people everywhere learn about and work in AI/VR Filmmaking easily, with no problems or hesitation. This mission to teach and connect people around the world using new technology is what makes me work hard every day.

In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

The most significant change I am seeing is the incredible acceleration of digital tools and platforms, which is making the world of video and film far more accessible.

This new environment is creating more opportunities for creators all over the world to develop and share high-quality content without needing huge studio budgets.

The key insight for navigating this is to embrace a mindset of constant, thoughtful learning. It is crucial to stay updated on the latest software and distribution methods, while always prioritizing the human elements of strong storytelling and authentic connection to your audience. This balance between technology and humanity ensures long-term success.