In a city renowned for its cultural diversity and creative spirit, Birmingham now stands at the forefront of independent filmmaking with the launch of Handshake Media. Under the visionary leadership of Gaurav Raturi, a seasoned producer with over a decade of experience, Handshake Media has officially emerged as a vibrant new studio dedicated to creating compelling films, shorts, and documentaries. With storytelling at its core and the Midlands as its creative home, the company is poised to redefine how stories are told, shared, and celebrated in 2025 and beyond.
A Decade in the Making
Gaurav Raturi, the driving force behind Handshake Media, brings an impressive resume to this new venture. From producing award-winning bootcamps at BritAsia TV to spearheading innovative digital content and developing a film vertical in Birmingham, Gaurav has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for storytelling. His expertise spans nine short films and a growing portfolio of feature documentaries and fiction projects. This wealth of experience, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, forms the foundation of Handshake Media’s ambitious vision.
Stories Rooted in the Midlands
At Handshake Media, storytelling begins at home. The Midlands, with its rich history, vibrant communities, and untapped narratives, provides an endless well of inspiration. Handshake Media is committed to unearthing authentic local stories, amplifying voices from the region, and showcasing the talent that thrives here. Whether it’s a documentary that explores the social fabric of Birmingham or a feature film capturing the beauty of everyday lives, the studio is set to create content that resonates with audiences both locally and globally.
A Focus on 2025: Creativity Meets Collaboration
The year 2025 marks an exciting chapter for Handshake Media. The studio has ambitious plans to:
- Produce Original Content: Handshake Media aims to launch multiple projects, including feature documentaries, narrative films, and short films, all of which highlight compelling, untold stories from diverse perspectives.
- Lead Co-Production Initiatives: Building on Gaurav’s deep understanding of co-production markets, the studio is set to explore partnerships that bring together filmmakers from the Midlands, the UK, and beyond. By fostering collaboration, Handshake Media seeks to bridge cultures and redefine independent film production.
- Leverage Innovation: With a forward-thinking approach, the studio integrates cutting-edge tools—including AI-driven workflows—into content creation and project management, ensuring efficiency without compromising creativity.
Bridging Creativity and Commerce
Handshake Media is not just about making films; it’s about creating an ecosystem where creativity thrives and sustainability becomes the norm. By blending storytelling expertise with a business-savvy mindset, the studio is positioning itself as a hub for filmmakers, producers, and investors who share a common vision.
With projects like the children’s feature film ‘Phiran’, set for a 2026 release, and a focus on integrating crowdfunding and co-production opportunities through platforms like Filmshake, Handshake Media is redefining what it means to be an independent production house.
Join the Movement
As Handshake Media embarks on this exciting journey, the studio invites collaborators, creators, and supporters to join its mission. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned producer, or simply someone who loves great stories, Handshake Media is here to connect, create, and inspire.
Stay tuned as we roll out updates on our projects, partnerships, and storytelling initiatives. Together, let’s bring bold, original stories to life and make 2025 a landmark year for independent cinema in the Midlands and beyond.
Contact Us: To learn more about our projects or explore partnership opportunities, visit Handshake Media’s website or connect with us on social media.
Let’s make stories that matter.
