Entertainment Report :
In 2001, they began their one desk office in Kalabagan. In 2016, they won seven National Awards, one international award and accolades in a number of festivals for their debut feature film Aynabaji starring Chanchal Chowdhury. This year, production house Half Stop Down (HSD) embarked on the 20th year of being. Through the journey they not only established themselves as a brand but also nurtured talents who are now leading the industry. Producer Md Assaduzzaman Sokal recalled his 17 years journey with HSD. As an undergraduate student in 2004, Sokal got his breakthrough in the company along with Mahjabin Reza, Abid Mallick, Robin, Jitu, Bipul and Irine. “From Product Development Officer to Line Producer that’s how my journey began with Amitabh Reza Chowdhury and the team of HSD. Ever since I’ve been in
the field of producing,” said Sokal.
The house produced around 1500
commercials, more than 12 television films, one release feature film. Their latest feature Rickshawgirl is now travelling through global festivals. Sokal has been a line producer in Aynabaji, executive producer in Rickshawgirl and producer in other productions.
Many still believe in the notion that producers work around the financing of a
project. To reply the question Sokal said, “Along with allocating money, a line
producer works at the heart of the production. Keeping the creative aspect intact, producers keep a check and balance of money and time of delivery.” He also mentioned that the safety and well being of the team is also part of his work. The house won a number of award for their work such as The 5th Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards – Silver Award Winner for Beautiful Bangladesh (Land Of stories), Das Goldene Stadttor- Diamond Award (During ITB Berlin), Silver Stevie® Award in 2014 (The International Business Awards)- Silver Award, Zagreb Tourfilm Festival-1st prize, II Baku Int’l Tourism Film Festival: Silver Award, International Committee for the Tour Film Festival Nominee for the Grand Prix 2014 for the best tourism film worldwide, Prix Jury at Tourfilm festival Karlovy Vary. The GP online school and 5 koti TVC received best TVC and best directions awards in 5th CommWard Honors in 2015. Alongside, he has also worked as an independent co-producer for the film Nonajoler Kabbo and a number of TVCs.
