Chabot College Arts and Communications Liaison, Sujoy Sarkar

Tales of Life, Media Production, and Community

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Born in Sri Lanka, I spent my formative years alongside my parents and older sister, where my father, a professor at Kandy University, instilled in me a love for learning and exploration. In 1964, our family embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the United States. Prior to our move, we traversed London and Europe during my father’s sabbatical, cultivating a seasoned traveler within me.

Settling in Albuquerque, my father secured a permanent position at California State University, Hayward, igniting my educational journey. I attended St. Clements Catholic school for my grammar years and later Moreau Catholic High School for my teenage years. Pursuing my passion for visual arts, I earned my degree in Photography from Chabot College before advancing to California State University, Hayward, now East Bay, where I obtained my BA in Mass Communications.

My career trajectory began at the forefront of innovation, thanks to opportunities at the Alameda County District Attorney's video unit, where I worked part-time, marking the inception of my journey in video production. Transitioning to the US Navy base at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, I established and managed the West Coast Video Center, playing a pivotal role for over 15 years until the base's closure. Concurrently, I undertook the responsibility of Computer Training Manager, spearheading the retraining of thousands of employees to ensure their transition to the digital era.

Subsequently, my tenure extended to the Department of Justice, where I served as the Senior Sector Computer Manager for the Livermore sector of the US Border Patrol and the FBI, demonstrating my commitment to national security. However, personal tragedy necessitated a shift to the private sector, leading me to Bio-Rad Labs as a LAN Computer Administrator.

Following a brief stint at an Immigration Law firm, I transitioned to Bank of America's computer division before embarking on entrepreneurship. Together with my son and former colleague, we founded Clearwater Filmworks, a video production company that collaborated with Hollywood studios and facilitated behind-the-scenes work for movies and TV shows.

Recognizing an opportunity to support education and industry simultaneously, I intervened to preserve the Chabot Studio, eventually transforming it into the Public Access Media Center, serving our community with expanded services and technological advancements. My commitment to excellence led to integration with Comcast's Universal NBC, propelling me into a new era of high-definition production and multimedia distribution.

Continuously evolving, I aspire to expand my services further, including commercial production, motion pictures, and digital streaming platforms, while fostering a nurturing environment for aspiring professionals through hands-on training and community engagement. My journey is defined by innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast dedication to empowering both my industry and my community.