top of page


Understanding Indie Filmmaking Hubs: The Role of Independent Film Studios
Ever wondered why indie films feel so different from Hollywood blockbusters? It’s like savoring a homemade dish instead of fast food, personal, bold, and rich in flavor. This blog takes you behind the scenes of independent film studios and the creative hubs that nurture them. From Toronto to Mumbai, discover how these communities foster innovation, champion diverse voices, and shape the future of cinema.
Viknesh Silvalingam
Aug 184 min read


What Pharma Can Learn from Film Production: Lessons from a Customer Success Manager
Almost a decade ago, I traded indie film sets for conference rooms and clinical trials. Before stepping into my current role as a customer success manager in the pharma industry, I produced two independent feature films. Projects in which I poured my energy and heart into. These days, filmmaking is mostly a passion project; pharma pays the bills.
Viknesh Silvalingam
Jul 73 min read


Olive Oil Fraud Exposed: How FDA Warnings Inspired an Indie Thriller
The Real Crime Behind Cold Pressed: Olive Oil Fraud Exposed When I first read that a large percentage of olive oil sold in the U.S. is...
Viknesh Silvalingam
May 83 min read


My science fiction screenplay will include these 3 elements
I'm in the screenwriting phase of the project. Not to give too much away about the plot, the story centers around a murder in the metaverse.
Viknesh Silvalingam
May 14, 20231 min read


3 key takeaways from making my first feature film
3 keys takeaways from making my first feature film
Viknesh Silvalingam
Feb 25, 20232 min read


Using Aspect ratio 4:3 is an artistic choice
To simply state, an aspect ratio is a proportional relationship between a printed or digital image's width and he
Viknesh Silvalingam
Oct 15, 20213 min read


Preparing for a Legal (Courtroom) Drama
"Everything that guy just said is bullshit. Thank you." - Vinny Cambini, My Cousin Vinny The year - 2011. The location - the living room...
Viknesh Silvalingam
Sep 21, 20216 min read


Write a compelling character with the help of a character bio
Why do we need a character bio? “When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people not characters. A character is a...
Viknesh Silvalingam
Jul 14, 20213 min read


How to write an exciting logline to entice someone to read your screenplay
"I could be just a writer very easily. I am not a writer. I am a screenwriter, which is half a filmmaker. … But it is not an art form,...
Viknesh Silvalingam
Jun 28, 20213 min read


A Low Oscar ratings does not mean film is dying!
10 days ago, the 93rd Oscars (Academy Awards) ceremony, broadcasted live from Los Angeles. It is no hidden secret that the ratings hit an al
Viknesh Silvalingam
May 5, 20212 min read


The role of a reliable Assistant Director
The other most important role a production unit should consider hiring as soon as possible is the Assistant Director.
Viknesh Silvalingam
Apr 20, 20214 min read


Hybrid remote working in the film industry
At the peak of the pandemic, it was estimated that close to 120,000 workers in Hollywood alone were out of a job.
Viknesh Silvalingam
Apr 1, 20213 min read


We need more South Asian American films
"My role is not just artist. It’s also activist because of the way I look. On so many shows and movies, race was a gesture, and in mine...
Viknesh Silvalingam
Mar 10, 20215 min read


Adapting a novel into a movie? Here are 4 useful tips
I’ve had nine of my books adapted to film, and almost all were enjoyable. I’ve been fortunate with Hollywood and look forward to more...
Viknesh Silvalingam
Mar 2, 20214 min read


3 tips to keep your independent film under budget
"Money's only something you need in case you don't die tomorrow." - Carl Fox, Wall Street In my last blog, the 7 stages of the filmmaking...
Viknesh Silvalingam
Feb 23, 20214 min read


Making a movie? The 7 stages of the filmmaking process
“TO MAKE A FILM IS EASY; TO MAKE A GOOD FILM IS WAR. TO MAKE A VERY GOOD FILM IS A MIRACLE.” - Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (1*) Film...
Viknesh Silvalingam
Feb 9, 20214 min read


Getting a Film Distribution Deal in place
If a tree falls in a forest, and there's no one around to hear it, does it make a sound? The same can be said for your film if no one...
Viknesh Silvalingam
Jan 26, 20214 min read


Treatment: The blueprint of your entire project
With the growth of streaming platforms, there are a lot of opportunities for independent filmmakers to get their movies or TV shows made.
Viknesh Silvalingam
Jan 12, 20214 min read


The New Year: Looking ahead
Happy New Year! Last year's unexpected challenges created the spark for the creation of The Martini, a collaborative platform for...
Viknesh Silvalingam
Jan 5, 20214 min read


4 tips for the First Assistant Director in the Post Covid-19 world
There is recent audio about legendary actor Tom Cruise going off on a film crew for not following on-set COVID protocols(1*). Yes, at a...
Viknesh Silvalingam
Dec 21, 20205 min read
bottom of page



