We had the good fortune of connecting with Nishanth Shri Shiva and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nishanth Shri Shiva, how does your business help the community?
I work both in Hollywood and the Indian Film Industry. The regional film industries in India are creating exceptional work but still lacks in global representation. I would like to work on creating representation for such films while working with them too. I believe the concept of independent filmmaking in India is still primitive, but the extreme amount of new filmmakers and movies waiting for their time is large. I love independent filmmaking and LA has taught me a lot about it. I want more independent filmmakers to emerge in India so that Indian Cinema can evolve to accommodate a much faster creative space. I want to continue working internationally and provide opportunities to new artists while growing with them. Artists such as myself have a platform to bring so many topics to the forefront. I strive to do the same with my craft. I am a huge advocate for inclusivity in the media and I hope to show that in my work while also being respectful about the subject.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself to be an experimental visual artist. I love to work with different media by tailoring it into a single seamless experience. I have always been a story teller, but professionally I started out as a designer specializing in moving images. I realized the magnitude and power of visual media, a fascination that led me to discover my interest in filmmaking. What sets me apart from others is, I think, working with the idea of introducing various media into the art of cinema and experimenting with it at every step to provide more space for filmmakers to explore the narration. And it definitely was not easy. It still isn’t. Finding my voice and style has been challenging as I am constantly evolving as an artist. I love the continuous process of finding inspiration and ideas that also requires constant learning so as to better my cinematic expression and I believe that’s how I overcome it every time. The lesson I learnt from all my experiences is to never stop believing in myself and my ideas. I am a creative and I know I can create anything into a beautiful piece of art as long as I believe that it can be polished into something exceptional. And ever since I moved to Los Angeles, I have been concentrating mainly on visual narration and cinematography to explore my undying curiosity towards visuals and I am continuing to do so. I want to be known as that artist who had always been true to himself while being bold, frank and experimental with the expression of choice. I want my work to represent who I am while I reflect my own mysteries on to it.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I would just want to spend quality time with them. Usually other than the cliched spots, I love going on road trips with my friends. It also gives me an opportunity to explore more of California and Los Angeles. Scuba Diving to see the underwater oil rig at the Long Beach could be an amazing experience. I’d say for anyone, the surrealistic abandoned zoo in Griffith park will be a pretty interesting find with walls adorned with graffitis and nature taking back its course. Art exhibitions at the Broad Museum with great artists like Yayoi Kusama, Watts Towers with its magnificent Steel – Mosaic art installations, or exhibits at the Getty would be great places to visit.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am extremely grateful to my parents for all the faith that they placed in me when I decided to pursue a creative career without questioning my decisions or actions. For them to entrust me with all the responsibilities that come with making unconventional choices, I am a better person because of it. I would credit my independent mindset and lifestyle to them. And my brother, for appreciating me and my art at every stage; for being a constant support throughout my life. I also want to say how much I treasure my best friend, Judith, for all the love and support she has shown me through all my highs and lows. I always turn to her for her creative input and to be my rock if I ever need her to be. She has played an equally important role in my life as my family.
Website: www.nishanthshrishiva.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neonscorp11/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishanth-shri-shiva/
Image Credits
I have all the rights to use these images.