Meet Tom Thudiyanplackal | Film Producer and Creative Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Thudiyanplackal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, what principle do you value most?
I grew up in Mumbai, India, during the transformative decades of the ’70s and ’80s. My parents, who migrated from a small village in Kerala, were significantly older than my peers—a rarity in our society. This age gap profoundly influenced the values instilled in me and the unique challenges we faced as a nuclear family navigating India’s rapid societal changes.

From these formative years, I embraced a value system anchored in honesty, kindness, and dependability. These principles draw from a rich tapestry of influences—from Christian teachings emphasizing the Golden Rule to spiritual wisdom gleaned from Hinduism, Buddhism, and other compassionate philosophies. For instance, Jesus’s directive to treat others as you wish to be treated resonates deeply with me, as does Krishna’s counsel to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, urging him to fulfill his duties with detachment from personal gain.

These foundational beliefs have guided my personal life and profoundly shaped my professional journey as a filmmaker and creative director with work spanning continents. They remind me of the importance of integrity in storytelling, empathy in connecting with audiences globally, and the responsibility to contribute positively to the world through my work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There is personal art, and then there’s what we do to stay relevant in the business. There’s a big difference between the two. Social media offers new opportunities to exhibit your passions and creativity without gatekeepers. Finding a community to gather around you and celebrate your gifts can be self-sustaining, allowing you the freedom to follow a unique and fulfilling path.

I grew up in a different generation, so I’m striving to understand these emerging forms of self-expression. I aim to engage more in expressing my art and finding support without pursuing a separate career based on livelihood. This career often gets limited by more significant societal issues, such as Hollywood strikes, racism, and biases against neurodiverse individuals or immigrants—all of which have impacted my journey.

I haven’t made much of my personal art public, but it plays a crucial role in cultivating my tastes. This has contributed significantly to my effectiveness and success as a creative leader and production technology expert, bridging many gaps as filmmaking transitioned from analog to digital.

I write scripts that give voice to my inner need for revolution. Many friends call me an idealist seeking to build a pure world free of dangers and threats. I want to see innocence thrive. There’s a massive distinction between childlike and naive, often confused by many. Similarly, there’s a fallacy that kind people are susceptible, which is invalid. Kind individuals are forgiving. When the so-called street-smart person takes advantage of a kind, giving individual, the latter’s large-heartedness often sees through the nature of the transaction and gives despite knowing it, making the supposed intelligent person appear foolish.

Our world is brutal and becoming more challenging in ways our ancestors couldn’t have imagined. We face more significant threats from ideologies and perceived constructs than the real dangers of previous centuries. As we live more artificially, our current attachment to progress and power leads us on journeys filled with known and unknown consequences. The greed for success and wealth propels us despite these risks.

My art is about finding a way to communicate the core values of being human, which must be protected at all costs. Governments and power structures should exist to protect the least among us. Our goals should revolve around leaving behind a better world than we inherited. These lofty principles shouldn’t be relegated to superheroes or messianic figures. We must persevere to embody these values because no one else will create the world we deserve.

Another lesson I’ve observed, particularly in our field, is the unfortunate tendency for individuals to withhold giving credit where it’s due. The film business, revolving around personal brands and the public lens, often sees people creating personal myths of solo achievement, going to great lengths to hide or malign contributors to ensure all credit is directed toward themselves. This is a terrible practice that occurs more frequently than one might imagine.

I am committed to changing this culture. On any project I work on, I make it a point to shout out to everyone who contributes to its success. This recognition is critical in our field because we must learn to grow together. The fear that there isn’t enough room for everyone to thrive is a fallacy that must be exposed and eliminated from our culture. This conviction led me to take on the producer role, facilitating the environment for creative storytellers I wish I had throughout my career. While there wasn’t enough support, I’m now creating what wasn’t here, even if I am not the direct recipient and beneficiary of it. At least I can be the vessel for it, ensuring that future generations of artists have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A Week-Long Itinerary in California
Day 1: Welcome to California
• Morning: Arrive and settle in. We’ll start your visit with a relaxing breakfast at The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice. This place offers a variety of fresh, delicious, and health-conscious options.
• Afternoon: Head to the beach. We’ll spend the afternoon at Santa Monica Beach, taking a stroll along the iconic pier and maybe even renting bikes to ride along the coast.
• Evening: We’ll have dinner at Gjelina on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where we’ll enjoy a mix of vibrant California cuisine. We’ll take it easy tonight, maybe taking a gentle walk along the Venice Canals before returning.
Day 2: Embrace the Outdoors
• Morning: Early morning hike at Runyon Canyon. The views of Los Angeles at the top are worth the climb.
• Afternoon: Visit the Getty Center. Its beautiful gardens and impressive art collections make it a must-see.
• Evening: Dinner at Griffith Observatory. Afterward, we’ll watch the sunset and the stars through telescopes. On clear nights, the view is magical.
Day 3: Road Trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
• Morning: Leave early for Sequoia National Park. The drive takes about 4 hours, so we’ll pack a nutritious breakfast and snacks for the road.
• Afternoon: Arrive at Sequoia National Park. We’ll hike the Congress Trail to see the giant sequoias and visit the General Sherman Tree.
• Evening: We will stay overnight in the park at Wuksachi Lodge. We will have dinner at their in-house restaurant, where we’ll enjoy rustic yet refined dishes.
Day 4: Exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon
• Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast and head to Kings Canyon National Park. The Mist Falls Trail is perfect for a moderate hike with stunning scenery.
• Afternoon: Picnic lunch in the park. Afterward, a leisurely drive along Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to enjoy the views.
• Evening: Return to Wuksachi Lodge for another cozy dinner and a restful night.
Day 5: Yosemite National Park Adventure
• Morning: Drive to Yosemite National Park (approximately 3 hours from Sequoia). On the way, we’ll stop at a local market for fresh produce and snacks.
• Afternoon: Arrive and explore Yosemite Valley. A visit to Yosemite Falls and a walk to Mirror Lake.
• Evening: Stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Dinner at the lodge’s restaurant, enjoying a meal with views of Yosemite Falls.
Day 6: Discovering Yosemite
• Morning: Early start for a hike to Glacier Point. The view of the valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra is breathtaking.
• Afternoon: Lunch at the Ahwahnee Hotel, followed by a leisurely walk around its historic grounds.
• Evening: Return to the lodge for a quiet evening and dinner. Maybe some stargazing if the skies are clear.
Day 7: Joshua Tree National Park and Sailboat Sunset
• Morning: We’ll head to Joshua Tree National Park (a 5-hour drive). We’ll leave early and have breakfast on the road.
• Afternoon: Explore Joshua Tree’s unique landscapes. A hike through Hidden Valley and a visit to the Cholla Cactus Garden.
• Evening: Return to the coast for a sunset sailboat ride in Marina del Rey. Dinner at Cafe del Rey, where we’ll enjoy fresh seafood and a relaxing end to the day.
Day 8: Farewell
• Morning: A leisurely brunch at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe. Enjoying the ocean views and fresh food.
• Afternoon: A final stroll on Malibu Beach or maybe some last-minute shopping at The Grove in Los Angeles.
• Evening: Drop you off at the airport with a heart full of memories and a promise to do this again sometime.
Highlights and Personal Touches
• Nature-centric activities: Hiking, beach walks, national parks, and a sunset sailboat ride.
• Healthy and Delicious Food: Nutritious meals at high-quality restaurants and farmer’s markets.
• Elegant and Aesthetic Experiences: Beautiful landscapes, well-prepared meals, and historical sites.
• Special Occasions: Dining at unique spots like Griffith Observatory and the Ahwahnee Hotel.
California offers a blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights perfect for a relaxing yet enriching week-long adventure. This itinerary ensures we stay active, eat well, and soak in the beauty of the Golden State.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Reflecting on my journey since 1997, I owe a debt of gratitude to diverse individuals and organizations who have profoundly shaped my career and personal growth. Their support, mentorship, and encouragement have been instrumental in my success.

Madan Patil, the Design Head at the Times Group, deserves immense credit for giving me my first break in the creative field and introducing me to seasoned art directors who mentored me during my early days. Umesh Shebe, an exceptionally gifted artist, provided invaluable guidance as I navigated the industry’s complexities.

Under Girish Menezes’s leadership at Ogilvy India, I not only thrived but also contributed significantly to departmental growth, a testament to his vision and mentorship. Michael Gahut at Prague Film School encouraged and celebrated my work as a cinematographer, instilling in me a deeper love for storytelling through visual artistry.

Working alongside cinematic luminaries like Vinod Chopra and Raju Hirani on iconic films such as “3 Idiots” and “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” expanded my horizons and allowed me to shoulder responsibilities beyond my years, supported by their unwavering confidence and resources.

Transitioning to the United States, where the landscape differed, I found invaluable support from leaders like Ann Lerner at the Albuquerque Film Office, publicist Melody Korenbrot, and Erik Weaver at ETC@USC. Shadowing producer Jeffrey Silver on the sets of “Terminator Salvation” in New Mexico was a highlight that enriched my understanding of global filmmaking.

Each of these individuals and organizations has left an indelible mark on my journey. They embody integrity, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence. Their belief in me has been transformative, propelling me to pursue creative expression and storytelling.

Additionally, I am deeply indebted to the writings of brilliant individuals whose insights have profoundly influenced my creative journey. Whether it’s the wisdom shared in behind-the-scenes materials of films and shows or the vast array of content available on the internet today, I am constantly inspired as an eternal student of storytelling.

The abundance of knowledge and perspectives I encounter fuels my passion for learning and growth as a storyteller. It’s a privilege to continually explore and understand humanity through the lens of diverse cultures and experiences. This ongoing education enriches my work, allowing me to evolve creatively while remaining connected to the world and its people.

Website: https://thestorytellersdesk.us/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyteller_tom/

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/thestorytellersdesk

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1635577/

Image Credits
Picture one. Tom Thudiyanplackal against Yellow Background, a self-portrait.
Picture Two. A screen grab from the BTS video for the University of Southern California’s Entertainment Technology Center R&D innovation short film production, “Europa,” a virtual production shot at Sony’s Stage 7 LED volume stage in Culver City. Tom Thudiyanplackal is one of the executive producers of the short and oversaw the technology investigations involving various partners worldwide.