COHORT 3 PARTICIPANT

I am the founder and CEO of REALLIFE Pictures Inc., an award-winning production company and literary agency representing diverse, neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ screenwriters and directors. I started in the industry in the late 1990s when I founded a music video production company in Vancouver. After moving to Toronto, I returned to the corporate sector, but I knew my calling was to increase diversity in the entertainment industry. In 2015, as a certified life coach I resurrected the company as REALLIFEpics, a coaching program for WOC filmmakers. In 2019, it evolved into REALLIFE Pictures Inc., the go-to agency for diverse, neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA+ screenwriters and filmmakers. I provide both agent and management services to my clients by putting them through an in-house professional development process including, sustainable career planning. I chaired the inaugural Sikh International Film Festival, and was an Industry Programmer for the Reelworld Film Festival. I am an active member of both CMPA, PRO and CFC’s Fifth Wave Connect. I was born and raised in Terrace, BC. My father immigrated from India, found work in the sawmills. Through hard work and real estate investments he carved out a comfortable life for our family. He taught me about running a business and selfless service. Through my experience, I encourage writers to create based on their POV. I not only represent writers but guide them with my business acumen, creating a supportive family. Many are from marginalized communities, lacking the time or money to attend industry-supported programs like CFC or NSI.