Srinath Ramalingam has been making a name for himself as an independent filmmaker, releasing his debut film, a super natural thriller Trapped In Abyss this year.

The passionate filmmaker, a past student of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, is currently based in Chennai where he is working on the debut of his first Tamil film.

Srinath took time some out from his busy schedule to chat with Life Online about his upcoming work.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

“Doesn’t matter what people think about you, Live your dreams because it’s just one beautiful opportunity that the universe created for you.”  This quote will give you the best picture about me.

I love to live my life to the fullest, I don’t just dream. I'm in the process of making those dreams come true. It’s not easy to pursue who you really want to be; you'll face a lot of obstacles that will make you stronger. This will take you to the road of success.

Born and raised in Kotahena. I pursued my education at S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia. I have worked on two Hollywood films as an art director and also simultaneously I’ve produced and directed many music videos, short films and an Independent film called ‘Trapped In Abyss’, which was shot throughout Hollywood, California.

Later I moved to Singapore to gain more experience, and I have successfully directed a 400,000$ Tamil TV Series called ‘Thee’.  Currently I’m in the process of debuting my first Tamil film in South India.

What inspired you to go into filmmaking? 

I’ve grown up watching South Indian cinema. Watching Tamil films and listening to those songs have helped me grow in this passion for acting and directing. My school gave me so many valuable opportunities to direct and act stage dramas.

When I was 17, I took my filmmaking dreams into serious consideration and flew to the United States in order to follow my dreams; and today I’m very proud that I’m a qualified filmmaker.

Chasing my passion is what I love to do for a living. This feeling always puts a pleasant smile on my face before I go to sleep.

Describe the making of Trapped in Abyss?

Trapped in Abyss was initially started in 2010 April. I resigned my job as a film editor in Orlando and moved to Hollywood, California. I had no job, the only thing I had in my life at that point was knowledge and passion.

So I formed a team with my fellow colleagues from school who were also living there. Shabeer Sinnalebbe (Co Producer) and I came up with this horror theme, which we developed into a challenging screenplay later on.

We cast a group of professional actors together and started to film. 70% of the production was shot in a store around Korea Town, Los Angeles during night hours till dawn. The rest of the 30% was shot in East Hollywood and Ghost Town, California. It was very tough but a beautiful learning experience. During that period we were not able to do any postproduction due to insufficient funds.

Throughout 2011 the footages of trapped in abyss was just in my hard drive. As I relocated to South India in 2012, I decided to add two of my best friends, Kevin Thambinayagam and Benstan Alex Fernando (Associate Producers) into the postproduction team, along with a passionate young editor named Harry Haran from Sri Lanka.

We decided to revive ‘TIA’ and at present with god’s grace we are progressing rapidly.

Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to your career?

To be honest, I believe that God is my one and only influence. He has always been there for me. Every time when I’ve travelled through dark days of my personal or professional life, he helped overcome the odds without discouraging my passion. So I believe he is going to put me in a great place one day.

Do you have any hobbies, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love meditating; it gives me lot of positive energy and knowledge about being a good human. In addition, I watch lot of movies, which is also part of my job. Listening to beautiful motivational songs, watching WWE and playing PS3 keeps me occupied the rest of the time.

How would you describe yourself to another person?

Most of my friends love my energy and my entertainment when I’m around. I guess I’m motivating, talkative, friendly and passionate.

What are some of the biggest trials and blessings you've faced since starting your career?

Trials – Currently I’m facing the biggest trial of my life; directing a Tamil film in South India. Working with the big guns is quiet challenging and we love challenges. This journey educates me every day with a lot of beautiful lessons. Mark my words; I will debut as one of the finest directors of Tamil cinema one way or the other with god’s influence.

Blessings - My family and friends are the biggest blessings ever since I started my career. They are always there for me. Not to forget my social networking friends around the world. They are also part of my blessings.

Who are you most grateful for regarding your success in life?

The answer is quite simple; my wonderful parents who have good faith in my personal and professional decisions, and Almighty God who never gave up on me.

By Lake Argent

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e27KyWV0hSc

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