SANJANA DE SILVA
PROFESSIONAL STORYTELLER
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ABOUT SANJI
A committed third-culture kid, I was born in Australia and raised in Sri Lanka, Singapore and on both US coasts. To survive I had to find any way possible to connect to people who were completely different from me - and the only thing that worked was telling stories. Now I want to tell these stories that showcase bonds between people - stories that highlight our differences in a way that allows us to better respect and relate to each other.
I am currently focused on children’s programming. The biggest lesson I learned while teaching film to underrepresented youth is that children’s programming today is totally off the mark. It disrespects the intelligence and experiences of your everyday school kid. I want to help fill this void, provide the kind of content I was missing while growing up.
In addition to creating content I believe in, I’m working to grow within the production management department - specifically as an assistant director.
I work in tandem with groups such as ‘Strong Asian Lead’ and ’Do Yu Productions,’ while growing my own company ‘The Angry Elephant Productions.’ Under the Angry Elephant banner, my web series ‘Riding in Cars with Strangers’ was chosen as a finalist in the 'Gold Coast Film Festival.' Other short films have been showcased at 'CreaTV San Jose,' 'Broad Perspectives,' and 'Cinema Femina.'
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
All I want in life is to tell a good story, preferably one that brings people together and facilitates understanding. Like most in the film industry I don’t have one particular role, I direct, write, produce, assistant direct and grip and actively enjoy every role. My well rounded skill set has set me up for success as a filmmaker - I have a deep respect for every part of the process that has allowed me to become a better filmmaker.
DIRECTING
I want to create content that showcases bonds between people. My web series 'Riding in Cars with Strangers' set out to do exactly that - and as such it was chosen as a finalist at the 'Gold Coast Film Festival.' My short film 'Not Forever' was featured on multiple platforms, including the TV shows 'Broad Perspectives' and 'CreaTV San Jose.' 'The Therapist' was similarly featured at film festivals such as 'Cinema Femina.'
PRODUCTION
My career has focused on all aspects of production management. In addition to 'The Angry Elephant Productions' content, I've produced works such as 'Popping the Question,' 'Delicate Relations' and 'Bound 4 Heaven.' Below the line, I've been the AD and UPM on projects like 'Pull my Focus,' 'Dating in the Zombie Apocalypse' 'Acting4theCamera' and 'Nanay's Lullaby.'
WRITING
My background in screenwriting spans from dramas such as 'Not Forever' to comedies such as 'Riding in Cars with Strangers.' I have experience writing and co-writing in late night, episodic and podcast formats. I've acted as a specialized consultant on scripts regarding racial, minority and international topics. I have written and edited articles that have been featured on Medium and Film Inquiry.
LIGHTING AND ELECTRIC
After working at the University of California, Riverside's film and theater department as a lighting tech, I took multiple roles as a grip on independent films and commercials.
TEACHING
I spent two years as the director of the after-school program 'New Voices 4 Youth.' I taught civic engagement through film to underrepresented youth in tandem with programs like 'The Boys and Girls Club' and 'Sienna Youth Center.' This included teaching basic camera usage, storyboarding, script creation and editing. As the director I created several new programs for the organization, ran fundraising initiatives and advertising campaigns.
OFFICE AND EDITING
I currently act as the project manager for the organization 'Strong Asian Lead,' working in all aspects of management. I have worked as the office assistant for Serendipity Films, where I focused on archival organization, data entry and social media and California Newsreel, where I primarily digitized, subtitled and uploaded footage to streaming platforms. I have significant experience with press and fundraising camapaigns.
WORK WITH ME
Send me a message and learn more about working with me at
The Angry Elephant Productions.
From creative projects to marketing content we have the resources to make your vision a reality.