Story-Driven Filmmaking
PIXELEXR film projects focus on clear, narrative-driven storytelling shaped through professional training and real-world production experience. Each project prioritizes collaboration, emotional clarity, and cultural authenticity. As a result, every creative decision supports story, tone, and character development.
Featured Film Project
Velvet Secrets (2024)
Writer / Director / Producer: Shanthini Balasubramanian
Velvet Secrets is a Tamil-language short film that explores identity, curiosity, and empathy through an intimate family lens.
Logline:
Asha’s life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a striking red velvet dress in her daughter’s room. When curiosity leads her to try it on, she begins a quiet journey of self-exploration, connection, and personal transformation.
Developed under real-world production constraints, Velvet Secrets was created with a story-first mindset. Because of this approach, the film reflects PIXELEXR’s commitment to cultural authenticity, emotional honesty, and character-driven storytelling.
The film earned critical recognition, including selection for MAMM19 and the KDocsFF Sundar Prize Filmmaker Residency. These selections highlight the film’s resonance with both audiences and festival programmers.
Shanthini Balasubramanian wrote, directed, and produced the film while also leading the visual effects workflow. In addition, she collaborated with a small team of compositors from Think Tank Training Centre and external artists. Together, the team completed 19 visual effects shots in under two weeks.
Festival Journey & Awards
Velvet Secrets has been recognized and screened at numerous international festivals:
Official Selections
Awards
Filmmaking Leadership & Collaboration
Velvet Secrets was developed with the support of the Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon (MAMM19) and the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. The team completed filming and post-production in just ten days.
This fast-paced schedule required strong collaboration across all departments. Therefore, the production relied on clear communication, shared problem-solving, and mutual trust. These elements allowed the creative vision to remain focused and intentional, even under tight timelines.
Throughout the process, the team emphasized story clarity, cultural authenticity, and performance-driven storytelling. As a result, the final film balances emotional depth with efficient execution.
Process & Takeaways
Producing Velvet Secrets under compressed timelines required adaptability, fast decision-making, and creative problem-solving. Through this experience, the production strengthened its ability to balance hands-on execution with creative leadership.
Every decision supported story, tone, and emotional continuity. In turn, this approach reinforced the value of a story-first workflow, even when working with limited time and resources.
This project reflects a continued commitment to telling underrepresented South Asian stories with depth, cultural specificity, and cinematic care. Ultimately, it demonstrates how intention, collaboration, and clear storytelling can deliver a polished and impactful film under challenging conditions.
Let’s Create Together
If you are developing a project, exploring post-production, or looking for a filmmaker experienced in story-driven, culturally rich storytelling, PIXELEXR welcomes collaboration.
We approach every project with intention, creativity, and a story-first mindset. From early development through post-production and visual effects, we work closely with you to support your vision.
Feel free to reach out through our Contact Us page. We look forward to bringing your story to life — together.