Silvano Griffith always had a passion for the arts, despite being discouraged from pursuing it by those around him. Nevertheless, he went on to found SVG Productions, a film production business with a focus on providing a voice for the marginalised and under-voiced in theatre.
SVG Productions creates films and stage shows that tackle difficult social and faith-based issues with humour and sensitivity. Some of the topics they have covered include domestic violence, eating disorders, gun culture, Christian life in the 21st century and loneliness. Through her work in SVG productions, she hopes to create a better understanding of these issues and make a difference in the world.
This Black History Month, the Barking Enterprise Centre gives the spotlight to Silvano through a Q&A format as we get access to her work and challenges as both a black woman entrepreneur and filmmaker.
Tell us more about SVG Productions
SVG Productions is a creative business producing films and stage shows and offering creative solutions for workshops and conferences. Much of our work focuses on social and faith issues, tackling more difficult subjects with a combination of humour and sensitivity. We have covered topics such as domestic violence, eating disorders, gun culture, Christian life in the 21st century and loneliness to name a few.
We generate bespoke pieces for commissioners wishing to utilise the power of the arts in conveying their message. From short sketches that can be performed as part of a conference to full-length productions suitable for main events, we can get our client's message across in an entertaining and thought-provoking way.
In addition to this, I have also just launched a separate side to the business where I offer coaching for anyone interested in writing scripts, memoirs and novels.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I have always had a flare for creativity and knew from a small child this was the path I wanted to take. My parents did not think creative work was sustainable and encouraged me to study ‘proper’ subjects at college. I wrote and produced my first play at the age of seventeen and later went on to study performing arts at University. After graduation, I followed parental advice to get a ‘proper job’. I worked at the BBC for a number of years and, after an initial eighteen-month sabbatical, resigned in 2013 to pursue my dream of acting and writing full-time. I somehow fell into producing and setting up SVG Productions. My vision was to provide a voice for the marginalised and under-voiced in theatre.
How has your business changed or evolved since you first started it?
In the early days, my business was about writing and producing plays but it has evolved over the years. I went on to create films which was an entirely different ballgame and there was so much to learn. On the back of what I was doing, I was also offered speaking engagements which led to me setting up a speaking side to the business. Then, during the pandemic when all plays and filming were cancelled I introduced a new arm to the business in which I coach other writers. The coaching is for scriptwriters and authors helping them to get the submission of their manuscript ready. And, as a published author, I now also provide a service helping people who have written their first book get it published.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Black entrepreneurs today?
One of the biggest challenges facing black entrepreneurs in my option is overcoming stereotypes. Many business owners still have to fight the perception that their business is ‘less professional’ than that of their white counterparts. Accessing finance can also be problematic for many.
How do you balance running a business with other priorities in your life?
Life for many people is busy in today’s world. For me, personally, the best way to balance running a business and other life priorities is to have a routine. I try to wake up and go to bed at a similar time most days and do my praying and reading at the same time each morning. My workout mornings are Mon-Wed and Fri and I do my best to attend the same exercise classes every week, scheduling meetings etc. around these times where I can so I don’t lose rhythm. I also love writing To-Do lists each day and feel a sense of joy and satisfaction as I tick each item off throughout the day. Additionally, I have an accountability partner. This is someone I speak to each week and give an account of how I have spent my time. I think this is important as it keeps me focused knowing that, despite being my own boss, there is still someone else I need to report back to about my accomplishments and achievements for the week. Finally, I'm a great multitasker!
What advice would you give to people in the Black community who are thinking about starting their own business?
My advice to anyone in the black community looking to start a business is first and foremost, don’t think of yourself as a black person wanting to start a business, just think of yourself as a person wanting to start a business. Do as much research as you can both inside and outside of your community. Approach others for help. See what your local Borough has to offer. The Barking Learning Centre offered me a lot of useful advice and help in the early days and it was all free. Make sure you have the support of family and close friends as it will be vital. Don’t be afraid to tweak your business plans slightly if what you first imagined doing does not work out. Give yourself time - Rome wasn’t built in a day but it was worked on every day.
How can people reach your business?
For my coaching and writing services I can be reached on https://www.silvanogriffith.co.uk/author while for my production company, go to https://www.svgproductions.co.uk silvano@svgproductions.co.uk
