Meet
Vishal
Hiralal
I am a licenced Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA) who specializes in providing accounting and taxation services for professionals in the film & entertainment industry. The story of how I got involved working in the industry wasn’t planned. And it starts like the plot of any good movie— involving international flights and a chance encounter between strangers. The stranger was a Chartered Accountant and an owner of a film production company who just happened to have a job opening. And I was soon to be a designated CA looking for a new opportunity. The plot unfolded and now, I’ve been working with production companies over the past several years providing not only accounting and tax services but also growth strategies.
Companies i’ve worked with:
Two for the Money media
Screen Siren Pictures
Reel One Entertainment
Behind the Scenes
In 2015, The Spear Sisters submitted a screenplay for a Twilight Competition called “The Storytellers: New Voices of the Twilight Saga”. They were one of five submissions selected to have their screenplay adapted to a short film which would be judged by Lionsgate Films executives, Stephanie Meyer (author and creator of Twilight) and Kate Winslet. They asked me to help them with the film finance and production accounting for the project— for which I was granted an Associate Producer credit. The short went on to win the competition and the grand prize.
What People Are Saying
“Tom and I came to Vishal years ago due to his reputation in the film industry. Everyone seemed to know and love Vishal. After working with him for a short while it became clear why. Since day one Vishal has made accounting easy, comfortable, efficient and stress free. He’s also super keen and reliable. I’ve never had to wait for a response from him (even if I message him at the strangest of times)! He’s particularly well versed in matters of small business accounting, the intricacies of freelance film accounting and of course general personal finances.
— Kasia Bodurka, Broadcaster, Global News BC & Small Business Owner
“Vishal made tax season a breeze. He answered my many questions with patience and prepared my return quickly. I especially appreciated that he understood my anxiety around the COVID-19 pandemic since I only switched to him this year. He adapted quickly and held our meeting over video chat. He is knowledgeable about the unique requirements for contractors in our field, so I highly recommend his services.”
— Veenu Sandhu, Actor and Acting Coach
As a newly incorporated company, I was on the hunt for a film savvy accountant. Since my initial meeting with Vishal, he has made everything so easy and stress free. I love that he will take the time to help me understand the ‘why’ on things that are a bit over my head. Another big thing for me; being so busy in film; is that Vishal keeps track of everything & is so reliable that I do not have to worry for a second about anything related to my company accounting or documents. He is happy to answer questions and provide info at any time day or night. He is always in good spirits and his professionalism is only outshined but what a thoughtful and caring person he is.
I would recommend Vishal over and over to anyone incorporating or anyone needing help with Taxes and Accounting. I am happy to say I will be a lifelong client as I grow my business.
—Mercedes Sharpe, Construction Buyer and Small Business Owner.
“I called Vishal for accounting services when I incorporated my company in 2017 and have been extremely grateful for his knowledge and expertise. He has always promptly answered my questions and concerns, and has ultimately been the best accountant I have come across. Vishal you are the best in the biz!”
— Paula Negritto, Assistant Costume Designer, Owner of Little Sparrow Production Services Inc.
“Vishal has taken the weight of tax season off our shoulders allowing us to focus our attention our business. His knowledge of the intricacies of taxation law is unparalleled and worth their weight in gold. They say a good accountant is worth their cost and Vishal exceeds this with his work and dedication to our company's best interests.”
— Andy Brown & Marco Bossow, Cinematographers, Owners of Transmute Pictures Incorporated.
Community Involvement
Treasurer, Indian Summer Arts Society
Indian Summer produces some of Vancouver’s most distinctive arts + culture events. They offer audiences multi-arts experiences of exceptional caliber, curating through a South Asian lens and centering the exciting work of culturally diverse artists.
Treasurer, DOC BC | YT | NWT – British Columbia + Yukon + Northwest Territories Chapter of the Documentary Organization of Canada
The Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) is the largest professional non-profit association of independent filmmakers in Canada, with more than 850 members across the country. Formerly called the CIFC (Canadian Independent Film Caucus), DOC has been the champion of independent documentary film and television in Canada since 1983.
Treasurer, Story Money Impact
Story Money Impact is a registered Canadian Charity creating positive change at a time when the world seeks more clarity, purpose, and good. We actively engage courageous filmmakers to refine and amplify their messages for systemic change through impact strategy, education, and partnerships with constituents. Awareness leads to thought leadership, action, and empowerment of individuals and communities creating a powerful catalyst for change.
