New Delhi, Aug 8 - After the success of 'Slumdog Millionaire', Indian films have gained worldwide appeal, says Hollywood script guru Chadwick Clough, who is set to popularise Indian themes in international movies by partnering with a scriptwriting workshop.

'In recent years, Bollywood or even films set in or about India have become more accepted in the US mainstream media. What is great about the majority of Indian filmmaking is that most audiences worldwide can relate to their stories, regardless of the fact that there is a language and cultural barrier between America and India. But good storytelling is good storytelling and through films those barriers can be crossed,' Clough told IANS in an email interview.

Clough is the founder and CEO of California-based Script P.I.M.P (Pipeline Into Motion Pictures) - a screenplay analysis and resource hub designed for writers and producers. And he has now collaborated with ScriptWalla workshop, founded by Hollywood filmmaker Ben Rekhi and Bollywood scriptwriter Kamlesh Pandey.

'As our success in the US grew, I always kept a keen eye on Mumbai, which I think is the other powerhouse of filmmaking. Over the past few years, I have researched the Indian screen-writing industry and have been contacted by over 100 Indian companies looking for scripts,' Clough said.

'I knew that screen-writing in India is maturing to the quality and discipline of international films... so the timing was perfect to come to India and explore what could be done between P.I.M.P and ScriptWalla,' he explained.

Clough, who was in India in June to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Bollywood, says that his company and ScriptWalla have collaborated for a script-writing competition.

'It is an open call for worldwide entries for Indian-themed related scripts and the categories include (but are not limited to) best comedy, best thriller, best action movie and best romantic comedy,' said Clough.

'Though I have researched the Indian film market extensively, this was my first time travel to India.