Creating Your Own Path - Interview 3 - Sami Abdou
You know that moment when you see someone's creative work and you're blown away by how talented they are? Well, dear readers: meet Sami Abdou.
I got to know Sami a little over a year ago when our creative paths crossed and let me tell you: his next-level talent became apparent to me very quickly.
Sami directing DLRN's Good Company music video.
As a director and video genius (trust me, you guys), he has the rare ability to visualize the perfect final product before filming ever begins and then makes it happen. Genius, I tell you.
I've watched him bring some amazing work to life over the last year or so and I'm super excited to introduce him to you all!
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Jen: When people ask you what you do for a living, how do you generally respond?
Sami: I generally say that I direct music videos and commercials, but it always seems weird. It's probably because I feel like I tend to do more than that.
J: When did you begin your creative venture?
S: I mean, I've always been creative since I was a kid but I didn't start pursuing film until college. Originally, I wanted to be an actor but saw the lack of control actors had over their careers so I then said, "Screw that" and decided to become a director.
J: Did you work any strange/odd/boring jobs before you started your creative work? If so, what were they?
S: YES! I'm fairly new to doing this full time. Up until recently, I did the typical LA struggling artist thing and bar tended/waited at a long list of restaurants. I hated them but I refused to leave because I hated them. I made a deal with myself that I would never take a full time job for the fear of getting comfortable. Everyday I went to work at these restaurants and went home cursing them. That was really motivating. It made me want to work hard at my creative endeavors so that I wouldn't have to spend another day in a restaurant. And well... it worked.
Directing DLRN's Fear and Loathing music video.
A behind the scenes look at Sami directing a commercial for a new spring football league launching soon.
Directing a promo video for a client last week.
J: Did anyone ever tell you to "have a back-up plan" or advise you against working in a creative field?
S: No specific person has ever told me that, but I always felt that was the general feeling from society. I've been really fortunate to have a crazy supportive family, especially for being immigrants.
J: What inspires your creativity?
S: Oh man, I could go on forever. I have a thing I like to say about myself and it's basically that I'm a lover of all things good. Anything -- whether it's art, food, architecture, thoughts, acts, etc. -- if it's executed well and with strong intentions, I'll love it. It's those things that inspire me. Also, seeing people happy.
J: Are there parts of your career that provide less income than others? If so, what drives you to continue doing those things?
S: Ha! Most definitely. Sometimes I do really awesome creative stuff I'm proud of with little to no budgets. Other times I do really crappy boring stuff I hope never sees the light of day with nice, solid budgets. And sometimes I do projects that hit that sweet spot. For me, for the most part, practice is practice regardless of the project so even though I may work on something kicking and screaming, in the long run it still benefits me. Except shooting events. I REFUSE to do that kind of stuff. Haha.
Sami's defining moment (or "easily, the highlight of his career," as he tells it -- with sarcasm noted) as an impromptu extra in a Rebecca Black video, which was directed by a friend of his. Can you spot him? Proof that you never know where a creative path might lead. :)
J: If you weren't doing what you're currently doing, what would you be doing instead (In other words, have you ever envisioned yourself doing something else for a living)?
S: Teaching. Ultimately that's why I do what I do. I feel like my work is an opportunity to share something, whether it be a story, a lesson, or a piece of information, with the audience. That's ultimately what teachers do so I feel like it would be right up my alley.
J: Are you involved in any events/happenings in your city or on the web that we should know about?
S: Sadly, no. Basically, once I finish a project, I upload it and click "Share." That's about as eventful as it gets. Haha.
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If you'd like to learn more about Sami, be sure to visit his portfolio site and check out his work with UpperCloud Media. He's the real deal, my friends!
All photos in this post are courtesy of Sami Abdou.
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