Today we’d like to introduce you to Hussain Al-Khalil.
Hi Hussain, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
At 19 I decided I wanted to take my pursuit of filmmaking seriously. I Invested in getting a camera. I did not have much crew I could use at the time so I practiced my lighting and framing by getting into photography. That became its own thing while I also went back into creating as a filmmaker and writer respectively. I began writing everyday that would go on for about 5 years, I would shoot one piece of photography & video once a week and was able to keep that up for about 2 years. That discipline is what I feel like helped me get better at my craft early on.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. From learning the basics, to coordinating with others schedules it’s been hectic. About 5 years ago now I lost the ability to walk after being diagnosed with lupus. It affected my nervous system. I spent a good portion of 4 of the past 5 years to getting healthy enough to shooting more consistently. Now I feel like I’ve reset when it comes to momentum of my career but with the knowledge of a 10 year veteran.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a filmmaker first, photographer and writer. I write screenplays and I direct what I write. I also make more commercial work for smaller businesses and music videos for artist work. Photography I do a bit of everything but am trying to niche down to sports and overall portrait work. I would say right now I’m most known for my phot work and use of color and shadows. Photography is the easiest for me to create and share with others. I am working on more short films that eventually can lead up a feature film I have planned. This year I started a self produced docuseries I plan to upload to YouTube called “Day2Day” documenting and showcasing different artists and entrepreneurs day to day schedule and how they juggle their multifaceted lives.
What sets me apart I feel is my ability to adapt and execute both with a planned project and when things aren’t working knowing when to pivot. I am not precious, I got rid of that perfectionist mindset a long time ago and expect things to change and am ready to adapt to that and find the gems in those moments watching a project morph in front of you is a blessing not a curse.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Your process of creating will change but find the things that bring you ease in sculpting an idea. Finding that process and honing it has made coming up with ideas fairly easy for my experience.
Also finding a mentor can help you big time, just make sure you have the right one for what you’re trying to do.
Patience. The master of patience is the master of everything else.
One hand washes the other. Both hands wash the face.
I wish I recognized how talented I was in the beginning. I was very scared of being over confident to the point that I had no confidence and that led be to moments where people would try to exploit my time and gifts. Acknowledge to yourself your worth to atleast protect you from predatory associates.
Pricing:
- Photography/portrait session – $300
- Music Video – $1000
- Behind the scenes – $350-$500
- Event work $700-$1500
- Weddings $2000-$5000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Undefeatedlosers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/undefeatedlosers?igsh=MWE0a3d3MGFqY2VseA==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@undefeatedlosersnj?si=cT39uLmw00F5b_Ak
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/hulkinghuss?igsh=NzU4b3l6aTNvdXFw&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Hussain Al-Khalil