Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alfred Gabidullin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alfred, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Filmmaking and acting was always my passion. I graduated from New Your Film Academy (NYFA) as an actor. Being an actor in Los Angeles isn’t as easy as it may seem. Hollywood is a strictly look-based business, no matter what people tell you, it is as simple as that. Therefore, having an ordinary look, I quickly realized that I can’t just rely on the acting skills that I’d acquired during college. I needed to create my own projects and possibly act in them. The only problem that rose up was my lack of technical knowledge.
Now, I know how to use most of the cameras, set up lighting, manage sounds, and edit all of that. The way I learned all that was, surprisingly, not from my college but through YouTube. Simple as that.
One of the things I love most about YouTube tutorials is the diverse range of content available. I can explore different aspects of filmmaking, from camera techniques to editing tricks, all in one place. It’s like having a virtual film school at my fingertips. It has also been cost-effective. As a beginner on a tight budget, I appreciate the accessibility of these resources. While there are paid courses available, I’ve been able to learn a great deal without spending a dime.
But aside from all those helpful tutorials, you can’t practice it much in real life without proper gear. That was my only stopping point. But I gradually began purchasing film essentials such as cameras, lights (big and small), and sound equipment. Sadly, you can’t do much without having any of those.
There is no point in having all that gear without a good script. Well, that I missed out on while in school, I never liked writing, but, I happen to have many friends who like doing that and if I absolutely have to fill some pages, I write with the help of AI. I know now, it’s a big controversy but if anything, that made my most hated task more enjoyable. Just learn how to benefit from it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Alfred Gabidullin is my name, I was born in a small town in Russia called Sterlitamak. Decided to pursue my filmmaking dream at the time in Los Angeles in 2013. Now, I’m an actor and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. I graduated from the New York Film Academy in 2017 and have been passionate about storytelling ever since. Alongside my work in front of the camera, I also delve into writing and directing. Recently, I wrote a book on acting to support fellow actors on their journey. Also, I am a judge at several film festivals. My ultimate goal is to create impactful and thought-provoking work. Make any kind of projects, films, commercials, music videos, documentaries, just to name a few. And, of course, meet fellow film-related people along the way. Me and my friends recently produced several short films and one feature that we’re still working on and planning to release this year on Amazon Prime and possibly several other streaming services.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the typical conventional Hollywood way of filmmaking, and surprisingly, that was the only approach I knew. The reason is that I straight-up hate the Hollywood filmmaking style. Nowadays, and frankly, it has been like this for quite some time, movies are primarily produced to target the box office. This focus on profit leaves little room for taking creative risks, resulting in a decline in quality. I am specifically referring to big-budget projects, and unfortunately, this approach often influences independent filmmakers who follow suit without achieving significant success in their careers. As a film festival judge, I have noticed the increasing presence of mass-produced mediocrity.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It’s just something I love doing, no matter how challenging it may be. I am aware that there are countless stories waiting to be told, and I am grateful to be one of those who can bring them to life as effectively as possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ayfona.wixsite.com/ayfona
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayfona/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilikebro/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayfona/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8IDGi8e3TaDNHV7Md2i5Og
• Other: VK – https://vk.com/theayfon Telegram – @theayfon