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

Ariana, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

Throughout my career, I’ve learned an incredible number of lessons. One of the most significant ones is to recognize your worth and your wellbeing. This sounds simple, but it took one job for me to truly grasp its impact.

It’s embarrassing looking back, but in my first jobs I was desperate to avoid being just another replaceable cog. Like everyone, I wanted to stand out, feel valued, and have a space for to feel comfortable. From an outside perspective, film looks all shiny and glamorous, but in reality it’s just a massive machine. In my first role as a roto artist, I quickly realized the sheer scale of the industry. Names don’t even get put on the screen because there are just too many, and it’s the people at the top who are praised, oblivious to the contributions of people like me.

In that moment, sitting in that chair at work, I realized I need to do more, and that my superiors, won’t look out for me. I switched from a roto position in one company, to another company in paint/roto, a step up! But I wanted even better, so I joined an academy program with a reputation as one of the worlds best companies (at the time) to work for. I was excited, until I realized that all it was just a very, dirty, overused machine, covered in silk for the rest of the world to see. They underpaid, overworked, and even got fired from a major production studio because of their internal mishaps.

The academy claimed to encourage questions for learning, but previous members warned us against asking any. Ignoring this advice, I started to, and that “mistake” showed me how much of a farce this company was. They told me I didn’t fir the “stereotype” and fired me. Despite this, they offered me the option to complete the course, without pay. Out of spite, I accepted, determined to prove them wrong, and what do you know? I did. By the end of the course, they wanted to rehire me, but I declined due to their internal issues. Standing up for myself was terrifying, I feared that that saying “no” to my superiors, would get me blacklisted. Or make me loose my passion for VFX and film. However, this crucial step empowered me to stand up for myself in future roles and now, as a business owner.

After a challenging three month depressive episode post-academy, I found a great job in a smaller, but more supportive environment. my new boss cared about me, and my coworker (yes, there were just two of us), collaborated with me, leading to mutual growth. This experience taught me the importance of recognizing our worth and prioritizing our well being, over merely pleasing our employers. It’s scary, but that’s what they want – for us to be scared so we submit and never want too much more. Job security, money, and more come when we take that power back. While extremely stressful, this is what starts to create a future that benefits not just me but all workers, no matter their level, earning respect and recognition.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I didn’t have cable until about fourth grade, and when I finally saw the shows everyone talked about, I was fascinated. I wanted to work in those “magical” TV screens and in movie theaters. The movie that made the final push for me was TRON: Legacy. How did they make Jeff Bridges look so young? How can I live in a computer world? I wanted to be part of that! So, I went to Columbia College Chicago to pursue a film degree. There, I interned at a few studios around town before leaving to attend Vancouver Film School, where I studied 3D Animation and VFX.

After, I worked at several major studios, jumping from one to another to advance my skills and learn about the latest technology. Ultimately, I decided to start a company with two close friends. With each of us having nearly ten years of individual experience in the industry.

Our company is called Final Version 2, the joke being that there’s never a final version the first time around. We specialize in motion graphics/title design, VFX, and dabble in Virtual Production. This includes things like those cool title sequences (think Game of Thrones), greenscreen replacements, and giant LED screens. It’s an amazing field, although volatile in the ever-changing landscape of tech and film, but it’s a place where I am constantly learning. We are always looking for the best ways to address our clients’ needs, whether through new or traditional methods.

I’m extremely proud of myself and my partners for persevering. We are committed to our values of self-respect and, in the future, respecting those we bring on board. We strive to create a workplace where life comes first, not second. Yes, the first few years have and will be very challenging, but we support each other and maintain our goals. We aim not only to respect workers in “lower” positions but also to see people like us in positions of power, which we haven’t seen much in the past. We aim to be accessible and create opportunities for others who usually don’t have that opportunity, no matter their disability, gender, religion, or sexuality.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When our company landed its first major show this year, it was exhilarating and nerve-wracking. I found myself slipping back into that familiar mindset of fearing mistakes. The initial weeks were tough, but with the unwavering support of my partners and friends in the industry, I was able to get through. Knowing I needed to work more on that, I looked for mentorship programs to enhance my skills as a business owner, and I was fortunate to find incredible mentors who has been invaluable to my journey.

My resilience comes from a combination of pushing back against the challenges within the film industry and the support of my community. Together, we’re striving to break free from the confines of traditional narratives and uplift stories that have long been overlooked. It’s through this collective effort that we’re lifting each other up and forging a path forward. I owe much of my success to the strength and camaraderie of those around me.

Have you ever had to pivot?

VFX is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with new technologies emerging every day. After spending two years at a small studio, I wanted to transition from behind-the-computer work to on-set VFX. This led me to pivot towards on-set VFX, which eventually landed me on the Virtual Production set for Avatar the Last Airbender.

It was an exhilarating experience, delving into the world of on-set dynamics, navigating egos, and understanding the intricacies of the industry’s politics. In this new environment, I was exposed to the cutting-edge technology of Virtual Production, being among the pioneers to work on a major studio show with this innovative approach.

The journey was a whirlwind, but it ignited a new passion within me and opened doors to new possibilities. Since then, it’s inspired me to integrate Virtual Production into our business, allowing us to explore its potential in enhancing VFX and film production. It’s been a journey of discovery, enabling us to better serve our clients and push the boundaries of our craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.finalversion2.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finalversion2/
• Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/final-version-2