Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hassan Said. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Hassan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Life of an artist in this day and age is nothing but risks. In a capitalistic society were there is no currency or desire for art as much as “content”. Embarking on the journey of an artist and filmmaker is akin to stepping onto a tightrope suspended between creativity’s boundless sky and the unknown abyss below. With each brushstroke or camera angle, one takes a leap of faith, risking vulnerability to give life to imagination’s vivid tapestry. These risks, though exhilarating, are rife with personal stakes. The risk of rejection looms, a disheartening echo if your masterpiece remains unseen. Financial gambles, trading stability for the prospect of artistic freedom, create a pulse-pounding tension between passion and practicality. Yet, amidst these uncertainties, there’s a profound intimacy in revealing fragments of your soul through your art. The risk of being misunderstood is the flip side of the hope that your creation will resonate with a receptive audience. In a world ever-eager for the next big thing, the risk of fading into obscurity is palpable, driving you to innovate ceaselessly. As an artist and filmmaker, each stride into the unfamiliar territory of a new project is a declaration of willingness to embrace these risks, seeking not only success but a profound connection between your inner world and the vast expanse of human experience.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Hassan Said, and my journey in the world of art and filmmaking has been a patchwork of experiences and learning. Coming from Egypt, I’ve had the privilege of exploring various languages and cultures, which has enriched my work as a Director, Producer, and Writer over the past ten years. My path led me to the Screen Actors Guild of America, where I’m humbled to stand among fellow creatives. I’ve dabbled in English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, allowing me to connect with diverse audiences.
After studying at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, I started my career as a videographer/editor at Goodby, Silverstein, and Partners. Working with brands like Yahoo, NBA, Sprint, Cheetos, and others was a tremendous learning experience. A significant chapter of my journey took me to Angola, where I collaborated on the Portuguese film “Alambamento.” The recognition it received and its global distribution were beyond my wildest dreams.
In Los Angeles, I had the privilege of contributing to projects for renowned names like Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount, and others. Crafting narratives and working on various forms of content has been both challenging and fulfilling. My focus has been on delving into the nuances of human emotions and psychology, aiming to resonate with audiences on a personal level.
Presently, my journey continues with a handful of feature films in development, each a labor of love. One particular endeavor, “THIS IS YOUR SONG,” stands out—a project that pushes boundaries with a single-take shot set in San Francisco. As I navigate the complexities of post-production, I’m reminded of the collective effort that filmmaking truly is. I am excited specially about this project as it has reached the finish line, picked up for distribution and soon will be on multiple streaming platforms around the world.
Beyond the camera, you might find me lost in thought, typing away at my old typewriter, working on stories that I hope will someday connect with others. Photography is another passion, allowing me to capture moments of beauty in the world around me. While the journey can be uncertain, it’s these small moments that ground me and keep me inspired to share stories that resonate with authenticity.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Being an artist and filmmaker has unveiled to me a kaleidoscope of rewards that transcend mere accomplishment. It’s in the subtle flicker of recognition in someone’s eyes as they engage with my work, feeling a whisper of shared emotion across the boundaries of time and space. It’s the humble satisfaction of knowing that a piece of my soul has found its way into the hearts of strangers, fostering connections and empathy. The act of creation itself, whether it’s through the lens of a camera or the strokes of a brush, is a cathartic dance with the universe, a way to transmute thoughts and feelings into tangible form. Through storytelling, I’ve witnessed how narratives can heal, inspire, and provoke introspection, catalyzing conversations that might otherwise have remained dormant. The impact of art and filmmaking on the human experience is profound, as it serves as a mirror, reflecting our complexities, our dreams, and our shared humanity. It’s in these moments of resonance that I find the truest fulfillment, understanding that the ripples of my creativity extend far beyond myself, shaping a tapestry that we all weave together. However, in the end, the biggest reward is understanding and healing one-self.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Within the intricate tapestry of our society, the nurturing embrace of artists and filmmakers acts as a soothing balm for the trials of our era. My personal journey through the labyrinth of creative pursuits has illuminated the profound impact that collective support can wield. Our endeavors, born from fervent passion, flourish with the lifeblood of financial backing, grants, and mentorship. The intimate interplay between schools and the arts, an ecosystem I’ve traversed, bestows the gift of creativity upon generations yet to unfold. The resonating power of local galleries and digital platforms has painted my own narrative, a melody of voices converging to stir hearts. Collaboration, a collaborative symphony of souls, bridges the gaps between artistic realms, allowing ideas to flourish in the crucible of inspiration.
But why do filmmakers and artists matter? Our lenses are the portals through which society witnesses its raw truths and soaring dreams. Our narratives, woven into the very fabric of culture, become the vivid threads connecting the past with the present, laying the foundation for the stories of tomorrow. We are the custodians of untold histories, the chroniclers of forgotten tales, and the architects of futures yet to dawn. Our frames capture the heartbeat of humanity—the elation, the heartbreak, the conquests, and the crises. In times of turbulence, our creations provide refuge; our stories kindle revolutions, and our visions chart pathways to transformation. Within society’s embrace, filmmakers emerge as more than mere storytellers. We are the conduits of a deeper reality, one that confronts challenges with unwavering hope and paints the canvas of existence in hues of potential. Just as artists embellish existence, filmmakers craft a legacy of emotion, resonating through time to impart the essence of the human experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://hassansaid.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/hassan_said
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/theworkofhassansaid
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/hassansaid
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/hassan_said
- Other: http://imdb.me/hassansaid
Image Credits
Hassan Said and Ron Kober