What has been your most rewarding project?
Well to be honest all of my projects have been quite rewarding. It started with my first motion picture 3 Holes And A Smoking Gun which won nine awards across the United States. Currently, I am producing a documentary motion picture which stars John Schneider, known for his amazing award winning portrayal in The Dukes of Hazard and Smallville, William Sadler, three-time Bafta nominee Troy Baker and Quinton Aaron among others. So the answer to your question would always be the next film.
Most memorable experience during the making of some of your award nominating projects?
We had six hours and it was an eight-page scene. I will never forget the night me and Joaquim de Almieda filmed that amazing flashback from 3 Holes and a Smoking Gun. It was a beautiful performance and he won best supporting actor at the Cinerockom Film Festival.
An artist whose body of work influences or inspires you?
Tom Cruise is a great inspiration and I am a huge fan of Nicholas Cage, Robert de Niro and Will Smith.
Which of these three is the most gratifying of all; stage, TV or silver screen?
All aspects of art, even painting is gratifying it just depends on what you’re good at.
A role you have been longing to play?
As a producer I pick my own roles so there really isn’t a role that I am longing to play at present. However, if I feel like there is a particular role that I really want to play I will just have a writer write it down for me and I’ll produce the film myself.
What fascinates you the most about Hollywood?
The things that fascinate me about Hollywood are the stories, the ideas, the passion to grow and the drive to continue for better cinema and greater craft.
Three things you would like to bring from Hollywood to Pakistan’s film industry?
Pakistani cinema is getting better that’s for sure but if I must say, better animation with better CGI and VFX.
Something you always wanted to try but have been reluctant?
Winners get what they strive for and losers are reluctant.
Is there anything that you believe the Pakistan film industry should change or adapt to?
The Pakistani film industry is evolving annually with records being made and broken which is good, but to be greater we must expand our cinema to territories like China and other markets.
The best and worst thing about being part of the industry?
The best thing about being a part of the industry would be the craft and the passion and the worst part would be the critics.
Biggest challenge that came with becoming a producer in Hollywood?
The only challenge is to always pick the best script or the next best idea.
What’s one accomplishment you are most proud of?
No matter what, I never call it quits and keep moving forward. It’s always about the next step, the next scene and the film.
Two things about life you may have learnt from the industry?
Humility and patience.
What is your definition of a true friend?
Someone who believes in you and someone that is always there for you.
Would you rather be the most intelligent or the funniest in a room?
It’s good to be both because only intelligent people can take a joke while only funny people think they are smart.
Three qualities you look for in a friend?
Honestly, loyalty and respect.
Who do you envy?
Success is something that is ongoing, the graph goes up and it goes down. I believe in gravity and I’m never really jealous.
Have you failed at anything?
Who hasn’t? We all fail at something. I was never really good at science as a kid and still am not.
One thing no one knows about you?
I like collecting memorabilia; you know like old baseball cards, Pokémon cards etc. I’m obsessed with antiques in general and I like going to thrift shops, buying old paintings or old records.
Three most significant things in your life?
My family, my films and my friends.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ