Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasmine Mazboudi.
Yasmine, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since birth, I have taken it upon myself to be the comedic relief in people’s lives. I personally am not a serious person, so making people laugh beside me is my satisfaction. Now don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t label myself as the class clown, but I’ll add some comments in here and there to lighten the mood. While growing up, I’ve also always loved randomly recording things. Whether it’s a tour of my house, myself dancing to songs, or my interaction with the pizza man when he comes to the front door. For some reason, having those silly moments on tap comforts me, and fills me with excitement.
And since I recorded a lot, I wanted to make them into short little videos to show to everyone, but short enough for people with ADHD, like myself, to stay on track and watch in full. That resulted in quick two minute clips. From those clips, I realized, hey I think I’m funny, people think I’m funny, people think my videos are funny, and I can get paid for this; why not make this my career? I’ve taken full inspiration in quick witty humor from none other than Wes Anderson. The dialogue between characters is the type of chemistry I thrive to achieve. His fast pace, color palette, and camera angles are what set him apart. I aspire to have something like that one day in my career. Something that within the first 10 minutes of my film, audience will know it’s by Yasmine Mazboudi. Gladly I have a huge support system behind me, being that everyone in my life is motivational and encouraging. It’s only up (then down, up, up, and up then down again then back up) from here.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If anyone has a smooth road in this industry, please give them my name and contact I would love to know their secret!!! No, but being that I started taking this seriously fresh out of high school, I think it definitely hasn’t been the worst. I’m saying that now only because I went straight from high school TO film school. But in the past 3-4 years, I’ve seen myself grow and become more confident in my work. I came to film school thinking I’d want to direct, but after getting to taste every role on and offset; I’ve settled on a love for screenwriting.
More specifically, light-hearted comedic scripts. And because I find such a joy in writing, it took me some time to understand that criticism is needed, and don’t take it personally. I get nervous sharing my ideas to other people, in chances to get shot down; but sometimes that’s what you need. Well not to be shot down, but for someone to keep you on track. (plus that keeps you grounded) You’re gonna be told no countless times in life, but if there’s that one person who believes and has full trust that you know what you’re doing; you’ll do it. And in some circumstances it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know, and sometimes; who knows you. Then again I’m only 21 and am fresh bait. So, you know what, I’m not sure. Ask me again in ten years.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I graduated from the New York Film Academy next year, and throughout my time here I’ve gotten to be apart of countless student films, as well as help out on some features. I find myself most helpful when it comes to creating the story and screenwriting. That’s my strong suit. I have a plethora of commercial ideas written down in my notes folder on my phone. I find joy in those because it’s short and sweet and to the point. That’s sort of how I write; I don’t fluff up any of the stories, I write what’s needed.
I enjoy most writing a script, then cutting it in half and making the middle of the movie, now the beginning. That’s where it gets good. I think what sets me apart from your next typical LA resident, majoring in Film, severely in debt, aching for more hours in the day; is that my main goal is to please others, and make them laugh. Let’s face it, the worlds filled with negativity, and for just five minutes out of your day let me help you forget. I’ll stress about lighting or a camera angle when it benefits the character or scene, other than that it’s my weak spot and I choose to focus on story.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
IF and ONLY IF I was able to start over, I think I would’ve started writing scripts from day one. Seeing as how easy (ish) it comes to me now, I wonder how easy it could come to me if I started writing 8 years ago. As well as TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES. Being in film school is immensely helpful! Use those student letters, pay $25 for a permit, rent everything you could dream of and more with that student discount! Because when you graduate say bye bye to a free RED Dragon and your bank account! As for the boring and cliche stuff, of course, I’d wished to be more confident in myself, being that this is a competitive field you need to be positive in yourself and what you support. You also need to remember that it’s going to take time. Right after I graduate I’m not getting hired as SNL’s lead writer. (right?…unless……) No, just stay on track and don’t forget why you started. Everyone says it, but they say it for a reason.
Contact Info:
- Email: 2468yasmine@gmail.com
- Instagram: yazminemaz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009115971177
Image Credit:
Jaime Hier, Royal Day, Manuela Velez, Kaylie Moore, Victor Stjerngren, Berta Sigríðardóttir, Aaron Latta-moriseette, Megan Mann, Julia Van Gelder, Jared Swift, Federica Carlino, Zoe Werner, Chloe Breen, Julia Stier, Justin Piehler, Baby Bodhi,
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