Today we’d like to introduce you to Reza Amidi.
Hi Reza, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I recently completed and distributed my first feature film as a writer/director. It was a life-long goal of mine, and it has been a very long journey to get here. It definitely wasn’t a direct path.
I was born in Iran. Even at a very young age, I was interested in cinema. One of my first theater experiences was watching Abbas Kiarostami’s “Where is the Friend’s House?” in Tehran. It was on a class field trip.
I moved to San Jose, California, with my parents when I was ten. Of course, that was a big change, but the most impactful event of my life was moving down to Los Angeles in my early twenties. The city has a unique energy – and it had a major effect on me immediately. It’s where I’ve felt the most inspired and motivated. And met people with similar interests and goals. I definitely see it as the turning point.
Over the next 15 years, I worked in visual effects and post-production on many feature films at companies such as Technicolor and Sony Pictures. I’ve also been part of the virtual production team on The Lion King and Avatar sequels. And I created three short films along the way. It wasn’t until three years ago that I felt like it was the right time to try to shoot a low-budget indie feature film – it was a combination of having the experience and confidence, knowing what story I wanted to tell, and the fact that professional filmmaking tools and equipment had become more available and less expensive.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. I didn’t take a direct path to get where I am today – part of it because of the decisions I made, part because of the challenges I had to face.
Growing up in Tehran and then Silicon Valley, a career in the film industry never seemed like a realistic dream. No one in my family or circle of friends had any interest in it. In our culture, it’s not common for parents to encourage their children to pursue a career in media/entertainment. My high school had plenty to offer as far as classes in the arts and sciences, but nothing directly related to filmmaking. The only resource I found was the classic book “The Five Cs of Cinematography” at the local library.
In college, I studied natural sciences, which I soon realized was more of an academic interest. It wasn’t going to lead to a career that was suitable for me. Attending grad school at USC was very helpful as far as learning about the technical side of filmmaking and visual effects. However, finding a job was extremely difficult the first 2-3 years, considering that I had no connections in the industry.
I think most people that are successful in entertainment have come across some obstacles. At this point in my career, I believe that the fact that my background is different, and I took an unusual path to becoming an indie filmmaker is actually an advantage. I bring a unique perspective to the industry, and all the skills I’ve learned have been helpful in writing and directing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
There are two aspects to my career, and I’m glad that I’ve been able to maintain a balance between them. These days, I still work in film/TV virtual production and post-production, which helps me stay up to date with the creative technologies. But I also take extended periods of time off to work on my own film projects. Producing your own content involves a great deal of risk, although it’s exciting and where a lot of your skills and talents come together.
Something that sets me apart is that I have a good understanding of the business, creative, and technical side of filmmaking. To me, they are interconnected – I never want to just focus on one. My strengths are definitely versatility and ability to work with all types of personalities.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that I’m most proud of and feel has helped me the most is that I’m trustworthy, and people can count on me. Filmmaking is an art and craft that involves teamwork. More than anything, entertainment industry is about relationships. You can’t build a successful team or relationship with individuals you can’t rely on.
Most of the jobs I’ve gotten have been because of a recommendation from previous co-worker. And my personal projects have greatly benefited from working with long-term collaborators. In this industry, if someone wants to work with you for a second or third time, that’s a huge win.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.equilibriapictures.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reza_amidi/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reza-amidi-04b0916
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rezaamidi
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/birdofparadisefilm/
Image Credits
Maximilian Ho
Olivia Brett
