Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eyas Younis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Eyas, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
This is a question that takes me back to a pivotal moment in my life, a moment that shaped my journey and brought forth the resilience that fuels me today. After completing my MBA, I embarked on a corporate career, climbing the ranks and finding financial stability. Yet, my heart whispered a different calling—the world of acting. It was a passion I had nurtured since childhood, a flame flickering beneath the surface of my corporate façade.
A decade ago, during my tenure as a senior manager at a multinational pharmaceutical giant in Jordan, I stumbled upon a fateful Facebook post. What initially seemed to me like an acting workshop turned out to be an open audition! … an unexpected twist in my carefully planned routine.
The audition became the portal that eventually led me to my Hollywood acting journey, a path I might have overlooked had it not been for that serendipitous Facebook post. It was a leap into the unknown, a departure from the secure corporate realm into the unpredictable world of entertainment. And to delve into that world, I knew that without determination and resilience, I had no chance of going anywhere.
The challenges were immense—the auditions, the rejections, the skepticism from those who doubted the transition. But each setback fueled a fire within me. I realized that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about pushing forward despite the doubts and uncertainties.
Driven by the belief that self-fulfillment should be within reach for all, I harnessed my resilience again and created my platform, Casting Arabia. This app and website dedicated to casting with a focus on the MENA region was born from my journey—a journey that taught me the importance of chasing one’s passion fearlessly.
Casting Arabia wasn’t just a business venture; it was a testament to the perseverance I discovered within myself. It became a platform to empower all individuals with talent, much like me, enabling them to seize opportunities and pursue their artistic passions conveniently, all at the tap of their fingertips.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In 2005, after completing my MBA and financing my education by teaching Martial Arts and Ballroom dancing, my professional journey led me through various corporate roles in New York City and the Middle East. Despite success in the corporate world, my heart was always set on acting and writing.
Around a decade ago, while working in Jordan in a senior managerial role at a multinational pharmaceutical company, I stumbled upon a Facebook post that seemed to advertise an acting workshop. Intrigued by my love for acting and movies, I attended, only to discover it was an open AUDITION! That day marked the unexpected beginning of my Hollywood acting journey, a twist of fate sparked by a random Facebook encounter.
This newfound realization prompted me to pursue drama studies and auditions for film roles. The thrill of being on stage and in front of the camera ignited a passion within me. In 2012, I took a leap of faith, leaving behind a successful corporate career to pursue acting in the United States. My debut year welcomed me into SAG/AFTRA, and I secured multiple roles in movies and prime-time TV shows.
In 2019, I ventured into screenwriting, achieving success with my first pilot script and becoming a semi-finalist in the Atlanta Film Festival Screenplay Competition. Fueled by the joy of writing, I embraced the role of mentoring aspiring screenwriters, sharing my knowledge and passion.
Guided by the belief that self-fulfillment should never be left to chance, I founded Casting Arabia—an innovative platform connecting Talent Seekers with gifted individuals. Casting Arabia is a comprehensive casting and auditioning management system available as an app and website. The platform streamlines the casting process for both talent and seekers, creating seamless connections. It’s not just about acting; Casting Arabia encompasses all forms of talent in the entertainment industry—singing, dancing, writing, modeling, TV hosting, voiceover, directing, and the incredible camera crew.
As the Arab world transforms, the demand for efficient casting solutions grows. Casting Arabia aspires to lead this revolution, creating a robust system that transcends geographical boundaries and offers a global stage where passion meets opportunity.
This journey has just begun, driven by the belief that every talent deserves their moment under the spotlight.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as most impactful:
1. Adaptability and Open-Mindedness:
The ability to adapt and embrace unexpected opportunities was crucial. My journey took unexpected turns, from stumbling upon an open audition instead of a workshop to making a career shift from corporate success to a struggle in NYC to achieving what I have achieved so far in Hollywood where I am based. Being open-minded and willing to compromise my lifestyle at the age of 33, allowed me to seize these opportunities, leading to transformative experiences.
Advice: Cultivate a mindset of adaptability. Embrace change, be open to new experiences, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Stay flexible in your goals, allowing room for unforeseen paths that might lead to remarkable opportunities, and always trust your gut.
2. Passion and Perseverance:
Passion fueled my pursuit of acting and later screenwriting. Despite facing challenges, rejection, and uncertainties, my passion acted as a driving force knowing that I was going through all these challenges because I love doing what I do, not because it is something cool to be or to please someone else. Hard work and perseverance through auditions, rejections, and the transition from corporate stability to the entertainment industry where unpredictability is constant was fueled by a genuine love for what I do.
Advice: Identify your true passion and let it guide you. When challenges arise, let your passion (true purpose) be the motivation to persevere. Understand that setbacks are part of the journey, and pushing through adversity often leads to the most rewarding experiences.
3. Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Creating Casting Arabia required an entrepreneurial spirit. This venture demanded innovation, strategic thinking, and the ability to envision, learn, and execute a comprehensive platform. Understanding the dynamics of the entertainment industry, recognizing a gap in the market, and taking the initiative to fill that gap was essential as well as the willingness to take myself out of my comfort zone almost daily.
Advice: for people who yearn for complete independence, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, identifying opportunities within your field, staying attuned to industry trends, and being proactive in addressing unmet needs is the way to achieve that. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and turn your ideas into tangible projects. Reading, networking, and learning from others in your industry can also contribute to entrepreneurial success. Once you put in the work, never hesitate to ask questions. The worst thing that could happen is that they remain unanswered!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am actively seeking collaboration opportunities and partnerships in various domains within the entertainment industry. Here are specific areas where collaboration is welcome:
Casting Directors Worldwide:
I am keen on collaborating with casting directors globally who are interested in leveraging Casting Arabia for their upcoming projects. Whether you’re based in the MENA region or any other part of the world, I invite casting directors to explore the efficiency and innovation our platform brings to the casting process FOR FREE!
How to Connect: Casting directors interested in learning more about the benefits of using the platform can connect with me directly through email: [email protected].
Producers in the MENA Region:
Revolutionizing the casting process in the MENA region is my primary goal. I am actively seeking collaboration with producers who share this vision and are eager to enhance the efficiency of casting and the overall quality of their projects.
How to Connect: Producers interested in learning more can also connect with me directly through email: [email protected].
Video Editors and Videographers:
Ongoing content creation is vital for the platform’s success. We are always creating content related to filming and performing art, mostly in Arabic as there is a lack of this type of content in the region. I am excited about collaborating with talented video editors and videographers (particularly the ones who speak Arabic) who would be interested in creating engaging and informative content for Casting Arabia.
Passionate Industry Enthusiasts:
I am open to discussing potential partnerships with individuals who are deeply passionate about the entertainment industry, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the table.
How to Connect: Producers interested in learning more can also connect with me directly through email: [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: www.castingarabia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castingarabia/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/castingarabia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/castingarabia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@castingarabia/videos
Image Credits
Peter Konerko and Matt Stasi.
