We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Faizan Bazmee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Faizan, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
I believe that generosity comes from empathy, which often comes from experiencing one’s own struggles and receiving support from others during those difficult times. Also it feels good when someone is kind to you regardless of the situation. When you’ve faced challenges in your life and have been helped by family, friends, or even acquaintances, it deepens your understanding of others’ needs and makes you more compassionate. This isn’t about trauma but rather an appreciation of the fact that everyone needs help and kindness at some point in their lives.
My parents and three sisters have been my greatest support system. They have stood by me through every difficult situation I have been in, maybe I was very lucky to have them around me during those times. These 5 people have been there for me during the worst of my times and I would want to do everything in my power to make them happy.
Their support has immensely shaped my belief in the value of generosity. I try to be kind to everyone around me no matter what because my mother, in particular, has always showed me the importance of respecting and being kind to everyone. From a young age, she has taught me to uphold these values, even expressing her disapproval when I fell short. This early influence has left a lasting impression on me. Also I try to help others whenever it is possible for me because I know firsthand how crucial it is to be respected and have support during challenging times.
Moreover, as the saying goes, “What you give to the world comes back to you in greater measure.” I believe that acts of generosity create a positive ripple effect. By being generous, you contribute to a cycle of goodwill that will eventually return to you when you need it most.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a writer and director deeply invested in all areas of filmmaking, I have dedicated nearly a decade to my craft. Throughout my career, I’ve explored various roles within the industry, but four areas particularly captivate me.
First and foremost, direction and writing is where I currently focus most of my energy. The thrill of seeing a story evolve from a mere idea in my head into a completed film is exceptional. The process of molding a story, collaborating with a team, and bringing a vision to life is what fuels my passion.
The third area that fascinates me is the role of an Assistant Director. This position has provided me with invaluable insights into the industry and how everything functions. As an AD, you are the director’s right hand, ensuring that every detail is attended to and that the shooting schedule is adhered to. This role has been very important in deepening my understanding of the filmmaking process.
Additionally, I am passionate about cinematography. Having worked extensively with the camera team, I’ve come to appreciate the visual storytelling aspect of filmmaking. Understanding a cinematographer’s perspective enriches my own approach as a director, helping me better envision the visual elements of my projects.
What also excites me most is the power I hold as a film maker, making people happy or smile, make them emotional through a scene or making them laugh out loud when they were not having such a good day. I want to use this power to make people feel things that are important and make them happy at the end of the day when everything in this world is already very difficult. People watching my films and feeling good is the best feeling I could experience as a film maker.
Also personally, I am driven by the desire to see my work showcased on the big screen. Although the rise of web series and streaming platforms offers tremendous opportunities, my heart remains with theatrical releases. I am not opposed to working on OTT content, but my preference lies in creating experiences designed for cinema. Looking ahead, I aspire to establish my own production house to develop unique content that stands out from the conventional stories. I believe that as storytelling evolves, audiences will increasingly appreciate innovative and unique narratives.
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?
The three qualities or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey are as follows:
Firstly, consistency in my work has been crucial. Regardless of the circumstances, maintaining a regular schedule and consistently completing tasks is vital for any creative person. This practice not only helps you improve your craft but also builds a habit of avoiding procrastination. To develop or enhance this quality, I recommend setting deadlines for yourself and creating daily or weekly goals. This approach ensures that you stay on track and continue to make progress.
Secondly, hard work is a universal quality essential in any field. Regardless of your level of success, maintaining a strong work ethic is very important. If you start taking things lightly, your progress can quickly decline. Hard work is what keeps you relevant and helps you excel in your career. This quality often comes from within, and you’ll find yourself naturally working harder when you feel a strong desire to improve and achieve your goals.
The third impactful area of knowledge for me has been writing. Initially, I didn’t enjoy writing—it felt like a very lonely and challenging task. However, I was advised by my father that becoming a better writer would also improve my skills as a director. Writing requires you to visualize scenarios, much like directing. As you write more and consistently, you improve both your writing and directing abilities. Despite my initial reluctance, I now recognize the unmatched satisfaction that comes from completing a draft. It’s a very rewarding experience that everyone should try to feel at least once in their life, whether it’s writing a film, a story, or anything else of personal interest. To improve your writing, start by observing your surroundings keenly, as your experiences will eventually influence your writing. Additionally, make it a habit to write every day, even if it’s just a page or a single line, as this will gradually enhance your skills.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I believe it’s essential to be well-rounded and focus on improving areas where you’re not as strong, as this will benefit you in the long run. While your strengths are already established and reliable, improving your weaker areas will make you a more complete artist.
In the film industry, audiences seek a fully engaging and entertaining experience. Given the excessive amount of distractions in today’s world, if you want people to remember and appreciate your work, you need to offer something truly exceptional and entertaining. With so many options available, why would audiences choose your film if it’s lacking in certain areas?
For example, if a filmmaker is good at writing and creates a compelling story but neglects the visual aspects of filmmaking, like cinematography, the final product may lack visual appeal. Although the cinematographer is responsible for the film’s visual quality, it’s very important for the filmmaker to have at least a basic understanding of how they want the visuals to enhance the story. Film is an audiovisual medium, and visuals are very important to telling the story effectively.
Being well-rounded not only makes you a better filmmaker but also increases the chances that audiences will choose your film over others because you’re providing a more complete and entertaining experience.
Moreover, filmmaking is a livelihood for many people. By investing time in improving your weaker areas, you ensure that everyone involved in the project benefits. You not only improve your own skills but also contribute to the professional growth of those who work with you. This approach creates opportunities for your team and creates a more collaborative and productive environment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faizanbazmee?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/faizan-bazmee-0b53a2151
- Other: IMDB – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13554057/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
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