Meet Walid Chaya

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Walid Chaya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Walid, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic stems from two major influences in my life: my parents and my love for the arts.

My parents, who came to the United States with just $2,000, instilled in me the value of keeping my promises and following through on my commitments. I saw first-hand their hard work and determination as they started various businesses, including a restaurant, a mini-market, a limo business, and a housing contractor. My mother worked as a seamstress and nail technician while earning her medical degree and now works as a life coach and homeopath.

Their dedication inspired me and my sister and motivated us to work hard and achieve our own milestones, including earning degrees in college.

My passion for the arts also plays a role in shaping my work ethic. I’ve been involved in the performing arts since I was four years old after being mesmerized by a Lebanese musical adaptation of ‘Romeo & Juliet’. This experience sparked my love for storytelling and entrepreneurship, which continues to drive me today.

In conclusion, my work ethic is a result of my parents’ hard work and dedication combined with my passion for the arts.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a Lebanese-American actor, director, and writer based in Los Angeles, I am best known for my film “Driving Ms. Saudi.” This film won the “Best Comedy Short” award from Dubai’s WOW Mid-East Film Fair and has been recognized at numerous festivals worldwide, including a special presentation at the World Expo in 2022. The film was inspired by the #women2drive movement and showcases my commitment to being a voice for the Arab community and creating opportunities for underprivileged artists.

In 2008, I founded Moonlit Wings Productions, which was voted “Best Arts Program” by Washington Family Magazine. The company produces new works for the stage and screen that celebrate multicultural, gender-diverse, and musical stories, as well as educational performing arts programs for all ages. In 2018, I expanded my work to LA and launched an educational division, Studio For Performing Arts LA. The studio’s professional training programs focus on “The Business of Acting In The Digital Age” and have helped hundreds of actors jumpstart their careers. In 2021, the studio won the BroadwayWorld Regional Award for “Best Special Event” for the “MENASA Diversity Showcase” that I directed in partnership with the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition.

I was awarded the “Diversity Scholarship” from Upright citizens Brigade LA for my work in original content, sketch comedy, and improvisation. I am also the CEO of Broadway in Beirut, which is enhancing the entertainment scene and production value in the Middle East. In addition to my work in the entertainment industry, I am dedicated to producing and directing philanthropic events to support organizations such as the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and more. I was an associate producer for the 50th Anniversary Benefit Concert of Disney’s “The Happiest Millionaire,” which starred multiple Tony Award nominees and celebrated screen actors.

Working in the field I love, I embrace each day’s creativity, challenges, and triumphs. I am grateful to be able to make a difference in the world through my art and community endeavours.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were my writing skills, computer skills, and receiving my BFA, and a combination of all three created the filmmaker and entrepreneur I am today.

I have come to realize that writing skills, computer skills, and having a BFA in Performance were the most important factors in my success. My writing skills have allowed me to articulate my thoughts and ideas effectively, which has been crucial in creating compelling marketing materials and proposals, whether for behind-the-scenes business or pitching myself for a role. With my writing ability, I have been able to convey my message in a clear, persuasive, and professional manner, which has helped me secure business deals and film opportunities.

Computer skills have been equally important as they have given me the tools and knowledge to run my business efficiently. From managing my finances to creating websites, my computer skills have allowed me to automate various tasks and keep up with the fast-paced world of technology.

Finally, my BFA in Performance has given me a strong foundation in acting for the stage and screen. This has been invaluable in showcasing my talent and skills, as well as in creating engaging performances that connect with my audience. And in addition to my degree, real world experiences on-set have helped add to this foundation.

The combination of these three skills has allowed me to develop a well-rounded approach to filmmaking and entrepreneurship, and has equipped me with the tools I need to succeed.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I really enjoyed growing up with the “Harry Potter” series, otherwise a book that played an important role in my development is “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.

This is a self-help book that offers four principles for personal freedom and happiness.

The golden nuggets from this book are:

Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity and honesty, avoiding negative and harmful words that may harm others and yourself.

Don’t Take Anything Personally: Don’t let the opinions and actions of others affect your emotions and self-esteem. Realize that other people’s opinions are a projection of their own reality and not a reflection of who you are.

Don’t Make Assumptions: Avoid making assumptions about people, situations, and events. Instead, communicate clearly and directly to avoid misunderstandings.

Always Do Your Best: Set high standards for yourself and always strive to do your best in every situation. Remember that your best can vary from day to day, and it’s okay to have good days and bad days.

By following these agreements, you can live a more fulfilling life, reduce stress and negativity, and build more meaningful relationships with others.

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