Meet Ali Abdin | Film Producer/ Writer/Director/Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Abdin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from New Orleans, Louisiana. Being from a place that is rooted in the creative arts, it has molded me into the creative I am today. I come from a family of musicians and creatives. My father is a percussionist, who has been playing music since before I was born. My mother has a beautiful voice and is a retired teacher. They both have given me the tools that are needed to navigate the world of entertainment. My oldest brother plays all brass instruments, as well as percussions. Lastly, my youngest brother and production partner is a percussionist and film maker. Having these influences in my life are what has impacted me to become a film maker.

My brothers and I have always been fascinated with film. We’ve watched countless movies together, memorizing the lines and quoting them out loud to each other. We have gotten to the point where we can actually use movie lines to have entire conversation with each other. Film has always been a part of my life, so it’s only natural that I became a creative.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a filmmaker. I do it all, act, write, direct, and produce. I am also the co-owner of 1500 Entertainment, a full-service production company. We specialize in creating original content for all platforms (Theater, Cable, TV, VOD, Webseries, etc..). We take a project from the conception of the idea to its completion. We specialize in narrative feature films but we aren’t limited to that only. We don’t believe in putting ourselves in a box so we create projects in all genres. We are known for creating stories and characters that cross all color lines. What sets us apart from others is that we tell real stories, about real people, that anyone can connect with. We are most proud of what we have accomplished thus far as independent filmmakers. Completing a film is not an easy task and I believe we’ve done a tremendous job with the films we have created thus far. We’re looking forward to creating many more. We are also proud of being able to give people opportunities to actually be a part of creating a film, who might not be given that opportunity by other production companies.

The major struggle for any independent filmmaker is financing! Finding money to produce a film is extremely difficult. You never know who’s willing to give it to you and who isn’t. It’s a very vulnerable position to be in and you have to be willing to be told “no” over and over again. There is also a struggle with finding the right distribution for your project. There are some very shady people in the film world, that are looking to take advantage of filmmakers who are novices to the business side of film. You definitely have to be careful because the sharks are swimming. Just make sure you do your research on everyone you may be involved with.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a hard one for me, because I am a home body. I enjoy being at home watching a movie on my sofa. I’m not big on crowds and social events, but I do love going to the movies, of course. I would also probably find out what they enjoy doing before I make any plans on what to do. There are many different places to go in Houston, for example, Kema Boardwalk, Galveston Bay, Moody Gardens, various waterparks, and museums. The possibilities are endless but contingent upon the persons interests.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely would not be here if it weren’t for the love and support of my family. My parents have been one of my biggest support systems from the beginning of my journey. They have given me so much more than I could’ve asked for and their unwavering support has molded me into the creative that I am today. I would also like to thank my brother, Aaron Abdin. Even though he is my younger brother, he has taught me everything I know about being a film maker. I owe all of the knowledge that I have gained about screen writing and what goes on behind the camera to him.

Website: www.1500entertainment.com

Instagram: 1500entertainmentllc

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ali-abdin40640493

Twitter: @1500entllc

Facebook: Ali Abdin

Youtube: 1500 Entertainment TV

Image Credits
“STAYCATION” official film poster. Starring Jennifer Freeman & Shelton Jolivett “FORGIVE AND FORGET” Official film poster. Starring Ali Abdin, Ashley Hogan, Shelton Jolivett, and Carol Sutton Ali Abdin and Aaron Abdin owners of 1500 Entertainment, LLC 1500 Entertainment company logo