Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Abdin.
Hi Ali, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Well, I’ve been acting since I was three. I’ve been in multiple commercials, theatrical productions, and films. Growing up in New Orleans, I performed in kids’ theatre and was introduced to film early on. Watching movies was always a staple in my household. My brothers and I can connect any part of our lives to a movie that was out at the time. I’ve always loved film. Once I went to college, I decided to get my degree in theatre and performing arts. Shortly after, Hurricane Katrina completely decimated New Orleans, and I relocated here to Houston in 2005 and have been here ever since.
My brother, Aaron Abdin, is my producing partner. After graduating college, he attended the Los Angeles film school. Once he completed the film program, we decided to start our production company 1500 Entertainment, LLC. During this time, I used it as an opportunity to hone my craft of writing, acting, directing, and producing. Our company has produced several short films (Hopeless & The Answer), a webseries (My Brother’s Keeper) and two feature films (Staycation & Forgive and Forget).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all! It has definitely come with its fair share of disappointments but it’s part of it. You have to condition yourself to being used to hearing the word “no”. There’s a line that J. Cole says in one of his records, “there’s beauty in the struggle”. My brother and I use that as a mantra during our toughest times. It reminds us that the struggle is part of the process that forges you into the person you have to be to survive and prosper in this business.
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.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
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. 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.
What are your plans for the future?
Our plan for the future is to keep creating and making even bigger and better projects for the world to see! We’re looking forward to what the future holds for us. Our latest project “Staycation” is streaming now on AMC’s ALLBLK, starring Jennifer Freeman (My Wife and Kids) Shelton Jolivette (Zombie Tidal Wave), Kendrick Brown (Forgive and Forget) and Amelia Jeffries (5th Ward). We’re excited about the possibilities of what’s to come.
Contact Info:
- Email: ali@1500entertainment.com
- Website: www.1500entertainment.com
- Instagram: @1500entertainmentllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ali.abdin.319
- Youtube: 1500Entertainmenttv
Image Credits
Ali Abdin
Aaron Abdin
Shelton Jolivette
Jennifer Freeman
Amelia Jeffries
Kendrick Brown
Jalene Mack
