Email:Hindoism@gmail.com
Education
New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, New York, NY
Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking 2006
2002- 2004 Fulbright Foundation Scholar from Jordan
Lebanese American University of Beirut, Lebanon
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts, May 1998
Specialization in Radio/TV/Film
1997-1998 Honors and Distinction Lists
International School of Damascus, Syria
IGCSE and A-Level high school degrees from Cambridge, England, May 1995
Professional Experience
February- April 2011
Core- Division of Starcom/Vivaki International
Dubai Branded Entertainment consultant
A three-month contract to oversee the product placement, branded entertainment and integration of fast moving consumer products into TV shows, Films and radio programs. As well as overseeing the development of an animated cartoon for a TV show. Structuring branded activations, writing scripts, overseeing studio production and making product placement legal contracts.
February- April 2011
TDIC
Abu Dhabi Director
Directed a variety of short videos for TDIC in Abu Dhabi. Ranging from a profile of a labour camp on Saadiyat Island where the Guggenheim and the Louvre are being built to filming the Dhow boats and fish market at dawn as part of the heritage of Abu Dhabi.
January 2011
Think Like Air / TDIC
Abu Dhabi Director
Directed a 6-minute event video for TDIC for the Saadiyat Beach Classic Golf course charity event, as well as a 2-min video on the two charities and the children of special needs in Abu Dhabi.
September 2010- October 2010
Integrity Media
Abu Dhabi Director
Directed eight 5-min documentaries in one month, all related to the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision, for broadcast on Baynounah TV. Topics ranged from cultural galleries and Saadiyat Island, to the Abu Dhabi Ambassador program, to the Al Ain Aviation academy, scientific research, building ships in Ajman and Abu Dhabi, the Sorbonne University and others.
January 2010
Filmworks production house/ TDIC
UAE Director
Directed a 6-minute event video for TDIC for the launch of the Saadiyat Beach Classic Golf course charity event featuring celebrities from the Golf world and Mr Gary player.
December 2009- June 2010
Baynounah Group and Integrity Media
Abu Dhabi Director/Producer/researcher
Producing and researching and overseeing the production of 30 episodes of a TV show titled
“My life in my city”, in Arabic. Featuring 30 Emirati people and their world, the show is a 5 minute profile on each person in different cities, in a stylized manner.
November 2009
GM/Chevrolet
Core media Director
Webisodes for Chevrolet featuring the characters Hiroshi and Osamu. A comic 8 part series, between 3-5 minutes each, released weekly on the MBC website.
November 2009
Abu Dhabi Art, TDIC
Integrity Media Producer/Director
Filmed on location at the Emirates palace for TDIC in Abu Dhabi. Interviews, coverage, galleries, events and workshops. Supervised the editing of a half hour documentary for TDIC on the Abu Dhabi Art platform.
October 2009
Middle East International Film Festival
Animation Art- Dubai Story Producer/segment host
Story producer for the Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi. 2 weeks of interviews with filmmakers/celebrities, coverage, research, editing and presenting segments for a daily 45 min show on Abu Dhabi TV.
March 2009- April 2009
Sheikh Zayed Book Award
Veritas Films, Dubai Producer
Produced two films for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award ceremony, part of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Authority. Supervised production and post-production.
November- December 2008
Abu Dhabi Excellence Awards Producer
Veritas Films, Dubai
Produced eight short videos for the Abu Dhabi Excellence awards, videos that were to be screened at the big event awarding the winners of this year. I was hired by Veritas Films, and working with the Executive Affairs office. Three week shoot in Abu Dhabi.
December 2008- Present
AVSpecialist Magazine
Dubai Freelance writer
Writer of various articles on Film and Technology and directors and equipment covering the MENA region.
September 2008- April 2009 Instructor
The Royal Film Comission,
Jordan.
Taught an intensive two day scriptwriting workshop at the Royal Film Commission headquarters. Duties included research, giving out handouts, teaching six hours per day, screenings and some directing/writing excercises.
Taught a 5 day workshop in April, writing, directing and editing a short film in five days.
May 2008
Integrity Media
Higher Colleges of Technology Film Director
Hired by Integrity Productions in Dubai to direct a 7 minute film for the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE. Duties included shooting at three campuses, and then directing a documentary film about the colleges.
February 2006- June 2008
Lebanese American University,
Beirut, Lebanon Instructor
Professor teaching three courses per semester. They are a mix of filmmaking (senior course), Intro to radio/Tv and Film, Scriptwriting, Intro to mass communication, Radio production, and Arab Cinema.
September 2007- June 2008
American University of Science and Technology Instructor
Taught "Media Law and Ethics" and "Global communication" courses.
May-June 2008
Lebanese American University
Fundraising brochure, Writer
Wrote a 20-page corporate brochure for the Lebanese American University, Beirut.
October 2006,
Oman Oil Company
Integrity Media
Dubai Researcher
Hired by Integrity Productions in Dubai to travel to Oman, and do one week worth of research for a corporate film on the Oman Oil Company. Duties included travel, interviews, photography, research, casting and general information gathering.
December 2005- January 2006
The Qattan Foundation,
Amman, Jordan.
Was an assistant to directors Michel Khleifeh and Omar Al-Qattan in the foundation’s workshop for Palestinian students, co-ordinating production of short films and assisting the editing process.
December 2000 - June 2002
Signature Productions and Future TV,
Beirut, Lebanon Scriptwriter/Assistant producer
Researched, wrote and coordinated the studio production of the weekly two-hour program“Ya Omri,” which featured the history, live interviews and performances by the Arab World’s most significant artists, actors and musicians, including Sabah Fakhri, Wadih AlSafi, Sabah, and Nelly.
October 1996- June 2002
The Daily Star, Beirut, Lebanon Freelance Correspondent
Wrote feature articles, theater and cinema critiques. Interviewed actors, musicians and visual artists; covered social events.
January 2000- December 2000
Orbit Satellite TV, Beirut, Lebanon Reporter/Segment Director
Researched, wrote, presented, directed and edited short documentaries for the daily three-hour, live show “Oyoun Beirut,” including cultural, artistic and political events. Presented and produced a live, weekly feature on Internet websites.
October 2000- June 2002
The Guide Magazine,
Beirut, Lebanon Freelance Writer
Researched and wrote feature articles about arts, culture, entertainment and sports.
October 1999- February 2000
Future TV,
Beirut, Lebanon Segment Director/Assistant Producer
Researched, directed, edited and produced short documentaries on various topics and personalities for the weekly show “Disney Club.” Coordinated cast related details.
November 1999- February 2000
The American Language Center,
Beirut, Lebanon Teacher
Taught daily English classes to adults.
April 1999
Insight Guides,
London, England Researcher/Writer
Researched and wrote a 50-page section on tourist services and entertainment in Lebanon.
October 1998-March 1999
British Broadcasting Company,
Beirut, Lebanon Assistant to Correspondent
Researched stories, set up databases, translated press information, and maintained press library for Mr. Christopher Hack, BBC Correspondent in Lebanon. Served as guide and translator for visiting BBC crews.
Languages
Fluent in Arabic, English and intermediate French.
Computer/Editing Skills
Windows, PC and Mac software and applications; Avid Express, Final Cut Pro.
Crew work
2nd Second AD- "MTC Iraq" commercial, The Talkies, Lebanon. 2007.
Was responsible for the 85 extras as well as other duties for a five day commercial shoot in Beirut.
Assistant Director, "Marry Me", directed by Susan Wands, 20 min, 2004. NYC.
Scheduled, coordinated and over saw the running of the set for a five day DV shoot.
Assistant Director, "Hapkido Dummy Dream", directed by Wendy Cheng, 10 min, 2004. NYC.
16MM NYU grad film. Scheduled a six day shoot, coordinated all departments on set.
Producer, "There is always a bigger fish", directed by Carlos Leitao, 15 min, 2004. NYC.
I organized a two day shoot in a China Town Alley, got permits for guns and fight sequences, enlisted the presence of the police, recruited crew and was the assistant director on set in terms of coordinating the flow of the shoot. I also obtained insurance for equipment and firearm usage.
Script Supervisor/set designer, "The Motel", directed by Tai Burkholder, 12 min, 2003.
A 6 day NYU grad film, shot on 16mm on location in Delaware. Took care of all script sup duties as well as set design for various motel rooms.
Videographer, Mike Sorvino's band, Leila Lounge, 2004. Recorded two live sets for this band in Williamsburg on a PDX 10.
Videographer, The Black Business Student Association's annual conference, Columbia University, 2004. Recorded panel discussions, interviews and live dance performances at Columbia U, on a PDx 10.
Assistant to the Actress, "The Dock", Directed by Nina Martinek, 10 min, 2002.
Assisted the main actress with wardrobe and makeup on this 35MM 6 day shoot in Chesapeake bay, Maryland. Duties also involved various PA work on set.
Sound Recordist, "The Recital", directed by Ashley Charbonnet, 20 mins, 2005. Recorded sound on the PD4, using various mics, for a 6 day super 16 mm shoot in New Orleans. The shoot was a New York Film Academy thesis film.
Sound Recordist, "The Exchange", directed by Tai Burkholder, 4 min, 2002.
Recorded sound on the PD4 using a 416 senheiser for a 2 day B&W 16MM NYU grad film.
Boom operator, "The Phone call", directed by Dagmar Tatarcyk, 10 Min, 2004. Boom op for this 5 day NYU graduate DV shoot.
Translation and Voice Over
OREO films website, July 2010. Translated a website for Starcom in Dubai Media City from English to Arabic.
IABR Rotterdam Biennale Sept 2009. Translation of Bas Princen’s work on Architecture, commissioned by the curators of the exhibit.
ArteEast and Cinemateque Du Tangiers. October, 2008/ August 2009. New York.
Translated various documents for the companies above. From English to Arabic.
“Circumstance” Feature film script by Maryam Keshavarz. Sept 2008.
Translated 125-page Sundance Lab script from English to Arabic. Maryam Keshavarz is a filmmaker from NYU, who won several awards.
HBO Iraqi Football report, 2004. HBO hired me to translate a half-hour interview with the Iraqi football team, from Arabic to English. Duties also included helping lay out the subtitles on the footage in an Avid composer editing system.
Syrian Refugees documentary, directed by Martina Radwan, 2004.
I was hired to translate 2 hours worth of interview footage shot in Arabic for a documentary that explores the circumstances of Arab immigrants and residents in NYC after Sept 11th.
The Disappeared Multimedia project, created by Mariam Ghani, 2004.
Translated several documents for installation/web designer artist Mariam Ghani to help set up her latest internet databases on the deported/disappeared Arab Americans suffering the results of Sept 11th. Translated from English to Arabic this time.
Voice recording for an Arabic teaching CD, Paul Ruben productions, 2004.
I was hired to read recorded Arabic lessons for a language teaching CD to be launched in spring 2005 by Paul Ruben and associates.
Voice recording for an English as second language teaching CD, Full House productions, 2005. I was hired to read a (fake!!) Arabic accented English segment for a CD to teach foreigners to speak English.
Education
New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, New York, NY
Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking 2006
2002- 2004 Fulbright Foundation Scholar from Jordan
Lebanese American University of Beirut, Lebanon
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts, May 1998
Specialization in Radio/TV/Film
1997-1998 Honors and Distinction Lists
International School of Damascus, Syria
IGCSE and A-Level high school degrees from Cambridge, England, May 1995
Professional Experience
February- April 2011
Core- Division of Starcom/Vivaki International
Dubai Branded Entertainment consultant
A three-month contract to oversee the product placement, branded entertainment and integration of fast moving consumer products into TV shows, Films and radio programs. As well as overseeing the development of an animated cartoon for a TV show. Structuring branded activations, writing scripts, overseeing studio production and making product placement legal contracts.
February- April 2011
TDIC
Abu Dhabi Director
Directed a variety of short videos for TDIC in Abu Dhabi. Ranging from a profile of a labour camp on Saadiyat Island where the Guggenheim and the Louvre are being built to filming the Dhow boats and fish market at dawn as part of the heritage of Abu Dhabi.
January 2011
Think Like Air / TDIC
Abu Dhabi Director
Directed a 6-minute event video for TDIC for the Saadiyat Beach Classic Golf course charity event, as well as a 2-min video on the two charities and the children of special needs in Abu Dhabi.
September 2010- October 2010
Integrity Media
Abu Dhabi Director
Directed eight 5-min documentaries in one month, all related to the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision, for broadcast on Baynounah TV. Topics ranged from cultural galleries and Saadiyat Island, to the Abu Dhabi Ambassador program, to the Al Ain Aviation academy, scientific research, building ships in Ajman and Abu Dhabi, the Sorbonne University and others.
January 2010
Filmworks production house/ TDIC
UAE Director
Directed a 6-minute event video for TDIC for the launch of the Saadiyat Beach Classic Golf course charity event featuring celebrities from the Golf world and Mr Gary player.
December 2009- June 2010
Baynounah Group and Integrity Media
Abu Dhabi Director/Producer/researcher
Producing and researching and overseeing the production of 30 episodes of a TV show titled
“My life in my city”, in Arabic. Featuring 30 Emirati people and their world, the show is a 5 minute profile on each person in different cities, in a stylized manner.
November 2009
GM/Chevrolet
Core media Director
Webisodes for Chevrolet featuring the characters Hiroshi and Osamu. A comic 8 part series, between 3-5 minutes each, released weekly on the MBC website.
November 2009
Abu Dhabi Art, TDIC
Integrity Media Producer/Director
Filmed on location at the Emirates palace for TDIC in Abu Dhabi. Interviews, coverage, galleries, events and workshops. Supervised the editing of a half hour documentary for TDIC on the Abu Dhabi Art platform.
October 2009
Middle East International Film Festival
Animation Art- Dubai Story Producer/segment host
Story producer for the Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi. 2 weeks of interviews with filmmakers/celebrities, coverage, research, editing and presenting segments for a daily 45 min show on Abu Dhabi TV.
March 2009- April 2009
Sheikh Zayed Book Award
Veritas Films, Dubai Producer
Produced two films for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award ceremony, part of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Authority. Supervised production and post-production.
November- December 2008
Abu Dhabi Excellence Awards Producer
Veritas Films, Dubai
Produced eight short videos for the Abu Dhabi Excellence awards, videos that were to be screened at the big event awarding the winners of this year. I was hired by Veritas Films, and working with the Executive Affairs office. Three week shoot in Abu Dhabi.
December 2008- Present
AVSpecialist Magazine
Dubai Freelance writer
Writer of various articles on Film and Technology and directors and equipment covering the MENA region.
September 2008- April 2009 Instructor
The Royal Film Comission,
Jordan.
Taught an intensive two day scriptwriting workshop at the Royal Film Commission headquarters. Duties included research, giving out handouts, teaching six hours per day, screenings and some directing/writing excercises.
Taught a 5 day workshop in April, writing, directing and editing a short film in five days.
May 2008
Integrity Media
Higher Colleges of Technology Film Director
Hired by Integrity Productions in Dubai to direct a 7 minute film for the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE. Duties included shooting at three campuses, and then directing a documentary film about the colleges.
February 2006- June 2008
Lebanese American University,
Beirut, Lebanon Instructor
Professor teaching three courses per semester. They are a mix of filmmaking (senior course), Intro to radio/Tv and Film, Scriptwriting, Intro to mass communication, Radio production, and Arab Cinema.
September 2007- June 2008
American University of Science and Technology Instructor
Taught "Media Law and Ethics" and "Global communication" courses.
May-June 2008
Lebanese American University
Fundraising brochure, Writer
Wrote a 20-page corporate brochure for the Lebanese American University, Beirut.
October 2006,
Oman Oil Company
Integrity Media
Dubai Researcher
Hired by Integrity Productions in Dubai to travel to Oman, and do one week worth of research for a corporate film on the Oman Oil Company. Duties included travel, interviews, photography, research, casting and general information gathering.
December 2005- January 2006
The Qattan Foundation,
Amman, Jordan.
Was an assistant to directors Michel Khleifeh and Omar Al-Qattan in the foundation’s workshop for Palestinian students, co-ordinating production of short films and assisting the editing process.
December 2000 - June 2002
Signature Productions and Future TV,
Beirut, Lebanon Scriptwriter/Assistant producer
Researched, wrote and coordinated the studio production of the weekly two-hour program“Ya Omri,” which featured the history, live interviews and performances by the Arab World’s most significant artists, actors and musicians, including Sabah Fakhri, Wadih AlSafi, Sabah, and Nelly.
October 1996- June 2002
The Daily Star, Beirut, Lebanon Freelance Correspondent
Wrote feature articles, theater and cinema critiques. Interviewed actors, musicians and visual artists; covered social events.
January 2000- December 2000
Orbit Satellite TV, Beirut, Lebanon Reporter/Segment Director
Researched, wrote, presented, directed and edited short documentaries for the daily three-hour, live show “Oyoun Beirut,” including cultural, artistic and political events. Presented and produced a live, weekly feature on Internet websites.
October 2000- June 2002
The Guide Magazine,
Beirut, Lebanon Freelance Writer
Researched and wrote feature articles about arts, culture, entertainment and sports.
October 1999- February 2000
Future TV,
Beirut, Lebanon Segment Director/Assistant Producer
Researched, directed, edited and produced short documentaries on various topics and personalities for the weekly show “Disney Club.” Coordinated cast related details.
November 1999- February 2000
The American Language Center,
Beirut, Lebanon Teacher
Taught daily English classes to adults.
April 1999
Insight Guides,
London, England Researcher/Writer
Researched and wrote a 50-page section on tourist services and entertainment in Lebanon.
October 1998-March 1999
British Broadcasting Company,
Beirut, Lebanon Assistant to Correspondent
Researched stories, set up databases, translated press information, and maintained press library for Mr. Christopher Hack, BBC Correspondent in Lebanon. Served as guide and translator for visiting BBC crews.
Languages
Fluent in Arabic, English and intermediate French.
Computer/Editing Skills
Windows, PC and Mac software and applications; Avid Express, Final Cut Pro.
Crew work
2nd Second AD- "MTC Iraq" commercial, The Talkies, Lebanon. 2007.
Was responsible for the 85 extras as well as other duties for a five day commercial shoot in Beirut.
Assistant Director, "Marry Me", directed by Susan Wands, 20 min, 2004. NYC.
Scheduled, coordinated and over saw the running of the set for a five day DV shoot.
Assistant Director, "Hapkido Dummy Dream", directed by Wendy Cheng, 10 min, 2004. NYC.
16MM NYU grad film. Scheduled a six day shoot, coordinated all departments on set.
Producer, "There is always a bigger fish", directed by Carlos Leitao, 15 min, 2004. NYC.
I organized a two day shoot in a China Town Alley, got permits for guns and fight sequences, enlisted the presence of the police, recruited crew and was the assistant director on set in terms of coordinating the flow of the shoot. I also obtained insurance for equipment and firearm usage.
Script Supervisor/set designer, "The Motel", directed by Tai Burkholder, 12 min, 2003.
A 6 day NYU grad film, shot on 16mm on location in Delaware. Took care of all script sup duties as well as set design for various motel rooms.
Videographer, Mike Sorvino's band, Leila Lounge, 2004. Recorded two live sets for this band in Williamsburg on a PDX 10.
Videographer, The Black Business Student Association's annual conference, Columbia University, 2004. Recorded panel discussions, interviews and live dance performances at Columbia U, on a PDx 10.
Assistant to the Actress, "The Dock", Directed by Nina Martinek, 10 min, 2002.
Assisted the main actress with wardrobe and makeup on this 35MM 6 day shoot in Chesapeake bay, Maryland. Duties also involved various PA work on set.
Sound Recordist, "The Recital", directed by Ashley Charbonnet, 20 mins, 2005. Recorded sound on the PD4, using various mics, for a 6 day super 16 mm shoot in New Orleans. The shoot was a New York Film Academy thesis film.
Sound Recordist, "The Exchange", directed by Tai Burkholder, 4 min, 2002.
Recorded sound on the PD4 using a 416 senheiser for a 2 day B&W 16MM NYU grad film.
Boom operator, "The Phone call", directed by Dagmar Tatarcyk, 10 Min, 2004. Boom op for this 5 day NYU graduate DV shoot.
Translation and Voice Over
OREO films website, July 2010. Translated a website for Starcom in Dubai Media City from English to Arabic.
IABR Rotterdam Biennale Sept 2009. Translation of Bas Princen’s work on Architecture, commissioned by the curators of the exhibit.
ArteEast and Cinemateque Du Tangiers. October, 2008/ August 2009. New York.
Translated various documents for the companies above. From English to Arabic.
“Circumstance” Feature film script by Maryam Keshavarz. Sept 2008.
Translated 125-page Sundance Lab script from English to Arabic. Maryam Keshavarz is a filmmaker from NYU, who won several awards.
HBO Iraqi Football report, 2004. HBO hired me to translate a half-hour interview with the Iraqi football team, from Arabic to English. Duties also included helping lay out the subtitles on the footage in an Avid composer editing system.
Syrian Refugees documentary, directed by Martina Radwan, 2004.
I was hired to translate 2 hours worth of interview footage shot in Arabic for a documentary that explores the circumstances of Arab immigrants and residents in NYC after Sept 11th.
The Disappeared Multimedia project, created by Mariam Ghani, 2004.
Translated several documents for installation/web designer artist Mariam Ghani to help set up her latest internet databases on the deported/disappeared Arab Americans suffering the results of Sept 11th. Translated from English to Arabic this time.
Voice recording for an Arabic teaching CD, Paul Ruben productions, 2004.
I was hired to read recorded Arabic lessons for a language teaching CD to be launched in spring 2005 by Paul Ruben and associates.
Voice recording for an English as second language teaching CD, Full House productions, 2005. I was hired to read a (fake!!) Arabic accented English segment for a CD to teach foreigners to speak English.
