How to be a star

Local director Tariq Syed is offering emerging actors in the UAE a chance to feature in his films

By Mohamad Kadry

Published: Wed 27 Jan 2010, 9:07 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 2:07 AM

Ever dream of landing a role in a feature film? Do you think you have what it takes to showcase your skills on the big screen? One local director is opening the door to all emerging actors in the UAE and giving them the opportunity of a lifetime.

Tariq Syed, writer, director and producer from OneWorld FilmNet is in the development stage of two upcoming feature films: Abood’s Lost Camel and Do Becharey. Set for international release, the films will feature UAE nationals and expatriate actors.

“Cinema needs to be treated with sensitivity, as it is a creative canvas that integrates complex human emotion and pathos,” says Syed, a distinguished writer-director who has been in the film/production industry for 20 years.

A cinema product is also a considerable money spending exercise, Syed explains, so in order to develop a pool of skilled and aspiring artists from Dubai and the UAE, his production company has put together a contest to locate aspiring actors based here. ‘My Run Up To Cinema’ will include a unique web series of 15-minute programmes as well as preparations and advice for live shooting on location. The shows will be featured on the company website to create a platform for contestants to share tips with other aspiring artists.

Beginners as well as skilled actors from media, advertising, theatre, radio, TV and universities are welcome to participate in the exercise. Tips such as physical appearance, body fitness, preparing for action scenes, method acting, line of view, speech control, expressions, knowledge of camera compositions for actors, understanding situations and delivering dialogues will be checked on periodical basis.

Each performer will be asked to perform for 60 seconds and a video thumbnail will be created on the contest page of the website. This process will continue as long as contestants keep coming up with improved performances, so if you have a passion for acting or production, this might be your chance to get that first foot in the door.