Is writing in third-person still in fashion? Aqeel Ahmed is a totally important person. No wait, don’t click away! He will write… I mean I will write in first-person now! Let’s start again.
My name, as you’ve probably guessed from the big header above, is Aqeel Ahmed. I’m currently a film & video director. Making films with narrative, and in particualr comedies, is my main love. However, like most “creatives,” I like to do a bit of everything. I have experience and passion in many arts such as graphic design, animation, illustration, and visual effects.
You name it, I’ve probably done it or I’d love to do it (and now you’ll probably name a hundred things that I won’t).
Although I try to pass myself off as a director now, I actually studied BA (Hons) 3D Digital Animation earning a first. I’m so proud of that I’ve highlighted it, and no, it was not an “easy” subject!
For my final degree project, I made a short visual-effects/animated film consisting of a computer-generated character in the real world. The film, Alienated, was sort of a success and ended up being shown in festivals around the World, wining numerous awards.
It was also a finalist at Virgin Media Shorts 2008, meaning that it was shown in over 200 cinemas, on cable television, and on moble phones across the United Kingdom. So yeah, somewhat of a big deal.
Trying to get into directing as a career, I got to work on writing and developing my next short-film, Shattered Pieces. I ended up producing it, which was a bit difficult when you have to make both creative and financial decisions that both clash. However, I think I managed to find a good balance, and the experience was great.
The first cut was completed around January 2010 but I wasn’t very happy with the final finish of the film, but I had overworked myself so much, that I needed a break. So while it played in film festivals across the globe, I took “a break” in 2010.
What did I do during this “break”? Well, I began studying how to speak, read and write Japanese. It’s probably the most difficult thing I’ve done but I love the mental challenge (yes, I’m a geek). For those Japanese speakers: 私は日本語が少しできます。練習から、日本語でブログもあります (I have a blog that I use to practice Japanese): www.aqeel.jp
Recently, in September 2010, I began the painstaking process of remastering the visual effects and grading of Shattered Pieces.
It was a long process involving going through four days of Red One rushes, finding the relevant clips, balancing the pre-grade, redoing any effects, and then doing the final colour grade.
I’m currently a freelance director but, if there are any great full-time opportunities I’m always up for it.
If you want to hire me, collaborate, or just want to say ‘hi’ (yes, I’m lonely), get in contact!