Today we’d like to introduce you to Arman Sayat.
Hi Arman, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
To start off, my life has been a remarkable journey filled with both highs and lows. It took considerable effort to reach the point where today, I find myself as an accomplished businessman and family man, concurrently pursuing a master’s degree at the New York Film Academy, working towards graduation, and venturing into the industry of my dreams.
My name is Arman Sayat, and I am a filmmaker originally from Kazakhstan. In our language, Arman means “dream,” and Sayat means “hunter,” encapsulating the story of my life—a journey of a man relentlessly pursuing his dream until he finally attains it.
I feel like I’ve been in this industry for my entire life. The moment I got my first camera, I knew deep down that I would end up being a filmmaker one day. I’ve been making films for as long as I can remember. While they may not be considered masterpieces, they represent a valuable reservoir of experience. Most of these films involved friends and relatives and never ventured beyond the confines of our home. They were something warm and soulful, created for a close-knit circle of people, but they constituted genuine filmmaking.
Reflecting on my career journey, it hasn’t always been a straightforward path. I’ve often found myself engaged in different pursuits alongside my passion for creating films.
Before coming to the States, my primary education was in management. I spent most of my time working in large construction companies that focused on designing factories and residential buildings. While it was a significant departure from the cinematic world, my passion for filmmaking persisted.
I consider a turning point in my career to be my first film, which I shot while still pursuing my bachelor’s degree. It was a simple, uncomplicated short film addressing the dangers of smoking. Despite its mediocrity, this project allowed me to confront real issues in the film industry—issues that persist to this day, such as location, casting, and budget constraints. The film may have been average, and it might still be available somewhere on the internet, but it wasn’t particularly popular. Nevertheless, it served as a stepping stone, opening up more opportunities for me.
Despite a three-year gap between my first film and subsequent income-generating projects, I consider that initial film to be the starting point. The subsequent projects mostly involved mundane advertising orders—small sketches, short films promoting various products, car dealerships, or service-providing companies. I must admit that I began my journey without any formal education, relying on trial and error. Frequently, I found myself emulating the styles of various filmmakers as I navigated the learning process. I didn’t have a large team; it was mostly just me, armed with a single camera and lacking proper lighting or sound equipment. Budget constraints made these resources unavailable to me. Subsequently, I spent days in front of a copy editor, handling voiceovers and sound corrections during the editing process to ensure the final product would be marketable.
Creating advertisements became a source of income for me, but it didn’t bring me much satisfaction. I yearned to tell stories and manipulate the audience’s emotions. Along the way, I began writing scripts for short films and occasionally filmed them. The process was always meticulous, from casting to production. However, resource constraints meant that my close friends often played the roles. And all of this was done simultaneously while juggling my primary job as a marketing manager.
During that period, I thought working as a marketing manager, thinking it would allow me to express my creativity. However, I found myself dealing with even more numbers, and the lack of creative outlets began to take a toll on me. Realizing I needed to initiate something of my own, I persuaded a couple of friends to sell their cars and join me in starting a business. We established a small detailing center in the rear of an old auto center—an essentially ordinary garage that we equipped and branded with a catchy name. Clients poured in steadily, and as the director of the enterprise, I oversaw and directed all the processes.
The turning point in my career was an episode of a mini Internet series called “The Others” that we attempted to launch during a pandemic. We financed the filming of three episodes ourselves and submitted one of the scenes to a film festival. The episode, titled “Ink,” emerged as a finalist at the film festival, standing alone as a short film running for 20 minutes. Subsequently, we decided to remove the other two less successful episodes and asserted that “Ink” was initially conceived as an independent short film in the fantasy genre. Now, as I re-watch this film, I notice numerous mistakes that make me wish I could erase it and move on. However, this project represents my first victory, paving the way to where I am today.
But back in those days, I didn’t anticipate that our short film would become a finalist at the festival and later be featured in one of the magazines. It felt like a sign. I became actively involved in filmmaking, establishing my own small production company and upgrading my equipment. With the new equipment, we filmed several impactful social projects addressing violence called “Vilonce is violence – no excuses” which sparked a significant reaction in our society. A considerable number of people rallied behind the project, and one of the films was selected for a film festival. These projects are also accessible to a broad audience on the Internet. I also ventured into a new direction. We translated trailers of foreign films into our language and provided dubbing services. While not operating officially, we performed well, and our translations gained popularity within niche circles. During that same year, we produced a short advertising film for a project aimed at enabling blind children to experience the magic of cinema.
The more I immersed myself in this activity, the more I realized that I lacked certain skills and knowledge. I started searching for courses, but nothing seemed satisfactory. That’s when I stumbled upon the New York Film Academy. It required a significant amount of time and effort for me to travel to Los Angeles and enroll in the film academy of my dreams.
From my very first days at the academy, I felt a sense of belonging. Throughout this year, I have enhanced my skills, acquired new ones, and forged numerous friendships with like-minded individuals who believe in your ideas and are willing to work tirelessly, fully dedicating themselves to your projects. It’s an incredible magic that I had missed so much. Over the past year, we have produced numerous projects that are currently being submitted to festivals and gaining recognition. These are short films that are not yet available to a wide audience but will soon be available online. Each project surpasses the previous one in terms of quality and content.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was born in 1995 during the collapse of the Soviet Union, a time when my country gained independence through sacrifice and hard work. In those days, the entire nation was isolated from the rest of the world, facing the aftermath of a collapsed banking system that left people without savings and jobs. Unlike the bustling megalopolises, my hometown wasn’t even marked on the maps. When I tell people about my origins, they often find it hard to believe. I hail from a small village in the south of Kazakhstan. During those challenging years, my village experienced frequent power outages, lack of heating, and water shortages. We had electricity for only two hours a day – precious moments when we could glimpse the lifestyle of those in larger cities. This is where my narrative unfolds. Living together in a single house, my extended family – cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and parents – spent much of our time under the glow of candlelight. Especially in winter, when temperatures plummeted to minus 40 degrees, we huddled together in a small room, sharing stories from books and reminiscences of older family members. Nevertheless, my family was well-known in the village, and we enjoyed prosperity, thanks to my grandfather. There’s a lot to share about my grandfather, and one day I hope to narrate his incredible story—perhaps even turn it into a film.
The turning point came when my father brought home a TV and VHS player, a real marvel for a child. Two hours a day opened up a world of cinematic wonders – a collection of movies that captivated me. It was during these moments that I fell in love with the cinematic realm, a world where people adorned themselves in stylish clothes, drove luxurious cars, and inhabited grand houses by the beach. It was then that I realized my passion for filmmaking. Though we lacked a camera, I imagined having one. My cousins and I would pretend to shoot films, creating various stories and playing the roles of directors, cinematographers, and actors. Our makeshift productions resembled more of a theatrical performance as we gathered around relatives, delivering our acts. In those moments, I honed my skills as a storyteller and director.
Fortunately, my country was gradually recovering, and conditions were improving step by step. My father, always a skilled entrepreneur, played a pivotal role in lifting our entire family from challenging circumstances. Thanks to his job and various projects, we found ourselves traveling extensively – from prosperous locations to less fortunate ones and back again. This journey provided me with the opportunity to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, each with unique life stories that continue to serve as a wellspring of inspiration for me. Occasionally, we felt being abruptly thrust into a new and unfamiliar world. Just as we adapted, formed connections, and made friends, it was time to move on. Yet, this experience made me even more nimble and adaptable, enabling me to quickly adjust to any circumstances. I became particularly adept at assimilating into local life and aligning with the cultural development of the people around me. It was akin to being an actor trying on various roles – one moment, I could be the diligent and well-read student excelling in school, and the next, an enthusiastic troublemaker disrupting lessons and rallying everyone against the school system as a whole. It was all in good fun. Perhaps this is why working with actors comes naturally to me, making it easy to convey the core essence of the characters I create to them. The passion for filmmaking has remained a constant in my life. I crafted short stories and illustrated comics inspired by them. Growing older, I’ve come to realize that, overall, my creative process was on the right track. I would write scripts and compile sketchbooks, yet the one aspect that eluded me was the actual production.
Finally, my father’s business took off, and we relocated to the megalopolis. By then, the infrastructure was more or less developed, and the lifestyle had shifted to a more modern, digital era. We found ourselves in a city with safe streets and bustling shopping centers. When I turned 12, I was finally gifted a camera—a small Sony point-and-shoot with video recording capabilities featuring just a couple of pixels and the ability to capture sound. This small camera became my entire world. Finally, I could bring my scripts to life in the production stage, and that’s exactly what I did. I shot numerous films with my friends and relatives, even organizing our own screenings. This is how my school days unfolded. I once convinced my principal to launch a school television program, providing students with a platform to express themselves through the camera. It proved successful, granting me access to advanced equipment. I assembled my own team and officially became the director of the school television. We engaged in various projects, ranging from news segments to short comedy sketches. Every school event featured me and my team recording everything and creating content. It was a dream come true. I knew exactly what I wanted and what I would pursue for the rest of my life – to go to Los Angeles and make impactful films.
However, this dream wasn’t shared by my father, a self-made man who believed that pursuing a career in the arts would not lead to success, especially in our country. Additionally, the film industry in our nation during those days was not thriving. It consisted of low-budget movies that failed to attract audiences, turning it into a declining industry filled with films that nobody wanted to watch. Facing a resounding “no” molded me into the person I am today. I never had the opportunity to choose my own path. Countless discussions revolved around the film industry, the life of artists, and considerations deemed more significant than my dreams, which were questioned for their feasibility. At times, I started to entertain the notion that my father might be right. The more I delved into conversations about Hollywood and filmmaking, the more surreal it seemed to me. Eventually, I made a radical decision to veer away and pursue an entirely different path.
With a heavy heart, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in management, and my third-class diploma added to my sense of frustration. However, my passion for cinema never abandoned me. I continued shooting small projects, although with diminishing enthusiasm. During our bachelor days, we had plenty of fun, sometimes too much, resulting in excessive alcohol and smoking. Feeling the need to address this, I aimed to inspire youngsters toward a healthier lifestyle. This led to the idea of creating a social commercial on smoking prevention to discourage them from taking up the habit. This turned out to be one of my initial serious projects, where I earnestly went about casting actors and developing a budget. Admittedly, the script was subpar, and my equipment at the time consisted of nothing more than an old Nikon camera. However, the desire for transformative change in my life fueled my determination. In a peculiar way, this project was for me. Despite its shortcomings, I’m grateful that I undertook it because that’s how I met my wife. She participated in the casting, and what began as a filmmaking endeavor evolved into a reason to spend time with her and eventually date her. I was head over heels in love, and by the end of my bachelor’s degree, I had made up my mind—I wanted to marry her. At just 22 years old, I couldn’t envision a life without her. Although we could have taken our time with the wedding, we decided to expedite the process for our own convenience. In my country, societal norms dictate a different arrangement—you can’t live together until you’re married. This circumstance compelled us to mature quickly and start a family. Now, I wasn’t alone. I needed, as my father emphasized, a stable job to provide for the family. During those years, I had no time for filmmaking at all. We dedicated our weekdays to work, reserving only weekends for the growth of our family and nurturing our feelings.
It seemed like the dream of going to the USA and working in the film industry had faded away. However, everything changed when my wife shared the news that we would soon become parents. At 24, a successful entrepreneur, one might think nothing should scare me. Yet, I was frightened. I had concerns about the level of medical care available for my wife and our baby in our country. Thoughts about where we could go started to occupy my mind. Then, my wife made an offer that I simply couldn’t refuse. I’d like to give a special place in the narrative to my wife in the story of my development. As the saying goes, behind every successful man, there is a wise woman who motivates and propels him forward. She proposed that we fly to the United States. However, it was a costly endeavor. So I sold the car, sold the business, gathered my family, and flew to Miami, where my son was born. Reflecting on it now, I realize the significant leap I made for my entire family. Hailing from the hinterlands of an unknown country, where my grandfather rode horses, my child was born in the foremost country in the world. While my people have a nomadic nature, not everyone would dare to make such a significant move. Yes, my child is now a citizen of America, and another one is on the way. I am grateful to this country for the opportunities it has provided.
Yet, this was still not as impactful as the decision to undergo a radical shift in my profession. My child was born at the end of 2019, just as the world was on the brink of a global catastrophe – COVID. This pandemic wreaked havoc on the lives of thousands worldwide. During those challenging years, we had to return and endure lockdown. It all seemed like a giant step backward. However, this moment marked a pivotal turning point in my life. During those days, I returned to writing scripts, gradually regaining confidence. I rediscovered my old camera, the same Nikon that had connected me with my soul mate. I gathered a team of friends and family, and together, we created the short film “INK”. Honestly, I submitted the film to a festival out of curiosity. The application was free, and after uploading the movie, I promptly forgot about it. Balancing family and job, I also created small squeegee videos for Instagram accounts to stay afloat. Then, out of the blue, I received a notification that our film had been selected for screening at the festival. Finally, someone had genuinely appreciated my work, and I felt a sense of joy.
After the festival, when I discovered the New York Film Academy, I became incredibly passionate about the prospect of attending. However, the cost of tuition was prohibitively high, and I couldn’t afford it. My wife insisted that I apply for admission even without a cent in my pocket. Her reasoning was simple: give it a try. If you’re not accepted, you have nothing to lose. But if they accept you, we’ll find a way to fund it, and you’ll definitely go there to study. I submitted the documents, and to my great surprise, I was accepted. What’s more, the university offered me a discount. We worked diligently that year, and we stumbled upon a project that enabled me to fund my studies at the film academy. For the first time in my life, everything fell into place, and it finally dawned on me that if I was meant to achieve a goal, opportunities would arise, and success would follow. The main thing is to persist and not give up. Now, I am a successful filmmaker.
I hope that my story will serve as an inspiration for readers. That’s a powerful message: Never give up on your dream. It’s never too late to start turning it into reality. Keep pushing forward!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Despite still being a student at the film academy, I am receiving numerous offers for collaboration and invitations to participate in other projects. Simultaneously, I am experimenting with various genres, and each project takes on its own unique character. The latest endeavor, called “MR Nightmare,” in the thriller/horror genre, left a significant impression during the screening. Currently, we are preparing the project for submission to film festivals. I approach each project with meticulous preparation, working closely with the director of photography to develop shots, lighting, and composition, as well as collaborating with the art departments and sound departments. Building on my close collaboration with the camera department and my previous experiences, I’ve opted not to limit myself to just the director’s chair.
Quite often, I take on the role of the director of photography myself. One of my recent projects, “On the Other Side of the Road,” for which I wrote the script and served as the director of photography, is currently captivating audiences at film festivals. By the way, the film is directed by a close friend of mine. My career and projects are progressing rapidly, and I am contemplating the idea of filming a feature film. Currently, there is a script in development that holds the potential to be a significant stepping stone into the realm of mainstream cinema for both me and my team. But first and foremost, I plan to complete my studies at the film academy and attain my long-awaited diploma. Indeed, one doesn’t necessarily interfere with the other, especially in the film industry. Time is of the essence, and thinking ahead is crucial. While finalizing one script, it’s essential to commence work on another, creating a conveyor belt of ideas. Fortunately, I have an endless stream of creative concepts. I aspire for my films to be more than just entertainment; I hope they will also serve as a source of motivation, inspiring people to undertake positive actions.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Upon arriving here, I quickly embraced the rhythm of this city, its culture, and its vibrant energy. The pulsating beat of the metropolis resonated with me, and I found a sense of belonging in its dynamic atmosphere. The cultural diversity and the city’s lively spirit became the backdrop against which I shaped my newfound experiences and aspirations.
What do I like least about this city? Well… if I had to pick, I would say it’s the pervasive scent of marijuana wafting from every single corner.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insomniac_island/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arman.sayat
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8viFalk6B0phtfPlRgZfWQ
