Meet Alexander G. Seyum | Writer, producer, director & still photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexander G. Seyum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander G., what do you attribute your success to?
What’s most important to me is staying true to the goals I set for myself when I founded Carnival Pictures. Remaining authentic to my artistic style—drawing inspiration from others but making my own way. This has always been my main factor. From the very beginning, I understood that this journey as an artist, filmmaker, and photographer would be lifelong. I anticipated the ups and downs, the struggles ahead, but I also envisioned myself reaching my creative goals. That belief in my vision has been the fuel that keeps me moving forward, continuing to create with purpose and passion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a multidisciplinary artist, much of my creativity stems from my childhood trauma. Growing up as an introvert, I turned to art as a way to express emotions I didn’t yet know how to vocalize. A blank canvas became my best friend. I drew, painted, wrote poetry and raps—and later in life, screenplays. My journey to becoming a filmmaker and photographer didn’t begin in a classroom, but in front of a television screen and inside a movie theater. Watching Scooby-Doo, Are You Afraid of the Dark, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and the works of filmmakers like Tim Burton, Stanley Kubrick, Wes Craven, and John Singleton.

In my twenties, I became a certified welder, which led to a career as an Ironworker and eventually a union Boilermaker. In 2009, I left the trades to attend The Los Angeles Film School, where I focused on directing, screenwriting, and producing. Along the way, I picked up a Nikon D7000 to shoot behind-the-scenes stills on student films. That act opened a new creative door for me, photography. Armed with a new toolkit of skills, I graduated and hit the ground running, diving headfirst into independent projects.

One of my proudest accomplishments is writing, producing, and directing my debut film ‘The Son Rises’, now streaming on Apple TV, Tubi, Prime, and Google TV. This project took years to bring to life and came with more than its share of growing pains—but the process taught me invaluable lessons. The biggest one is to trust your gut. Believe in yourself, even when you have to push forward alone. Your efforts will pay off.

What I want the world to understand about me is this: everything I create comes from a place of deep authenticity. My goal—whether in film or photography—is to produce work that resonates, and touches the soul.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When it comes to food, some of my favorite hangouts are in Little Ethiopia. Rosalind’s and Mercado for authentic Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine. Korea town, Seoul Soul BBQ and The Sea Dragon Chinese Restaurant will hit the spot. Off Crenshaw, I sometimes stop at Johnny’s Pastrami or Earle’s. And in Mid-City, Mariscos Maria’s Restaurant is the spot for seafood.

For drinks, Angel City Brewery in the Arts District of Downtown L.A. is my top pick.

When it comes to entertainment and nightlife, you can’t go wrong with LA Live, Hollywood Blvd., and venues like The Hollywood Bowl and The Greek Theatre. For seaside, I suggest the Santa Monica Pier.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a big shoutout to my brothers, Daniel Seyum (@xxposure_la) and Adam Seyum (@atomicmachete), who have stood by me throughout my artistic journey. Their encouragement has meant everything. Without their support, I would have had to face many challenges alone. Only blood brothers truly understand what it means to stand together through it all. Thank you both for all the love and support and believing in me.

Instagram: @carnival_pictures

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-g-seyum-22882888/

Image Credits
Alexander G. Seyum
Daniel Seyum