Meet Sam Motamedi | Film Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Motamedi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think the hunger for learning new things and experimenting has really driven me forward in my field. I had my start in VFX and motion graphics before I became a filmmaker and this really drove me to try and push the boundaries of what I could achieve visually. Once you learn a new skill, for example modeling or animation, you can’t help but see it’s infinite potential in servicing the stories you are trying tell, or it’s value for potential clients.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got into filmmaking by watching Adobe After Effects tutorials on youtube during my undergrad years at the University of Maryland. This was around the time when DSLR filmmaking was becoming really popular and I recognized the creative potential of shooting your own content then taking it to the next level using software that was becoming more and more accessible. I ended up graduating with a degree in Political Science & Persian Studies but by that point I was fully committed to learn more about film making. I spent two years working in commercial/docs then ended up applying to New York Universities Graduate Film program where I spent the next four years. To go from shooting short films with my little brother in our backyard to sitting in Spike Lee’s class, and workshopping my scripts with the esteemed faculty, it was quite a ride. If I can say I’ve learned anything it’s to pursue the things that excite you, in the end you might be pleasantly surprised where it takes you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Washington Square Park and the surrounding area. I spent so much of my years at NYU there, I would definitely take my friends on a tour, then swing by St. Marks for drinks and dinner. Depending on who’s visiting we may swing by IFC or Metrograph to catch the latest film or a recently remastered classic. I’m also a huge fan of Korean BBQ, so their diet permitting, I would also take a friend on a trip through K-Town for some Kalbi and Soju!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My business partner Alejandro Medina has had a tremendous impact on my life. Though we grew up in two different countries (Alejandro is from Cuba) we found that we shared many of the same creative learning paths. We grew up watching the same youtube tutorials and learning the same softwares and filming using the same camera’s. Opening an office together in NYC was not easy but having likeminded individuals that share your core values and creative roots makes it much easier!

Website: https://sammotamedifilms.com/work

Instagram: @sammotamedi