Meet Waseem Abbas | Actor, Screenwriter & Producer

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

Hi Waseem, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
This industry is unusual in many ways, as you never know when your next opportunity to act might be. It’s typical for actors to be out of work for long periods of time and that can be frustrating and I do wonder if there’s a magic formula for it. I’ve been fortunate to play a variety of roles of the years I’ve acted and I am starting to see that there is some kind of balance needed to both infuse you as artist, and to be present in your personal life. When I first started out I was fixated on acting being the sole label of my identity- that If I acted more it would be a stamp of approval that I’m a successful actor. But having periods where I don’t act gives me the opportunity to explore more of myself as a person and nurture existing and new relationships. It also provides tremendous breathing space to work through any personal blocks, limiting beliefs and aspects around my own mindset. I also get to turn my attention to those I care about in my life in a more meaningful way and live a heart centered life, as opposed to being consumed by the constant rat race of proving yourself. Of course I would like to see a more predictable and sustainable way of maintaining a career as an actor- but somehow it’s a constant process of learning and discovery.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an actor and recently self-discovered screenwriter & producer. I’ve been fortunate to play in a variety of roles in both film and television- including the Amazon Prime series “Soulmates” and feature film “Baghdad in My Shadow”. Since I was a child, I always felt drawn to being part of the film industry, and performance art was my way of entering into the profession. I started out in the theatre and felt very driven to be involved in film – playing complex roles in short films during my early teens. I was determined to get an agent and secured representation when I was 18, where I began auditioning for various projects. The road hasn’t been easy- growing up in a small town in Wales and being part of an ethnic minority, I struggled to find my place within the industry. I remember commuting to London to attend an audition and return the same day, sometimes only for a 15 minute casting for a Pizza Hut commercial. I spent a good few years auditioning until I landed my first major role at the age of 25. Prior to that, I had been involved in short films and trained in drama schools including the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and UCLA’s Acting for the Camera program. I’m proud that I’ve been able to grow as an artist and person throughout my journey in this career, and I am most proud of lending my voice to a film “Baghdad in My Shadow”, which speaks about the experience of cultural diaspora and mistreatment towards the LGBT community. It wasn’t a role I expected to play as my first entry point into the industry, but I’m grateful for the opportunity and to be part of a meaningful story that has an intention to make an impact in society. At this stage of my career, I’m excited to discover screenwriting as a new creative outlet. Being able to tell my own story in genres I like has been an empowering and freeing way to express myself artistically. That for me has been my main challenge as an actor- the desire to work with creatives whom I admire and to tell stories that I enjoy. It’s been a challenge to know where to ‘fit in’ , being of Middle Eastern background and being raised in the West where I’ve absorbed films that predominantly represent actors of Western origins. To me, writing has been a way to solve this longing and create new opportunities for myself and other fellow artists who feel the same way. I’ve very much enjoyed stories that explore themes in an artistic and innovative way, especially in the realms of fiction and fantasy. I believe this is an outlet to express themes in a way that’s entertaining and engaging, and I see myself being involved in stories that highlight important themes of the human condition across a range of genres. I’m excited to share that I’m producing my first feature film “Electrum” , which encapsulates my experience as a cross-cultured artist and set within the fantasy genre.

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.
One of the great things about LA is its access to nature. I’m a huge fan of areas like the Palisades and other great hiking spots like Fryman Canyon. One of my favorite cafes would definitely be Urth Cafe in West Hollywood, and Abbott Kinney Blvd for it’s shops and great food choices. I’ve also enjoyed attending plays by the Ruskin Group Theatre – a school that I also trained in. They put on great plays by a range of playwrights and it’s been a really fun community to be part of. I also enjoyed connecting with the Baha’i community of LA, where they host a great range of events that range spanning from spiritual talks to talent shows, and local community projects that cater to your interests. Of course LA wouldn’t be complete without spending time in some incredible beach spots in Malibu and Long Beach. I also enjoy the comedy scene and “Stories” bookstore hosts a great stand up show with established and emerging comedians- it’s a really fun and great artistic crowd. Of course a must- experience in LA is attending a show like The Late Show with James Corden at CBS, or the Jennifer Hudson show at Warner Bros, and definitely enjoying a day out at Universal Studios.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my agent Laila Debs, who has been a continuous source of support in my journey both as a filmmaker and actor.

Website: www.imdb.me/waseem

Instagram: _waseemabbas

Other: https://www.spotlight.com/9494-0162-6388

Image Credits
Alvaro Pinto, Maged Hamdy