TLDR;
In this TEDx Talk, Sev Ohanian shares his journey of pursuing filmmaking as a child of Armenian immigrants. Initially hesitant due to perceived risks and lack of resources, he found strength and support within his community. Ohanian emphasizes that cultural background can be a strength, enabling individuals to build with people who trust and support them. His story highlights the importance of community in achieving success and inspiring others.
- Overcoming perceived risks in pursuing a passion.
- The strength found in cultural and ethnic communities.
- Success as a collective achievement that inspires belief.
Introduction: The Immigrant Hustle and a Dream [0:24]
Sev Ohanian introduces himself as an immigrant and the child of immigrants, highlighting his parents' journey of building a life in America through hard work. Growing up in a close-knit Armenian-American community in Los Angeles, he developed a love for storytelling through his mother's influence with books and his father's love for movies. This passion led him to consider a career in filmmaking.
The Perceived Risks of Filmmaking [1:39]
Ohanian discusses the challenges and risks associated with pursuing filmmaking. He felt that success in the film industry required connections, resources, and knowledge, which he believed were unattainable for someone from his background. The gamble felt too significant, especially considering his parents' sacrifices. He also felt that as an Armenian, the connections, resources, and film knowledge were not readily available.
Choosing a Safer Path: Journalism [3:19]
Ohanian decided against filmmaking and instead pursued journalism, viewing it as a safer career path. He dedicated himself to journalism, becoming editor-in-chief of his high school newspaper, interning at the LA Times, and majoring in journalism in college. However, he continued to create videos with friends for fun, using his dad's mini DV camera.
The Accidental Viral Videos [3:53]
Ohanian recounts how he and his friends created Armenian-language comedy videos that unexpectedly went viral on YouTube. These videos, made with minimal resources, gained popularity within the Armenian community worldwide. Despite the growing attention, Ohanian still hesitated to pursue filmmaking professionally, viewing it as too risky.
My Big Fat Armenian Family: A Zero-Dollar Movie [6:17]
Ohanian and his friends decided to make a "fake" Armenian movie titled "My Big Fat Armenian Family" with no budget. He wrote, directed, shot, and even did the makeup for the film, using his dad's video camera. The movie was about an Armenian-American family and their vacation to Palm Springs.
Challenges and Community Support During Filming [7:00]
Ohanian faced numerous challenges during filming, including a run-in with the police due to shooting without a permit at 3:00 a.m. in a quiet neighborhood. Despite the risks, he relied on his family and community for support, using their homes as locations and enlisting them as extras. A teacher allowed them to film at school.
Premiere and Overwhelming Success [9:12]
After a year of editing, Ohanian organized a premiere at a local high school, borrowing a projector and having his mom sew a movie screen. He promoted the movie through Armenian newspapers and by creating a buzz at local Armenian events. Despite initial nervousness about attendance, the premiere was a success, with the audience enthusiastically embracing the film.
Embracing Filmmaking and Film School [14:58]
The success of "My Big Fat Armenian Family" empowered Ohanian to pursue filmmaking seriously. He quit journalism and enrolled in USC's film program. Initially self-conscious about his Armenian movie, he later shared it with his classmate Ryan Coogler, who appreciated its cultural specificity and universal themes.
The Realization: Community as a Resource [16:35]
Ryan Coogler questioned why Ohanian was in film school, pointing out that he had already made a movie. This prompted Ohanian to realize that his community had provided the connections, resources, and knowledge he thought he lacked. His family, friends, and the Armenian community were his support system.
The Strength of Community [17:40]
Ohanian emphasizes that his Armenian-American background was not a disadvantage but a strength. He shares examples of how his community continued to support his career, from a tuxedo shop providing a tuxedo for the Cannes Film Festival to his pre-law friend becoming his entertainment attorney. He met his wife and producing partner, Natalie Kassabian, at an Armenian event.
A Message Beyond Personal Success [20:04]
Ohanian concludes by stating that his story is not just about personal success but about the power of community. He encourages those from smaller, marginalized communities to recognize their strength and build with people who support them. Success becomes a collective achievement, inspiring belief and possibility for the entire community.
