We had the good fortune of connecting with Adham Ossama and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Adham, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think of risk as an opportunity to grow, learn, and explore new possibilities. I believe that taking risks is essential for achieving my goals and fulfilling my potential. That said, Risk taking can also have negative consequences, such as physical, emotional, or financial harm. Therefore, it is important to take calculated risks, which means weighing the pros and cons, assessing the likelihood and severity of the outcomes, and preparing for the possible scenarios. Taking calculated risks can help you minimize the downside and maximize the upside of risk taking.
Taking risks has played a crucial role in my life and career, as I have made some bold and unconventional choices that have shaped who I am today. For example, I quit my corporate law career in Cairo, Egypt, after 10 years of practice, and moved to Los Angeles, USA, to study screenwriting at the New York Film Academy. This was a huge risk, as I had to adapt to a new culture, language, and industry, and face many challenges and uncertainties along the way.
However, this risk also paid off, as I learned a lot from my education and experience and developed my craft and voice as a screenwriter. I also achieved recognition and success in prestigious screenwriting competitions, and even got one of my scripts optioned by a producer. These achievements have validated my decision and motivated me to keep pursuing my passion and vision as a screenwriter.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a screenwriter with accolades under my belt from prestigious screenplay competitions. I used to be a corporate lawyer in Cairo, Egypt, for 10 years, but I decided to pursue my passion for storytelling and filmmaking, and flew to Los Angeles to study screenwriting at the New York Film Academy.
What sets me apart from other screenwriters is my diverse and rich background, which gives me a unique perspective and voice in my art. I have lived and worked in different cultures, languages, and industries, and I have learned a lot from my experiences and interactions with different people and situations. I also have a strong legal and analytical mind, which helps me craft complex and compelling plots, characters, and dialogues. My screenplays are original, creative, and engaging, and they cover a wide range of genres and themes, such as drama, comedy, thriller, romance, and social issues.
My favorite genre is horror and magical realism, which allows me to explore the intricacies of human behavior in a fairy tale style. I love to create stories that blend reality and fantasy, and that challenge the boundaries of logic and imagination. I also enjoy using horror elements to evoke fear, suspense, and surprise, and to reveal the dark and hidden aspects of human nature. My horror and magical realism stories are not only entertaining, but also meaningful and thought-provoking, as they reflect on the moral, psychological, and social issues of our times in different worlds.
I am most proud of and excited about one of my recent projects, which is a ” The Spaniard” a script that I wrote for a feature film, and that got placed in major screenplay festivals. The script is is a biographical drama about a certain period in young Ludwig van Beethoven’s life, when he knew that he would lose his hearing and had to face his demons that led him to compose his masterpiece, the Moonlight Sonata. The script is a tribute to one of the greatest composers of all time, and a fascinating exploration of his genius, his struggles, and his emotions. The script also incorporates elements of horror and magical realism, as it depicts Beethoven’s inner world, his nightmares, and his visions. The script is a challenge for me, as it requires extensive research, historical accuracy, and musical knowledge, but it is also a passion project for me, as I admire Beethoven’s work and legacy. I am looking forward to seeing my script come to life on the big screen, and to share it with a global audience.
Getting to where I am today professionally was not easy, and I faced many challenges and risks along the way. The biggest risk that I took was quitting my corporate law career, which was stable and lucrative, and moving to a new country, where I had to start from scratch and compete with thousands of other aspiring screenwriters. I also had to deal with many rejections, criticisms, and disappointments, which tested my confidence and perseverance. However, I overcame these challenges by staying focused, determined, and optimistic, and by working hard and improving my craft and skills. I also sought feedback and guidance from my mentors and peers, and I networked and collaborated with other professionals and creatives in the industry. I learned that success is not a destination, but a journey, and that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and learn.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand and story is that I am a screenwriter who is passionate about telling stories that matter, that entertain, and that inspire. I want to use my art as a tool to express my vision, to influence others, and to make a difference in the world. I want to create stories that reflect the diversity, complexity, and beauty of humanity, and that challenge the status quo and provoke positive change.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Start with a visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)1, where we could see the largest art museum in the western United States, with more than 150,000 works of art from different cultures and periods. We would also take a selfie with the famous Urban Light installation, a collection of 202 restored street lamps. For lunch, we would have some mouthwatering burgers and fries at Big Bob’s Burger Place in Burbank, a local favorite that serves fresh and juicy patties. We would end the day with a drink at Crawford’s Bar in downtown LA, a cozy and friendly spot with live music and karaoke.
Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where we could see the stars of our favorite celebrities and take pictures with the iconic Hollywood sign. We would also check out the TCL Chinese Theatre, where we could see the handprints and footprints of movie legends. For lunch, we would try some authentic Mexican food at Guelaguetza, a popular restaurant that serves Oaxacan cuisine. In the evening, we would catch a show at the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are held every year.
Universal Studios Hollywood, where we could experience the thrill of the rides, shows, and attractions based on our favorite movies and TV shows. We would also visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where we could immerse ourselves in the magical world of Hogwarts and Diagon Alley. For dinner, we would have some delicious sushi at SUGARFISH, a trendy and minimalist restaurant that serves high-quality fish and rice.
A day trip to Santa Monica, where we could enjoy the beach, the pier, and the boardwalk. We would also ride the Pacific Park Ferris wheel, where we could see the ocean and the city from above. For lunch, we would have some fresh seafood at The Lobster, a landmark restaurant that overlooks the pier. In the afternoon, we would shop at the Third Street Promenade, where we could find a variety of stores, cafes, and street performers.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens2, where we could admire the rare books, paintings, and sculptures, as well as the beautiful gardens that feature plants from different regions of the world. We would also have tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room, where we could enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries. For dinner, we would have some amazing pizza at Pizzeria Mozza, a cozy and rustic restaurant that serves wood-fired pies and antipasti.
Griffith Park, where we could hike, bike, or horseback ride through the scenic trails. We would also visit the Griffith Observatory, where we could see the exhibits, planetarium shows, and telescopes. For lunch, we would have some classic American food at The Apple Pan, a historic and nostalgic diner that serves burgers, pies, and milkshakes. In the evening, we would watch a movie at the Cinerama Dome, a landmark theater that features a giant curved screen and a retro vibe.
End our trip with a visit to the J. Paul Getty Museum3, where we could admire the stunning architecture, art collections, and panoramic views of the city. Then we would head to the The Grove, a charming outdoor shopping and entertainment center, where we could find some souvenirs and snacks. We would also catch a glimpse of the Farmers Market, a historic and lively place that offers a variety of food stalls and vendors.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my big brother “Karim Ossama Adham”, who has been like a father figure to me since my dad passed away. He is only two years older than me, but he has supported me through thick and thin and I want to thank him for everything he has done for me. He deserves all the credit and recognition in my story.