Alumni Profile: Shamyl Othman
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Degree: Film and Television 2003 Current Position: Film director/producer Shamyl Othman is an alumnus of the School of Film and Television at the Victorian College of the Arts. He is an accomplished director and producer whose work has reached a wide audience in his home country of Malaysia and internationally. Here, Shamyl shares his thoughts about life in the film and TV industry, and tells the family story behind his career goals. |
During his time at the VCA, Shamyl was involved in the making of numerous short films as a writer, director, editor and cinematographer. His final-year short film, Father, received the VCA’s Panavision Script Award and went on to win gold in the Best ASEAN Short Film and silver in the Best Short Film (Open) category at the Malaysian Video Awards in 2003. It was also an official selection at the 2003 International Festival of Film and Video for Children and Young Adults in Iran, the 2003 Manchester International Short Film and Video Festival and the 2004 Bangkok International Film Festival.
These days, Shamyl’s versatility as a director and producer is demonstrated by a long list of credits including reality TV, documentaries, telemovies, talk shows, children’s TV, music videos and corporate videos.
What does your typical day at work involve?
I work at Cinematic Pty Ltd, a production house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a director/producer. Like anyone, especially those working in a creative field, there’s never a typical day, or at least that’s what we hope for.
Cinematic was first established by my father, who is also a film director, in the early 80s and it has been my goal to keep the company running once I graduated and give my father a long and much needed rest.
My role in the company covers all aspects of production. If I’m not out on location directing a television drama or corporate video, I’m either in the post production suite editing or pitching new proposals to potential clients.
What are some of the most enjoyable/rewarding aspects of your work?
I consider myself very fortunate to be able to do what I love and get paid for it. I enjoy being on set and being part of a creative team that is focused toward a common goal; which is to produce the best work possible.
What were your previous jobs?
I have always worked in television production and it has always been with Cinematic. Right after my secondary education, I trained and worked as a floor manager for studio-based productions. In 1998, my initial plan was to apply to a film school in the USA but due to the high exchange rate, Australia seemed like a more realistic option. After graduating in 2003, I returned to Cinematic and began my career as a director. I have been working there and freelancing for other production houses since.
What are your career highlights?
During the production of a documentary for Petronas Gas, I had the chance to travel, literally, all over Malaysia. It was a real eye-opener to truly experience the various lifestyles led by Malaysians of every walk of life.
I have also been blessed with the opportunity of working with some of the finest talents in Malaysia, some that I have admired since I was young. Having a telemovie and documentary-drama that I directed nominated at the Malaysian television awards was quite a buzz too.
What did you find most beneficial while studying at the Victorian College of the Arts?
The key benefit to studying at the VCA is receiving a highly practically based education. I believe this aspect has helped me the most in terms of preparing myself to enter the professional world.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’ve just become a proud father five months ago, so all of my spare time now is spent with my wonderful wife and daughter. When I can find the time, I play in a band and enjoy a game of football (soccer).
