How To Make It In Film With SomaliKeekNation's Zak Salad

Zak Salad or ‘Mr. Salad’ is the next biggest filmmaker and actor to hit London. His trademark it quick, flashy edited shorts ranging from fashion films to sci-fi fantasies. His biggest Youtube hit is his web series SomaliKeekNation where he dresses up as certain characters from the Somalian sector in an attempt to mock and satirize damaging stereotypes.

Being from Somalia himself, Zak injects his heritage into all of his work where many of his pieces are coming from a place of unconscious suffering and isolation. Film not only acts a platform for artistic expression but also cathartic release. He transitions between directing and editing to acting where he is exploring the world in front of a camera. Throughout his interview Zak revealed why he is one to watch in the creative industry.

Tell us about your background in filmmaking. When did you decide you wanted to undertake this as a career?

I was sitting in lectures at Westminster university studying Cognitive neuroscience. I was bored and thought ‘hey lets take this behavioral analysis to another level’. So I bought a camera, called some friends and filmed a short and uploadeded it onto Youtube. Four Days later is gained 500,000 Views. This was the moment I realised the power of sharing film.

How would you describe your creative process when directing new films?

Well, it starts with me finding a song that benefits the mood of the film. Once I hear that anthem that I have associated the film with I start drawing the emotions that are needed to make the film undeniable to mankind. The Rest is Magic.

What makes your approach to filmmaking different from other budding creatives?

I draw from unexpected events that wouldn't inspire some. During my run for Season four of SomaliKeekNation, an online show I started at University. My grandfather was murdered in the US and I had to produce an episode that night. I was in a moment of so much emotion but I chose to rise and channel that energy. It was the best opening/closing scene for SomaliKeekNation by far. In my opinion.

Why is film a good platform to present ideas? What does it allow you to do that other mediums can’t?

It’s a great medium for individuals to share ideas and I believe it’s the evolution of inspiring imagery. Its great seeing ideas explored in film, it makes us come alive.

What film has had a direct effect on your craft?

The Holy Mountain - Alejandro Jodorowsky and The Matrix - Wachowskis

What advise would you give to someone trying to break into the filmmaking industry?

Blow the door open. You have to believe in you even if no one else does.

Does having a film degree give you an advantage in getting your film noticed?

I think its more the name of the university than an actual degree. Its ironic but I still haven't been asked to show my Degree. It’s still hanging up as an award at my parent’s home.

What is the hardest element of bringing a film from its idea stage to its release?

Getting the best crew you can. Getting that not only can help make it happen but believe in your vision.

What are the growing trends in the film industry? What are audiences demanding from their films and why do you think this is?

Trends are forever changing but the concept of exploring race and religion is hot right now. I guess the market demand now is for more commercially successful films. The era of Harry Potter and Hunger games has opened the doors for franchises such as Divergent to take the lead. I think the world just wants to escape the 'real world' so society based films are what’s in demand now.

Is it the filmmaker’s responsibility to cater to the needs of their viewers?

Yes, however it’s important for the filmmaker to make films he/she believes in. Rather than just doing commercially successful projects. Filmmakers are doing more off the grid indie films.

How do you maintain strong relationships with fellow filmmakers? What is your process in scouting and sourcing a good crew?

Reaching out and meeting new talent is one of the best bits of the industry. Everyone has their new ways of thinking and manoeuvring around so it’s interesting to see fresh talent. When seeking a crew to work on a project with it’s important to get the right people on board that believe in the project and also want it to do well.

Do you believe filmmaking in a collaborative process?

Definitely. From pre-production to production and even in post it’s all a collaboration. Think of it as band on stage. It’s about the getting the right match and all pushing for the same goal.

Can a good director be an egotistical director?

Perhaps it’s all in the way the director goes about his/her approach. It’s not uncommon to have egotistical directors. They usually produce great work. You just have to have that balance.

What specific creeds/pieces of advise do you base your work ethic on?

Work hard all the time. It’s been said before but hard work does beat talent when talent can't get you to go where you need to be.

What films make you angry and why?

Not Without My Daughter. This is a film based on a story about an American woman marrying an Iranian man. They have kids and he takes them to his country and strips her of all her power, enforcing on her his culture and abusing her both mentally and physically. It’s truly a sad story. Films like that make me angry for many reasons.

What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt through filmmaking?

Don't wait for anyone! If I could tell myself this years ago it would have saved me so much time and effort. Just do it!

What are your views on the statement that ‘there is no such thing as an original idea’? How does this affect your ability to create films?

I believe that nothing under the sun is new and that things that have an original form were inspired by something that has long been around. Remixing and readapting narratives is what’s keeping the studios going when producers want a safe bet on projects.

How do your ideas change when making films? Does your initial idea stay the same all the way through to the edit? How do you react and adapt to this?

Everything changes when you get to the edit. That is always my case when doing personal projects. However when it’s a commissioned project you have to stick to the brief or at least have the skills to convince the client that this is the best version ever.

Tell us about your next film project? What are your intentions for it?

The next film project is called the Contingency plan and basically it’s about this conspiracy secret to sell off Somalia to Kenya and Ethiopia. My intentions are to show the world of Somalia is very much up for grabs.

What can we expect from you next?

Acting. I’m exploring being in front of the camera in 2016. It’s exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time

As told to Olivia Topley