Meet Yassin Jamal Adam | Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yassin Jamal Adam and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yassin Jamal, how do you think about risk?
I used to really fear reaching out to those who I admire within this industry, whether it be just for some advice, or to ask about a collaboration opportunity, but I believe that fear was deeply rooted in the belief that I had something to lose, whether it be my credibility, or reputation. I didn’t want to appear as though I was asking for handouts, because I am always going to make an opportunity happen for myself regardless of whether or not I get a helping hand from people or entities networked well within our industry.

Once I realized that I didn’t really have anything to lose, I began reaching out to others and sharing information about myself, and info regarding to current endeavors. I felt more free to ask people for advices without expecting anything in return. We are all just people working in this industry who are trying to somehow strike that magical balance between handling all of our own personal business, and growing our brands as actors and trying to understand the business of acting in order to form a healthy relationship to it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I actively train and hone my craft as an actor. I’m currently taking an on-going improv class with Get Taped, which is a local studio for actors and an auditioning taping service, as well. I previously took a round of improv classes, and I feel that I’ve grown much more since, and learned quite a lot.

Prior to that, I consistently trained with Jayson Warner Smith at his studio in the Atlanta area for around 2.5 to 3 years, roughly. He teaches us how to approach performing on stage and for the camera using the Demidov school of Acting, and for me, this technique/method has been the most transformative for me, and has allowed me to feel the most relaxed and natural. I wanted to be able to have my auditions and performances in front of the camera show my authentic essence, and since taking his class, I’ve been able to do just that. But of course, it’s an ongoing process. I do aim to go back whenever I am able to become much more financially stable.

I’m also currently keeping busy developing my short film endeavor titled “My Pleasure,” which I aim to shoot in the Athens, GA area with a group of creative friends. This has been an idea of mine that I’ve worked on for close to a year, and we are very close to launching our crowdfunding campaign via IndieGogo!

Through this process of developing my film thus far, I’ve learned that every step in the process of developing an idea and turning it into film requires an immense amount of attention to detail, a strategy and plan, and an absolutely ridiculous amount of time from YOU, and energy… also from YOU. It has been stressful, to say the least, but I’ve been reaching out to tons of creative people locally who have had success in this world of developing ideas before me. They’ve been beyond helpful, and many people have given me useful pieces of advice and perspective, in regards to how to approach a part of my film’s development that I had been struggling with, at that time. I have to give a shout out to the wonderful Kiah Clingman. She recently consulted me on how to approach my crowdfunding campaign. I really hope it does well, and I will have to pour so much into it like it is a full-time job, but I am beyond ready.

At the end of the day, I am just a Somali American actor and writer who is based in Atlanta, Georgia, who is trying my best to get seen. But, I believe that making films and writing scripts for myself is what will help me and set me apart from most people with my level of experience. I also believe another thing that will set me apart is my determination and work ethic. Once I have a goal in mind and an idea of an outcome, I work really hard toward achieving it.

I am also very open minded and willing to work and learn from experienced creatives within the industry, even if their approaches are vastly different from mine. I also love learning about storytelling in different mediums, such as music, because at its core, its fundamental values tend to be the same. I feel as though film and music go hand in hand, in many ways.

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.
There’s an Ethiopian spot called ‘Bahel’ that’s pretty dope on Briarcliff Road. I’d also recommend a Korean spot. Currently, I love going to ‘Stone Bowl House’.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate a shoutout to the Kick The Ladder community in Atlanta, GA. It was an event organized by Isaac Dietz, and it may be coming back very soon for its next season. It’s a weekly short film festival where creatives are able to come together, pitch ideas, and execute them to their fullest abilities, and then showcase them in front of a live audience the following week.

I found out about this event through a friend, Shaun MacLean, and after attending my first week, I had decided to start making my own short films, and made two for the last two shows of the most recent season of the festival/program. It was fun, and through that process, I was able to make connections with other filmmakers and actors, learn more about writing, and gain insight and experience as a first time director.

Website: https://www.yassinjamaladam.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yassinjamaladam/

Twitter: https://x.com/YassinJAdam

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YassinAdam

Image Credits
Athens Film Festival, Zach Wolfe, Brian Vermeire