Bobby Najjar is a Canadian born film director currently based in Los Angeles. Najjar started out as an actor, and transitioned into more of a directorial role. With multiple projects under his belt and his largest project to date, ‘Abscission,’ upcoming his growth in the industry has been both steady and engaging. Najjar has experience shooting both short films as well as music videos, and ultimately hopes to direct his own feature film. His stories are narrative driven, and his ultimate goal is to create art that encourages conversation and doesn’t conform to industry standards. Always striving to improve, Najjar is perfectly situated in Los Angeles to continue his journey and break through on the big screen. Today we sit down with him to discuss his journey.
-How did growing up in Montreal shape your creative mind?
Bobby Najjar: I’m lucky to have been surrounded by very bright and talented people. The people I met in Montreal are the ones that have shaped me more than anything. Being in the presence of directors, actors, and cinematographers motivated me and made me interested and excited about the film industry. Montreal is a very culturally diverse city, and it has its different sectors with their own rich history. Living in a city like Montreal, you end up meeting different people who bring new and unique ideas to you. I was lucky to be in diverse group settings which helped me to think outside the box more. Ultimately, the film industry is about ideas and I had access to so many unique ideas thanks to Montreal.
-What are some places that inspired you in Montreal?
When I think back on my time in Montreal, Beaver Lake stands out to me as a place that inspired me throughout the course of my life. When I was young I used to love going there during the winter time and skating on the side of the lake that had a skating rink. However, as I grew older my memories changed completely and I am on the other side of the lake with my friends hanging out on a hill when I was in my early twenties. It’s incredible that a place like that can bring up such diverse memories that still inspire me to this day. Also, and not really a specific location, but driving the highways and roads at night had a profound effect on me. I was in a different world and was able to see different places that I wouldn’t normally have checked out, such as St Henri or Verdun.
-Do you have any Canadian film idols?
It would be hard to name Canadian film idols without mentioning James Cameron. Not only do I believe his films to be some of the best ever made, but the rest of the world seemingly agrees. The level of research that Cameron does before making his films, especially Titanic, is something that I really admire and aspire to. His constant desire for innovation is something that is worth emulating in my own life. Another idol of mine is Denis Villeneuve, somebody who comes from the same province as I do. His storytelling ability is second to none, and as someone who is narrative driven I really admire that. I grew up watching his earlier films in my high school classes and have continued to enjoy his films to this day. His progression from when I was younger to directing some of the biggest films in the movie industry is a path that I would like to emulate one day.
-How do you feel art is different in Los Angeles to New York or even Montreal?
Each city is able to inspire its filmmakers to make personal films, they all have a unique culture and feel to them that makes them perfect muses for filmmakers. If you look at the cities individually, Los Angeles sticks out for the filmmaking aspects. It is where people are all trying to do the next big thing, meet new people and push the envelope of creativity. While most people say that Los Angeles is more laid back than New York, I don’t agree in terms of the art. While New Yorkers all have a sense of urgency the artists have more concerns than just their success in the field. While New York has great theater and an artistic independent film scene, it is Los Angeles for me that is the hub of filmmaking. Montreal is starting to find its own voice in the game as well and is definitely up and coming. I know plenty of filmmakers beginning a new artistic wave in the city which is exciting to see.
-Do you think that Hollywood is in your future?
This is a tough question! It may be in my future, but for the moment I want to feel out my relationship to the city and industry before making a definitive decision. Hollywood is associated with blockbusters in its massive film market and that might not be the route that best suits me. I can make small, independent films in Los Angeles, but I may also give some thought to doing those same films in New York.
-What are your favorite places to shoot in LA?
Santa Monica really stands out to me, partially because of the location, but also because of the project we were working on. It’s such a great location, close to the ocean, with endless lights and big theme park rides, it was a real blessing to be able to shoot there. I love the fact that there are so many places to shoot within Hollywood itself. Personally, I am drawn to locations that have a variety of lights, and Hollywood seems to fit that. The strip itself has endless energy and a ton of lighting, but each alley with its graffiti and corners is equally as atmospheric. I have enjoyed shooting in Hollywood as it is visually satisfying and adds to the personality of what I am shooting.
-What spurred your move to the West Coast?
I originally moved as the latter half of my academic courses were in Los Angeles. I stayed on the West Coast in order to pursue my film career, and what better place than the heart of the film industry in Los Angeles? There are so many places to shoot, people to meet, and the opportunities are endless.
-What places do you go to in LA for motivation and inspiration?
Los Angeles is such a vast place, so I like to visit places I haven’t been before. There is always somewhere that can spark the next idea for me, a little bit of inspiration. There are of course some locations that never cease to inspire me like the Hollywood Strip, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, and quite honestly I get the most inspiration from walking though Los Feliz. The energy change between day and night is incredible, both give me a ton of inspiration for completely different things. There is something to be said for just seeing palm trees on the side of the road framed by clear blue sky. It is such quintessential Los Angeles and reminds me of the films and music of the 90s, something which I want to pay homage to in my future works.
