INDUSTRY MASTER
DIRECTOR AND CINEMATOGRAPHER:
SYED ALI RAZA USAMA
INDUSTRY SECTOR:
FILM, MEDIA AND TELEVISION
LOCATION:
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA AND PAKISTAN
INDUSTRY EXPERTISE:
FILM AND TELEVISION, DIRECTION AND CINEMATOGRAPHY
BIOGRAPHY
Syed Ali Raza Usama, a luminary in the Pakistani television industry, boasts an illustrious career spanning 25 years as a Director and 10 years as a Cinematographer. His journey commenced in 1999 as a 2nd Assistant Director, propelling him to the forefront of the industry. With an unparalleled breadth of experience, Usama has left an indelible mark on all formats of filmmaking from, feature-length films to music videos, television shows, commercials, fashion films, and corporate videos.
His versatility knows no bounds, seamlessly transitioning between diverse mediums with finesse and creativity. Usama's directorial prowess shines through in iconic television productions such as "Bashar Momin," "Ab Dekh Khuda Kiya Karta Hai," and "Khuda Aur Muhabbat" Season 2. His groundbreaking work on "Kash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti" in 2010 revolutionized Pakistani television, setting new standards in screen quality, lighting design, and storytelling techniques. Venturing into the cinematic realm, Usama directed Pakistan's first-ever sports film centred on cricket, featuring cricket legend Shahid Khan Afridi in a cameo role, igniting the country's second wave of cinematic excellence.
In the realm of commercials and music videos, Usama's collaborations with renowned personalities such as Shahid Khan Afridi and Wasim Akram stand as a testament to his mastery behind the camera. Usama's commitment to education led him to share his vast knowledge and expertise at esteemed institutions like Iqra University and CBM Center for Management Sciences, where he imparted wisdom on Direction for Film and TV, Cinematography, and Production Design/Art Direction.
In 2022, Usama relocated to Los Angeles, California, under the 'Extraordinary Ability' visa category, where he founded Beyond Magic Films. His recent endeavour includes directing and serving as cinematographer for the music video "Pehchan Gaya," featuring Pakistani artist Junaid Khan and American rap artist Lazarus, shot entirely in Los Angeles in January 2024. A recipient of numerous awards, including Best Television Director for "Khuda Aur Muhabbat" and Best Film Director for "Main Hoon Shahid Afridi," Usama's contributions to the entertainment industry continue to inspire and redefine standards of excellence.
LEARN EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AND BUILD CONFIDENCE
EMBRACE YOUR PASSION AND CREATIVITY
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
IN PERSON TEACHING
IQRA UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI
SUBJECT AREA, DIRECTION FOR FILM AND TELEVISION - CINEMATOGRAPY - ART DIRECTION - SUBJECT AERA, CINEMATOGRAPHY AT CBM CENTER FOR MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
INDUSTRY PUBLISHED WORK
YEAR
2011 – 2022
TITLE
KASH MEIN TERI BETI NA HOTI - NETWORK, GEO TV
BASHAR MOMIN - NETWORK, GEO TV
SULTANAT-E-DIL - NETWORK, GEO TV
MARYAM - NETWORK, GEO TV
DIL ISHQ - NETWORK, GEO ENTERTAINMENT
TERI MERI JODI - NETWORK, GEO ENTERTAINMENT
FARYAAD - NETWORK, ARY DIGITAL
AAKHIR KAB TAK - NETWORK, HUM TV
FILMS 2013
- MAIN HOON SHAHID AFRIDI
TERE BINA - NETWORK, GEO TV
SHAYAD - NETWORK, GEO ENTERTAINMENT
KHALISH - NETWORK, GEO ENTERTAINMENT
AB DEKH KHUDA KYA KARTA HAI, GEO ENTERTAINMENT
DIL-E-BEREHAM - NETWORK, A-PLUS TV
MERA DIL MERA DUSHMAN - NETWORK, ARY DIGITAL
YEH NA THI HAMARI QISMAT, NETWORK, ARY DIGITAL
KHUDA AUR MUHABBAT (SEASON 2) - NETWORK, GEO ENTERTAINMENT
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
'BEST FILM DIRECTOR
FIRST ARY'
'AWARD IPPA BEST TELEVISION DIRECTOR AWARD FOR PROJECT KHUDDA AUR MUHABBAT'
'FIRST HUM STYLE AWARD FOR BEST MUSIC VIDEO FAAKHIR BAILIYA'
'NOMINATION FOR BEST DRAMA DIRECTOR IN 8TH HUM TV AWARD FOR PROJECT AAKHIR KAB TAAK'
'NOMINATED AS BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER FOR ARY VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD FOR
YE NA THI HUMARI QISMAT'
FIVE PRINCIPLES OF THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME (TCIMCP)
ENCOURAGE
Support and raise aspirations
ENHANCE
Elevate and help develop core skills
EXPERIENCE
Provide real-world insight into the industry
EMPOWER
Build motivation and confidence
EQUIP
Knowledge, understanding and create a
supportive network
LEARN DIRECTLY FROM THE INDUSTRY MASTERS IN REAL-TIME
SESSION TEACHING
DELIVERY METHODS
ONLINE SESSIONS
Are available and we use Microsoft Teams/Zoom
(day and evening sessions)
FACE-TO-FACE SESSIONS
Are available through our educational institution partnerships