[REPLAY] S2E5. Arab American Casting's Hamzah Saman: From Acting to CSA Casting Director

Hollywood trailblazers Walid and Kavita welcome a truly extraordinary guest to this episode! Join us in a fascinating conversation about casting and the incredible journey of Lebanese-American actor and CSA Casting Director, Hamzah Saman.

Hamzah, the visionary behind Arab American Casting and MENASA Actors, humbly boasts a portfolio of over 40 films and TV shows. His pioneering work has played a pivotal role in reshaping the portrayal of Arab and Middle Eastern talent in the heart of the entertainment industry.

Embark on Hamzah's compelling immigrant odyssey, from a war-torn Lebanon to the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles, where he luckily discovered his passion for the arts. He opens up about the highs and lows that paved the way to his current success, offering invaluable insights for actors seeking guidance on representation, networking, and finding their own sense of belonging in the industry. Don't miss this chance to be inspired by Hamzah's remarkable story.

ABOUT HAMZAH SAMAN:
Hamzah Saman is a CSA Casting Director and a proud member of the Casting Society of America. He is also the owner of Arab American Casting and MENASA Actor. Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, Saman moved to the U.S. at the age of 15. He is among the first MENASA and Arab American Casting Directors to establish a significant online presence, boasting over 80,000 members worldwide on the ArabAmericanCasting.com and MENASAactors.com platforms.

Saman's notable credits include working in the LA Casting Unit on the documentary "He Named Me Malala" (2015) directed by the Oscar-winning filmmaker Davis Gugenheim, as well as contributing to the casting process of "Argo" (2012). Committed to reshaping the perception of Arab and Middle Eastern artists in Hollywood, Saman has made significant strides through his casting and acting endeavors.

As a Casting Director, he has been involved in over 40 feature and short films, commercials, and television productions. In 2019, he showcased his acting talents in "General Hospital" and secured four roles in feature films. Additionally, Saman took on the role of "Inmate 093" in Tom Six's horror film trilogy, "The Human Centipede III (Final Sequence)" (2015), delivering a memorable performance alongside Eric Roberts. Furthermore, he lent his voiceover skills to films like "X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014) and "Escape Plan" (2013), among others. Follow Hamzah on Instagram @hamzahsaman_csa for more info.

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