Meet Melody Baha | Director, Actress, Producer & Writer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Melody Baha and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Melody, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was in acting school in 2016-2018 and in my last year we took a “web series” class where we learned about creating your own work. I was VERY inspired when we learned about Issa Rae and her YouTube series, which later turned into a smash hit on HBO. Something inside me loved the idea of being responsible for a storyline, the characters, the wardrobe, the crew, cast, all of it. I was so motivated to want to create something totally new and with people who you don’t normally see on TV. Being a Middle Eastern women, naturally we are not seen as often in the leading roles, so I made myself the leading lady in my own story and it all started from there.
I really wanted to create opportunities for those who truly thought they did not have any experience or knowledge in the independent film world. We are all learning together and there’s always a new challenge or opportunity that comes from this unpredictable industry, so it always helps to have supportive and open minded people along the way too support each other.
I wanted to also open doors for the underrepresented talent and crew who normally wouldn’t have the same opportunities as others.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been fascinated by stories where the characters speak multiple languages and revolve around women in either a period piece or far into the future. I think the idea of worlds that do not currently exist, fascinate me because you can truly take the story in any direction you’d like. I love writing about worlds that are relatable and corky, but may not necessarily be real or presently happening.
I think growing up in a Iranian (Persian) household, I have this attachment to unique cultures and traditions, but also am well aware that I am a millennial and do not necessarily agree with tradition. That challenge excites me and it shows in my work. I love the comfort of tradition, but also challenging the norm and thinking bigger as far as what is possible in film.
This work is never in any way, easy. There are always new challenges that arise and obstacles constantly rushing towards you, to the point where I have days I ask myself like, “Am I insane for choosing this career path?” Then I remember, I did not only choose it, it chose me and I could not live without it. You have to remember that you are human after all and there will be days that are harder than others. Days you do not feel a shed of motivation or desire to do a thing, but somehow another day comes and you get up and do it. Surrounding yourself with motivated and open minded, creative humans also helps.
I have learned a lot about the type of people I would never work with again, which is unreliability. If someone shows up late to set, consistently without any empathy or legitimate reasoning, do NOT work with them anymore. They are not serious about the work and they are a waste of yours and everyone’s time. Someone who does not read my script before coming to my set, well, why are you here? Waste of time. The people you bring onto your set and surround yourself with in your career are examples of who you are, so these things matter.
Do not trust everyone you meet, especially if they talk highly of themselves only and not others.
I rather work with someone who has little to no experience and is willing to learn, then with an egotistical nightmare who is rude to others and thinks they know everything. We are constantly learning and no one deserves to be made a fool of, only because they do not have the same experience as someone else. Skills can be taught, kindness can not.
I want to be remembered for my work as someone who tells stories that are out of this world. Where you think, there is no way a world like this good ever exist in the future, but somehow you feel like it does when you are watching it because it is THAT relatable. I want to make the impossible, feel possible. If I can make someone feel this roller coaster of emotion, I am doing something right. I think this sets me a part in many ways, because I want to think about the stories that others fear to make or write about. It seems insane and odd, so why not make it?
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.
First of all, I LOVE a good comedy show so we would definitely go to the comedy cellar, after sipping at my favorite champagne bar – Air’s Champagne. A sunset dinner at Peak NYC because the food presentation is fantastic and the food is so delicious. It is 120 floors up in the sky, so that in itself is incredible New York views all around.
Dante in Greenwich village for delicious espresso martinis.
Late night slice at Joe’s pizza and/or Rubirosa.
Coffee at The Tin Building, Suited, 787, Laughing Man and Maman.
Dirty martini’s at Jeans and The William Vale hotel, West light Rooftop.
A picnic in Central Park and bike ride along the Hudson River.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I will never forget the countless hours and days my mom spent driving me from San Diego to Los Angeles every week, all while maintaining her family, marriage and being responsible for me (her youngest). My mom would sit in the car for hours, waiting for me during auditions, call backs, in traffic, etc. She was and still is my biggest supporter. My parents moved here from Iran many years ago and because of their sacrifices, I was lucky enough to have opportunities my mom never had. She deserves all the credit in the world!
Website: www.melodybaha.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodybaha/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bahamelody/
Image Credits
Headshots – Jovani Demetrie On Set photos – Red Carpet Photos – TIME (except for Tribeca)
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
