A fan of classic Ray Harryhausen from a young age, Sinbad: The Fifth Voyage (now available on Amazon Prime) star and director Shahin ‘Sean’ Solimon was finally able to fulfil a dream. We spoke with him about the film and what it took to get it made.
One might describe the film as … one that don’t really do these days. Is that fair to say?
My stance on any film project idea is, if we all follow “what does and doesn’t do these days’ we would not have Star Wars, and many other films that were disregarded at first, right? May I add that Star Wars is now the biggest franchise in film history.
So, how did you convince your investors to take a punt on it?
I believe in the power of the Universe. If you believe, someway it will happen. Investors or not.
Did you shoot a concept trailer first or some kind of sizzle reel to convince folks you were able to pull this off – especially all those effects?
Yes, we shot a fun little sizzle reel that took off and we got so many calls and emails about it. Plus, many folks in the industry that offered to be a part of Sinbad The Fifth Voyage. Even without that, I would have made this film. I believe in TRUE passion. Which I am grateful for.
Had you been a lead in a movie before? At any stage did you consider not playing Sinbad and trying to get a Brad Pitt or Jake Gyllenhaal?
Great question and not to use Star Wars as an example again, it’s because I know that Universe very well, but I believe they wanted Burt Reynolds to play Han Solo. And yes, I have been a lead in other projects. Plus, thousands of tests and fun little short films since I was six years old, plus lots of plays as a youngster. I was born with a camera in my hand and have been on both sides since day one.
Acting and bringing a character to life is my first love and I respect those guys you mentioned, think very highly of what they would bring to the table, and also would be honored to work with them at some point in the near future. In fact, I feel we could probably create some great magic together. However, I never did consider it on this project, because I knew that I would make it work, and I was also asked by multiple people to play the role after screen tests, which we do on everything I work on.
Grateful and happy to say that it seems like it went okay, since I have been recognized in books as the first authentic Sinbad the Sailor in an American made film. Once again, if you follow the same formula, we would not have Harrison Ford, Mark Hamil, and many others who broke out after being relative unknowns, I am sure those guys would agree. Which is why I give opportunities to other unknowns as well, it only fair. The fact that I have the skills of making the film as well, doesn’t make any difference, except, it is a wonderful tool and way of expression. Plus, I love it ☺
May I also add that, it is a NEW world of ‘content creation’, and the fans want to see new projects all the time and it is not easy work.
It would’ve been tough – writing, directing, producing, and starring in a movie. Just how much of an undertaking was it?
It is, but I have been raised as a person who gets things done. I happen to be highly skilled and tech savvy. And that is because I have put in the study time for my craft, probably over ten thousand hours. I am not afraid of anything, that includes rolling up my sleeves with a bunch of grunts and giving the fans see something new in terms of imagination and cinema. Just ask some of the greats in our film history, they will totally agree.
Is there one hat you preferring wearing more?
Acting, because that is my first love. But I am very picky.
At the time, I’m sure it was designed to be just a one-off but with the long legs the movie seems to have are you now thinking franchise?
All I can say is please stay-tuned!
I think I read somewhere at one stage you were thinking of doing a remake of The Time Machine. Is that still in the cards?
I did have some thoughts about that specific one, because I love the films. But thought better of it once I realized that I would rather stick to my own original content development and move from there.