The Directors: Chehad Abdallah

Chehad Abdallah is an award winning German-Lebanese director. He began his career in feature films as 2nd unit director on ‘Skylines‘ a Netflix in-house production. Chehad has also directed many short films and is known across Europe for his award winning music videos. 

Recent commercial work includes spots for: BMW, Audi, Adidas, Asics and Hornbach. 

Chehads work has been awarded D&AD Pencils, ADC Awards and Euro Effies.

Name: CHEHAD ABDALLAH

Location: Berlin / Germany

Repped by/in: Curly - UK, BUNKER - US 

LBB> What elements of a script sets one apart from the other and what sort of scripts get you excited to shoot them?

Chehad> I have the most fun with scripts that have a very clear idea, but I still leave room for various executions. Because where a strong strategic idea meets storytelling and a creative execution, we shape success.

LBB> How do you approach creating a treatment for a spot?

Chehad> Usually, I study the script for a day or two and then let it rest for a few days to get my subconscious running wild. I never start with a blank sheet; the moment I begin writing and scribbling, I attempt to formulate the ideas I have into words and images.

 

LBB> For you, what is the most important working relationship for a director to have with another person in making an ad? And why?

Chehad> The producer is my most important sparring partner. It's not a battle, nor a love story; the relationship between a producer and director must feel like two forces approaching the absolute best result from different angles.

LBB> What type of work are you most passionate about - is there a particular genre or subject matter or style you are most drawn to?

Chehad> I simply try not to repeat myself. Otherwise it gets boring.

LBB> What misconception about you or your work do you most often encounter and why is it wrong?

Chehad> Many people think that music videos and commercials are short films, but I see both mediums as art forms in their own right.

LBB> What’s the craziest problem you’ve come across in the course of a production – and how did you solve it?

Chehad> I once handed a chimpanzee an AK-47 on set. He flipped the gun twice and pulled the trigger. I guess Darwin was right.

LBB> How do you strike the balance between being open/collaborative with the agency and brand client while also protecting the idea?

Chehad> This is a delicate matter, but I believe the most important thing is to strive to remain true to your ideas and not become entangled in ego-driven decisions. Stay open and choose your battles wisely.

LBB> What are your thoughts on opening up the production world to a more diverse pool of talent? Are you open to mentoring and apprenticeships on set?

Chehad> Lets Go!

LBB> Your work is now presented in so many different formats - to what extent do you keep each in mind while you're working (and, equally, to what degree is it possible to do so)? 

Chehad> To be honest, when I'm creating an image, the format is one of the last things I'm thinking about. To me, it just feels natural that a shot needs to work in different formats.

LBB> What’s your relationship with new technology and, if at all, how do you incorporate future-facing tech into your work (e.g. virtual production, interactive storytelling, AI/data-driven visuals etc)?

Chehad> The new technologies have opened so many opportunities, and without them, I would have never been able to start a career in film. Thank you, Internet!  At the moment, it feels like all the old processes are getting shaken up and opening up to a new world of imagery and storytelling.