Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Allan Ungar, a film director, producer and screenwriter who splits his time between Toronto and LA. We caught up with him to find out what inspires him and what advice he would share with other young professionals…
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m a film director based in Toronto and LA with a focus on creating commercial content for the global distribution market. My primary goal is to build more homegrown films in Canada that can compete with productions in Hollywood.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I grew up around movies and have always found the creative process fascinating. Part of it comes from the element of escapism; films allow people to get away from their daily routines and become immersed in a different world.
I’ve always wanted to entertain people and I think that this medium provides a unique array of emotions that can be elicited within such a short time span.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Convincing acclaimed actor Danny Glover to go on camera and utter his famous line from Lethal Weapon (“I’m getting too old for this sh*t”).
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Blue sky scenario in five years: blowing up cars on Bay street.
In ten years I’d love to be working in the studio system and directing summer films akin to Die Hard, Indiana Jones, Dark Knight, etc.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Whatever your dream or ambition is, you have to go for it. If somebody closes a door, find three different windows to climb through. Allow yourself to stand out;. take risks and be bold.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I support the Reena Foundation and Jewish National Fund.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I was 23 when I directed my first movie and it was hard to gain the respect of actors and crew who had been working in the business for far longer than me. When it came down to it, I needed to ensure that I was on top of my game and ready for any challenges or obstacles that could veer me off course. Eventually, I got the confidence that I needed and really started to feel more settled about taking on such daunting tasks.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
It means being recognized and celebrated for all that you work for and achieve.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I’ve always been a sucker for The Keg, but my new favourite place would have to be an Argentinean restaurant called Branca. They’ve got the best flank steak around and the atmosphere is really intimate.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
I think IMDB would be my most visited website and my most played song is likely anything from Earth, Wind & Fire.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I’ve been spending a lot of time looking at a great handle called @bestvacations. The scenery is quite captivating and it really is an eye opener in terms of all the beautiful places around the world that I’ve yet to see. I should probably book something soon…
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I love travelling to Mexico and always look forward to it, but I really need to get over to some of the countries in Europe. I think I’d like to stop in Italy next.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Usually, I’m stuck working instead of partaking in fun activities, so I’ve certainly missed out on some great adventures as a result.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Video games and junk food.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I spend way too much money on eating out rather than cooking. I’d probably benefit from some more home cooked meals. If there was anything I wanted to spend more on, it would probably be bucket list items that I don’t do enough of.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
To me, one component of success comes with certain freedoms that are afforded to you without financial strain. Life isn’t always going to be easier, but certain things become more attainable. I think that if you can look around and feel that many of your goals have been accomplished and that people recognize you for your hard work, then you are certainly successful.
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