From Comics To Cinema: Leo Houssami’s Journey Through Storytelling

Leo Houssami is a multifaceted filmmaker with a passion for storytelling that spans across directing, producing, and cinematography. His journey began with the vibrant world of Superman comics, which ignited his love for visual narratives.

A graduate of Film and Television University, Leo gained recognition for his award-winning music video that aired on MTV Australia, showcasing his ability to blend cinematic visuals with powerful storytelling.

With experience on major productions for Netflix and Amazon Prime in Vancouver, Leo is now dedicated to shaping the next generation of creators through his teaching role at Wyndham Tech School. His innovative approach to filmmaking and education reflects his commitment to pushing boundaries and inspiring others.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Leo for sharing his experiences and insights with our readers.

IMAGE: LEO HOUSSAMI

1. Could you share your journey into storytelling? What first inspired you to pursue a career in film and television?

Of course! My first read was a collection of Superman comics. The amazing illustrations paired with short sentences describing each frame kept me coming back to the best chapters of my favorite series; it still lives in my head.

My journey in storytelling evolved from television to cinema. I knew I wanted to tell stories, but I just didn’t know how. It took me years to build the skills and confidence to figure out what it takes, and I have zero regrets about it. My favorite part of the creative process is crafting a cinematic story—storytelling is life.

2. Your skills span directing, producing, and cinematography. Among these, which do you feel most connected to, and how have they contributed to your approach as a storyteller?

Although I have skills in many areas of the filmmaking process—skills that come naturally after years of practice—I’ve held various roles in film and television productions, both big and small. However, my end goal is clear: I aspire to write and direct, whether it’s a motion picture, fashion film, commercials, or music videos. I feel like I’m in my prime at this stage in life, and my aim is to be prolific as a filmmaker in the next ten years.

3. You earned a High Distinction for your graduation project, a music video that aired on MTV Australia. How did this achievement influence your early career?

“Highways” will always be the dearest project to my heart. It was a chance for me to explore beyond boundaries. It’s special because I wanted to make a loud statement: a music video can tell a beautiful story through cinematic visuals. It was my graduation project from Film and Television University, and while the task was to create a short narrative film, I was adamant about making a music video. I received the green light from the faculty and got to work.

In pre-production, I put the song on an endless loop for a couple of days until I knew it by heart and could live its lyrics. Then, I took a day off to reset before diving into inspiration research, where I watched a curated collection of music videos.

I filled a big board with index cards for scenes, which I later polished into a storyboard with illustrations and a few short sentences to describe the action—just like in Superman comics. I’m most happy because the local band Cylo stepped into the hip-hop scene with a bang and went on to open for big names in the entertainment industry, such as YG in New York City.

4. In 2018, you trained in Cine-Robotics, a unique area requiring both technical skill and creative problem-solving. What attracted you to this field, and how has it impacted your work?

Back in 2018, I was looking for a new challenge. Right after I directed “Highways,” Cine-Bots were being introduced to the industry. I remember watching behind-the-scenes footage of a music video that used this robotic technique.

This led me to London, where I got qualified in operating high-speed cameras attached to industrial-grade robotic arms. It was another skill to add to my arsenal, which eventually took me to Vancouver, Canada, to work on production sets where Cine-Bot technology was being used.

5. You’ve worked on Netflix and Amazon Prime productions in Vancouver. How did these experiences shape your professional growth, and are there any standout moments?

Without a doubt, my most significant professional growth occurred on those large sets. It was bigger than anything I’d been involved in before, and I loved it. It felt like being part of a massive, busy beehive, with thousands of professionals working in unison on one production.

It was well-oiled and worked like magic. Sadly, COVID happened, leading to shutdowns on all sets, which is when I returned to Melbourne, Australia, where I started teaching Video Game Design (Unreal Engine) and Podcasting 101, among other courses at Wyndham Tech School.

6. At Wyndham Tech School, you teach STEAM topics and created the “Podcasting 101” curriculum. What do you enjoy most about teaching, and what skills do you hope to instill in your students?

I love my time at Wyndham Tech School; it’s such a rewarding role where I can apply all the skills I’ve gathered over the years. The director tasked me with designing a Podcasting unit, teaching it to students, and training the teachers on how to lead sessions.

One of my students wanted to learn how to properly record and edit his own podcast for his YouTube channel, so I asked the school to lend him video and audio equipment for practice. He’s a great student who’s now savvy in video and audio, with a bright future ahead of him. My favorite students, however, are the special needs kids who come every last Thursday of the month.

We spend the day in the video game computer room, which has 25 fully-specced gaming PCs for multiplayer sessions, and we end the day with lots of pizza, laughter, and great memories.

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