A Conversation with Yasmin Ahmad

I entered her office room and placed my tushie nearby Yasmin.

Yasmin Ahmad: So, before I start, tell me a little bit something about yourself.

(Ali lights up a ciggie and place himself next to Yasmin)

Me: My name's Rae and I live with my grandmother in Dato Keramat. I have three younger siblings, whom are boys and one elder sister. I went to Lim Kok Wing but I dropped out halfway because of personal problems.

Yasmin Ahmad: Oh, and what is that?

(She lights a ciggie)

Me: I didn't have the financial support.

YA: Do you mind if I ask you where are you parents?

Me: Urmm, oh , my dad passed away recently and my mom passed away 10 years ago.

YA: Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't know.

Me: Ah, dont worry , it's completely allright. So, anyways, I went to 95% and trained under Janet Lee in one of their course for 3 months. So, here I am , looking for a job - armed only with my portfolio and no acceptable credentials.

YA: I see. Well then, shall I see your book?

Me: Oh! Of course!

(She runs through my book and laughs at some of them and comments on the rest)

YA: Ali, I like this book. It's not pretentious like all those award shows. It's also clean and well kept.

( I swear that's what she said !)

YA: So, Rae, what do you want from us?

(Now Encik Ali was looking at my book, he laughed and smiled too)

Me: I want to have a shot at advertising. I want to know whether I deserve to be in this career path and if not, then I know that I didn't regret one bit making it here.

YA: Okey. Talk to Yuza and she will arrange the paperworks for you.

( In disbelief!)

Me: Oh, okey, thank you , thank you so much Kak Min!

YA: What's your real name again?

Me: Eh, Err , Shaikh Muhamad Azraai , Kak Min.

YA: Nama punya cantik jadi Rae! ish! Bangga dengan nama tu tau. Kamu tu orang melayu!


And that's my 45 mins with Yasmin Ahmad. I'm sure we talked more than that but these were the ones that i can remember vividly.

Comments

Bitcoin badger said…
What's the title of your book? Available in Borders?
Available in Blogspot

Cheers.
Bitcoin badger said…
you mean your postings were compiled as your book?
Bitcoin badger said…
Seldom do I come across Malays in Malaysia who command such good English as you. u mind if I link your blog to mine?
Why of course. I would be delighted and most humbled.

And Joseph, I'm sure you'll find there are Malays out there, or in the blogosphere that can command English with penchant and elegance.

Try these blogs:
yasminthestoryteller.blogspot.com
titsofury.blogspot.com

you'll thoroughly enjoy it to bits.
Rozella said…
Hey you... just wanted to say that I'm real proud of you. *hugs*
hey thanks dear! Don't know what I should be proud of! But thanks :)
Bitcoin badger said…
the way you talk intrgues me.. huhu
i try not to talk like that though. But it's a habit. It's called cow and mooning.
Bitcoin badger said…
You really know Yasmin Ahmad in person? I admire her works quite much.
i used to work for her. In fact she was the one that hired me and gave me a chance to know whether i can make it in advertising.
Anonymous said…
wow that's such an accomplishment! congratulations man
"Used to "?
what made the change? I'd love a shot at working with her.
Can you describe a little of the contents of your portfolio? Hope its not too intrusive... I myself am putting together a portfolio and am clueless of the direction I should take :P
heya anonymous,

It was short stint at Leo. I wasn't gonna stay forever tho.

but you can check out some of my work at totoxs.blogspot.com.

You be the judge of it :)

Well I honestly can say, once you are in an advertising firm, you will find out what suits you. Copywriter or an Art Director. But for now, do have some mad crazy ideas in your porty. God knows, your ideas are your most valuable currency. Especially in advertising.