Arsalan Asli

The Importance of passion in your work and the craft

Arsalan Asli was curious about cinema and art from an early age.

Born in Iran and raised in Canada and the US, he began his career in investment banking and real estate development through his family’s business in the Middle East. 

With cinema, art, and theatrics as his spiritual compass and lifelong passion, Arsalan transitioned into the entertainment industry after high school.

In 2016, Arsalan and his creative partners founded FIVE/4, a multi-faceted entertainment company engaged in the development, packaging, and production of content across all genres of independent film, television, and new media. 

Arsalan executive produced Hala, After Sophie, and Pretext; three renowned short films written and directed by trailblazing filmmaker, Minhal Baig. 

His unyielding and impenetrable passion for film is palpable. I mean, half the filmmakers and movies he mentioned during our time together, I admit to not knowing. At all.

But this is just one of the ways in which he makes me better every day. 

As a friend. As a fellow film lover. As one of my producing partners. He is a true mentor and source of inspiration to me and anyone lucky enough to collaborate with him.  

I’ve grown tremendously as a producer thanks to his patience, kindness, and uncompromising ethics.

This week, we go DEEP on many fun topics such as adjusting our expectations around the business, how happiness comes from our relationship with the process, how to be uncompromising as an artist, and the ways Hollywood can help the world alter its perception of black and brown people. 

Tune in!

xx cg

"One of the things that I see really inundate folks with negative and pessimistic thinking is their relationship with the process… producing punches you in the face every single day and in fourteen different ways.”

- Arsalan Asli

Episode Transcript