Pepperdine alumnus Omid Heidari only graduated from Seaver College back in 2010, but he has obtained a career in a field that allows him to craft his passion and share it with the world. Since his graduation, Heidari has been one of the leading minds in the distribution of the documentary “Happy,” as he serves as an Associate Producer for the film and co-manager of Wadi Rum Films, Inc.
“This project allowed me to personally and freely craft my art,” Heidari said. “The movie explores happiness beyond tickle fights and mountain highs- the real human emotion.”
Jeff Wohlgemuth, another class of 2010 alumnus, took part in this project. Wohlgemuth became a part of the production team for “Happy” under the financial department, but even as the director of finance Wohlgemuth has been involved with various aspects of the film’s release.
“Happy” is a documentary that ushers in, and uncovers, the conversation about what it means and looks like to be happy in America’s society.
Fresh out of college, Heidari was excited to have a project and career that allowed him to bring in his own creative process.
Heidari attributed much of his interest in film to his own involvement in Pepperdine’s ReelStories tradition.
“It’s inspiring to see ReelStories still going,” Heidari said. “I love the idea of empowering the story-tellers of a new generation.”
Today, Heidari has been working at sharing the thought-provoking documentary with the rest of the world. He helped ti organize World Happy Day on Feb.11, 2011, where the documentary was screened by communities in approximately 620 cities, more than 60 countries and on all seven continents.
“It was really cool,” Heidari said. “We just built an arena and encourage people to share.”
The documentary quickly reached No. 1 on iTunes and remained at the top spot for several weeks after World Happy Day.
“It was awesome to sit in the office and see the product soar up the charts,” Heidari said.
Wohlgemuth shared that the experience of had working with this film production remains the best he has ever had.
“I learned how to manage and build a distribution plan, and how to incorporate a unique marketing strategy,” Wohlgemuth said.
According to Wohlgemuth, the crew is still working on furthering the distribution of “Happy,” and sparking the conversation. There are also plans for another production down the road.
Before all of this, however, Heidari recalls being a college senior looking out at the world with a grave sense of uncertainty.
“Time does speed up; it’s amazing,” Heidari said. “It is often about who you know to get a job, but to keep it, it’s about your character.”
Heidari added: “Thankfully, I learned to invest in relationships while in college.”
While at Pepperdine, Heidari formed great relationships with professors who taught him to keep his character through all his endeavors and successes. Professor Tom Shadyac was a major contributor of the “Happy” production.
Heidari cites Shadyac as one of his most influential professors, helping him discover that happiness is not solely about financial and material success or fame.
“The ideals I learned in class relate to the core message in ‘Happy’,” Heidari said.
Heidari reached out to the film’s director Roko Belic who had already filmed over 400 minutes of footage world-wide in response to a New York Times article about low rates of happiness in America. Heidari then began interning with the crewmembers.
“I contacted Roko about my interest in the documentary’s philosophy,” Heidari said. “The documentary has a very rounded perspective of happiness.”
During Heidari’s time as an intern, he took the time to learn about filmmaking.
“You wear a lot of hats as an independent filmmaker,” Heidari said. “Roko took a chance on me.”
Heidari added: “Being a willing intern was the biggest learning curve for me because I learned a new [film] language.”
Heidari came onto the project during the crafting of the 75-minute film and his primary role was distribution. Heidari worked on finishing the film and making it accessible for everyone.
“We created our own distribution company, Wadi Rum Films, Inc. to market the film,” Heidari said. “We have a film that we really believe in, and wanted to make our release different.”
Heidari has been applauded by multiple film industry workers who are impressed by the work Heidari does every day which makes his job fulfilling despite its challenges.
“I’ve found my passion in storytelling,” Heidari said. “Storytelling is at the heart of the human condition, exploring our values.”
Heidari added: “’Happy’ causes you to stop and think. I like that perspective, and the scientific view makes it more incredible.”
The film discusses happiness in relation to everyone’s lives.
“The best feeling to have is knowing that you’re life has integrity, and that I don’t have to categorize myself,” Heidari said. “I work and live and breathe a passion for art.”