Brother Arya Aminrazavi, Zeta Pi/Old Dominion 2014, had always been interested in the entertainment business. At the age of 13 he bought his first camcorder and started making Youtube videos. It wasn’t until he took a TV Production course in high school that he realized that he wanted to work in the industry no matter what it took.
After high school Aminrazavi attended Old Dominion University where he graduated Cum Laude last May with a Bachelors of Science in Communications in Digital Film. During his time at Old Dominion, he joined Zeta Pi Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity.
“One of the many things that appealed to me about Theta Chi was notable alumnus in this [entertainment] industry like Steven Spielberg, Joel McHale, Rob Corddry, etc.,” said Aminrazavi. “During college and after graduation, I began working as a production assistant for different TV shows and sports teams, such as NBC’s “The Voice”, Lifetimes’s “Dance Moms” as well as the Washington Nationals Baseball Team and the Norfolk Admirals AHL hockey team. Seeing how a real production operates and the actual procedures of producing professional television programs was more valuable than anything I learned in college,” he said.
In October, Brother Aminrazavi took a leap of faith and moved to New York City to further explore his job opportunities.
“I took my savings and moved to New York City to pursue my dream of working in the entertainment industry,” said Aminrazavi. “I grew up 30 minutes south of Washington D.C. so I thought I would be prepared to pick up and move to another major city, however; it was a little difficult at first getting adjusted to New York. I had no job offers, friends or knowledge of the different areas when I moved to New York,” Aminrazavi said.
By the middle of October Aminrazavi had landed a job as a Clearance Production Assistant for an MTV show.
“As a Clearance and Release Production Assistant I work closely with the production crew to make sure anyone and everyone that interacts or appears on camera has given permission to use their image on television,” said Aminrazavi. “It is an entry-level position on television and film crews but it allows me to work in my field,” he said.
So what is a typical work day like?
“Depending on the location of set (we shoot all over New York City) my day typically starts around 4 a.m.,” said Aminrazavi. “I wake up, hop on the subway to our location for the day and immediately get to work. Production days are typically 12 hour workdays so if our call time is at 6 a.m. we will wrap at 6 or 7 p.m. Although the hours are long and work is physically and mentally demanding, I wake up every day excited to go to work. When you’re working with so many creative people that are as eager and motivated as you are it’s a great atmosphere to be in. I’m always so humbled to go into work and see so many talented people working incredibly hard,” Aminrazavi continued.
Are you able to tell us anything about the MTV show that you are working on?
“All I can say about the show I’m working on is it’s currently an untitled MTV reality show in its first season. It is expected to air early 2015,” said Aminrazavi.
After being in the city for a month, what are your favorite things about the "Big Apple"?
“I think my favorite thing about New York City is the flavor it has. Every little neighborhood is different and has something to offer,” said Aminrazavi. “I’m used to suburbia with similar looking houses, everything very uniform. In New York everything is unique,” he said. “I was always under the impression that everyone in New York was incredibly rude or aggressive. I find that the people seem to be friendly and cultured. Many people I run into are from other parts of the country and are happy to help people new to the city. All you have to do is ask,” Aminrazavi added. “My other favorite thing is all the possible connections in New York. The opportunities in this city are unlimited and if you’re willing to talk to people, network and make friends with people, a world of opportunities seem to open up,” he concluded.
Now that you are an alumnus, how has your Theta Chi experience had an impact on your life?
“I believe my membership in Theta Chi, including the brothers that influenced me; the leadership qualities I learned from my pledge process as well as Theta Chi IHQ conferences I attended were life changing experiences. It made me strive for excellence in every aspect of my life. I learned so much about my abilities and myself in my time as Marshal, Recruitment Chair, Public Relations chair, Secretary, Historian. As a recent alumnus, I hope my relationship with Theta Chi continues to evolve and mature into a lifelong commitment of brotherhood,” said Aminrazavi.