You’d be hard pushed to come across a film buff bigger than Asad Shan. Not only does he know his Khans from his Kapoors (his Bollywood TV show on Zing where he interviews the biggest stars in the business takes care of that); he’s also got his radar tuned in when it comes to Hollywood and World Cinema.
But rather than sitting back and letting the action unfold on the screen, a few years ago Asad made a commitment to his first love; he wasn’t just going to consume the popcorn, he wanted the popcorn to come to him. And so, Iconic Productions, his film company was born. Within a couple of years, he had written, directed and starred in one of the most impressive debuts the British film industry has ever seen. 7 Welcome to London (pictured) hit UK cinemas in March and proved that it really is possible for an independent film to get on the Big Screen, as well as breaking numerous other stererotypes associated with talent and good looking men.

High production values, an intelligent plot and addictive soundtrack made the film an instant classic, but it was just the first, in line, for a film director with a passion to keep telling stories.
Next in the pipeline is a short film, written by Asad, that he’s hoping to take to the floors this Autumn, but before that he’s on the look out for a crew and a leading lady to play the main character. He reveals: ‘I had a vision for a really sweet, visual tale that would draw people in and make them want to watch it again. It’s a short, that I hope we’ll be able to showcase on the festival circuit and possibly even screen before a major release.’
The working title for the film is Magnum and all that Asad has revealed is that it’s about a girl sitting on a park bench. He goes on to explain: ‘It has a surrealness to it, will be naturally acted and is almost like a momentary feeling, something I hope the audience will connect with.’
As well as striving to challenge the film world, Iconic Productions are also dedicated to finding and working with new talent. In an industry where it’s hard to get your foot in the door, they open their arms to anyone who wants to get real life experience being part of a film – whether you’re interested in producing, composing music, filming or editing, you won’t get hand-on learning in an environment that’s so supportive, anywhere else.

So if you’ve ever wanted to hold a clapper board, or are perhaps wondering what it’s like to sit in the director's deckchair; now’s your chance!
Asad explains: ‘We’ll consider every application for anyone wants to join our crew and aside from that we’re also looking for a leading lady and a young star. We’re planning two versions of the film, one with dialogue and one that’s silent so as well as being attractive, she’ll need to be expressive physically as well as verbally. The second character I want to cast is a small boy, aged six to eight. Neither of them need experience, but they need to know that this is a serious production. Just because it’s a short, we won’t be cutting corners. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to movie making – you’ll have complete support from an entire crew – when I mean business, I really mean it!’
Anyone interested in being considered for the two roles on offer or, would like to join the crew, should send an email to: enquiries@iconicproductionsuk.com
Filming begins in September.