Haneef Bhatti on Clubhouse

Bio

Actor - Director - Writer - Artist
www.haneefbhatti.com

Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. A son of a movie theater owner. Studied engineering, fine arts and graphic design (advertising). My love of airbrushing led my interest towards special effects and movies. Came here like all the dreamers who come to America to be part of the MAGIC.

Was accepted at AFI as the production design major but was not able to get the scholarship. Studied acting instead. After 9 years when all the hard work was paying off... (did short films...indie features... was part of the three times NACCP Awards winning play “For the Love of Freedom” produced by Danny Glover’s Robey Theatre Company. Played two characters in it and designed all of the graphic/print material) ... things were going great when I was put on two year “wrongful” deportation proceedings.

There was nothing wrong with my papers it was only because I was born in Pakistan. (As the kind INS lady told me when she was taking my passport away). This almost killed me, destroyed years of hard work. But miracles do happen, won the case... but took a long time to get out of the damage that this all caused. Had to start all over.

During the proceedings I was not allowed to work or go to film school (or breath). So, I ended up writing “Lethal Weapon 5” Disclaimer: never WANTED to be a writer. It was crazy going through the proceedings... for six months I had visions of the scenes... movie sequences... (if you want to it called that)... so I started to write them down and it became my “Lethal Weapon 5”. It saved me from going crazy, ironic. I was able to personally give my Lethal to Mel’s then agent. (Always will be grateful for this amazing consideration). I was told that Mel doesn’t want to do another Lethal at that moment. But was encouraged to continue writing. So... since then I have written 8 specs.

My satirical comedy about terrorism “Pal-Queda” got up to the second round at Sundance and Austin Film Festival. “Pal-Queda” and my other (Sci-fi thriller) project “Terra Firma” were amongst the ten selected scripts at two different WGA Festivals Los Angeles. Right now learning about producing and using my art/design background to design one of my projects called “Attack of the Killer Rubber Duckies”.

Going through these experiences gave me a perspective not many would ever have. So, in a sense I am grateful. If it doesn’t kill you... it makes you “Lethal”.