Timeline
- From
June 2024
- To
June 2024
Los Angeles, CA
BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE
This year has been a whirlwind of hard work as we strive to get our pilot project off the ground. Despite our busy schedules, it’s essential to find time for enjoyment. For my birthday this year, we decided to indulge in some recreational activities in the beauty of Nature. I kicked off the day with fasting, a morning run to get the blood pumping and into a cold plunge in the river—a workout that I genuinely enjoy. It was a fun and refreshing day Alhamdulillah as always, I wrapped up my birthday by handing out food to those less fortunate, a tradition I cherish based on my faith.
“SPEND from that which Allah has PROVIDED for you”
– The Qur’an Chapter 36 Verse 47
- From
May 2024
- To
May 2024
W3AR3 HQ
Los Angeles, CA
SHOOT: 3RD WORLD FOR THE CREED (CHRONICLES)
The third part of The Creed: Chronicles is dedicated to presenting the audience with a behind-the-scenes look at the cinematic process. We will correlate the vision to match the filming and visual effects, and the hearing to match the sound design and editing, among other aspects. This segment will seamlessly transition through each world, offering different perspectives that correspond with each action, providing an immersive and comprehensive view of the production journey. “Persevere in PATIENCE and CONSTANCY, strive in such a Perseverance, STRENGTHEN Each Other, and be MINDFUL of Allah, so that you may attain True SUCCESS” – The Qur’an Chapter 3 Verse 200
- From
March 2024
- To
April 2024
Los Angeles, CA
RAMADAN 2024: PRESENTATIONS AT MOSQUES
Ramadan, a period of unity and reflection, provides the perfect opportunity to introduce our Islamic-based project to the community. We aim to share our vision and garner support during this meaningful time, inviting the Islamic community to join us on this inspiring journey. “And Surely you are CALLING Them to the STRAIGHT Path” – The Qur’an Chapter 18 Verse 16
- From
February 2024
- To
February 2024
W3AR3 HQ
Los Angeles, CA
SHOOT: 1ST WORLD FOR THE CREED (CHRONICLES)
The first part of The Creed: Chronicles is dedicated to presenting the audience with the main character’s subconscious perspective using a Point of View (POV) approach. Through this technique, viewers can contemplate alongside the character as he recites the Qur’anic verses, fostering a deeper connection to the narrative. In the second part of The Creed: Chronicles, we will intricately correlate scenes with specific verses, exploring themes that provoke reflection on the character’s actions and motives, creating a layered and immersive storytelling experience. “Whenever He wills a thing, He says to it ‘BE!’ and it Is!” – The Qur’an Chapter 23 Verse 73
- From
February 2024
- To
February 2024
Sand Caves
Kanab, UT
LOCATION SCOUT: 2ND SCOUT OF SAND DUNES
The team traveled to the sand caves of Utah to scout for filming. They meticulously documented the surroundings using video, photography, and lidar scans. This comprehensive approach ensures precise production design and shot planning for the project. “When you have Withdrawn from Them and Whatever they Worship beside Allah, Retreat to the CAVE. Your Lord will Open a Way for You from His Mercy and will make Matters Easy for you” – The Qur’an Chapter 18 Verse 16
- From
February 2024
- To
February 2024
W3AR3 HQ
Los Angeles, CA
SHOOT: TEST SHOOT FOR THE CREED (CHRONICLES)
For The Creed: Chronicles, we are committed to immersing users in scenes using unique and innovative filming techniques and customized rigs. We have identified specific segments that require distinct approaches: a POV shot utilizing a helmet rigged with a RED Komodo and a probe lens, and action sequences demanding dynamic camera movement. To achieve these effects, we have tested equipment such as the ZeeGee, the Tilta Float, and the Steadicam with ARRI Trinity. These creative methods enable us to experiment with capturing scenes in compelling ways, aligning perfectly with the advanced filming technique we’re developing for The Creed Series.
“It is He who has CREATED for you the Faculties of HEARING, SIGHT, and HEARTS to THINK”
– The Qur’an Chapter 23 Verse 78
- From
December 2023
- To
December 2023
Mesquite Sand Dunes
Brawley, CA
LOCATION SCOUT: THE CREED (ORIGINS)
When Umar drafted the script for the pilot, he envisioned an epic battle set within a sandstorm and tailored the scene to align with the unique conditions of such a storm. Recognizing Death Valley as the ideal backdrop, Umar knew its expansive landscape would perfectly complement the vision for the pilot, The Creed: Origins. We pinpointed ideal locations within this landscape for key sequences, utilizing vast dunes to create a dramatic setting, flat surfaces for the epic battle scene, and incorporating sandstorms via VFX to enhance the overall intensity of the scenes.
“They hold that the Clans have not Gone Away and if the Clans should Advance Again, they would Wish to be in the DESERT with the wandering Bedouins, SEEKING News about you from FAR AWAY”
– The Qur’an Chapter 33 Verse 20
- From
November 2023
- To
December 2023
W3AR3 HQ
Los Angeles, CA
ACTION DESIGN
With over two decades of professional experience in the stunt industry, Umar possesses an extensive library of action design in his repertoire. As a dedicated professional, he approaches his craft with the utmost perfection, constantly striving to improve and innovate in choreographing and executing action designs.
Drawing inspiration from various sources such as existing films, video games, and martial arts movements, Umar consistently seeks to raise the bar for his standards of action design. Now, with full creative control over his own project, he can finally unleash the action sequences he’s always envisioned but couldn’t execute due to external creative constraints.
For this project, Umar is leveraging his skillset to create action designs that are not only realistic and effective but also creatively captivating. He is focusing on techniques and moves that are authentic to the era and region, with an emphasis on wrestling and utilizing weapons of the time period. Moreover, Umar aims to make these sequences novel and engaging for the audience by combining realistic visualizations with fluid camera work and compelling storytelling techniques.
“FIGHT in the way of Allah AGAINST those who FIGHT you but do NOT Overstep the Limits. Surely, Allah does NOT like Those who Overstep the Limits”
– The Qur’an Chapter 2 Verse 190
- From
Oct 2023
- To
W3AR3 HQ
Los Angeles, CA
RECRUITMENTS: PRODUCTION CREW
Creating a project of this magnitude requires a strong team, and Umar understands the importance of recruiting skilled professionals who can bring his vision to life. Despite this project being independent and without studio backing, Umar aims to maintain Hollywood standards by assembling a team of high-caliber individuals. Leveraging his industry experience and networks, he crafts a strategic plan to pitch directly to showrunners rather than pursuing traditional film festivals.
Umar’s recruitment efforts are proving successful as he onboards seasoned professionals like Jon Philion as the Director of Photography (DP) and Martin Hall as the Visual Effects (VFX) Supervisor. Jon, known for his work with Steven Spielberg, is captivated by Umar’s ambitious vision and innovative ideas for capturing scenes. He is implementing new rigging systems to achieve Umar’s desired filming techniques, which are set to become the signature look of The Creed Series.
Martin, known for his work with Peter Jackson, is impressed by Umar’s passion and attention to detail in storytelling and shot concepts. Umar’s unwavering drive convinces Martin of the project’s potential for success and its ability to make a significant impact in the industry.
Handpicking dedicated individuals who share his enthusiasm and commitment, Umar continues to build a strong team. He prioritizes selecting team members based on their dedication and drive, believing that the dynamic within the team will be crucial to achieving greatness in the project. As recruitment efforts continue, Umar remains selective, focusing on assembling a team that aligns with his vision and values. Today, Umar has gathered a team of over 40 dedicated professionals to bring his vision to life.
“Invite ALL to the Way of Allah with WISDOM and BEAUTIFUL PREACHING and REASON with them in the BEST MANNER possible”
– The Qur’an Chapter 16 Verse 125
- From
October 2023
- To
October 2023
W3AR3 HQ
Los Angeles, CA
RECRUITMENTS: STUNT TEAM TRYOUTS
This project stands out for its exceptional action sequences, prompting Umar to carefully select his team of stunt performers. After designing intricate action sequences and devising innovative filming techniques to capture these movements, he conducted rigorous tryouts to ensure each performer was a perfect fit for their respective roles in each sequence. His expertise lies in these action designs, requiring performers who can execute with precision to bring his vision seamlessly to life.
“Do People think Once they say ‘We Believe’ that They will be Left Without being Put to the TEST?”
– The Qur’an Chapter 29 Verse 2
- From
September 2023
- To
September 2023
W3AR3 HQ
Los Angeles, CA
STORYBOARD: FIRST DRAFT OF THE CREED (ORIGINS)
Once the script for the pilot was finalized and the concept design for Hasan bin Sabbah was completed, we integrated everything together into a storyboard. This comprehensive step brought us closer to visualizing the actual filming of the pilot. The artwork on each page served as a visual guide, allowing us to imagine the story’s progression and generate a shot list for the pilot’s actual production. This process enabled us to outline specific details and elements we aim to include in the scenes, bringing us another step closer to realizing our pilot project.
“Already there has been for you a SIGN in the TWO ARMIES which met, One Fighting in the cause of Allah and the Other for the Disbelievers”
– The Qur’an Chapter 3 Verse 13
- From
August 2023
- To
December 2023
W3AR3 HQ
Los Angeles, CA
SCRIPT: FIRST DRAFT OF THE CREED (ORIGINS)
Once the script for the pilot was finalized and the concept design for Hasan bin Sabbah was completed, we integrated everything together into a storyboard. This comprehensive step brought us closer to visualizing the actual filming of the pilot. The artwork on each page served as a visual guide, allowing us to imagine the story’s progression and generate a shot list for the pilot’s actual production. This process enabled us to outline specific details and elements we aim to include in the scenes, bringing us another step closer to realizing our pilot project.
“Recite in the name of Allah Who CREATED Man from a CLOT, Recite, and Allah is Most Generous, who TAUGHT by the PEN, TAUGHT Man what He KNEW Not”
– The Qur’an Chapter 9 Verse 1-5
- From
July 2023
- To
July 2023
South Asia
RESEARCH: MATERIAL SOURCE
After researching online about Hasan bin Sabbah and finding multiple contradictory statements, Umar decided to embark on a journey to South Asia in search for a more authentic source. While visiting the capital of Pakistan, Umar decided to surprise his parents for his father’s birthday. As he traveled through Pakistan to delve deeper into the life and legacy of Hasan bin Sabbah, he decided to visit all the major libraries, accompanied by his friend Saifullah, Umar visited the National Library of Pakistan in Islamabad with a specific quest for authentic sources in Farsi, notably the Jāmiʿ al-Tawārīkh.
Upon inquiry, the librarian suggested reaching out directly to the Nizari, a group associated with Hasan bin Sabbah. Surprised by this information, Umar inquired about their existence and learned that some of them reside in Hunza Valley, the Northern parts of Pakistan. However, due to the Monsoon Season, the roads were impassable. Undeterred, Umar persisted in his quest and managed to trace his way to a prominent library in Lahore, housed in an old British dance hall, it has since been reconstructed into a public library.
In this historic library, they discovered the Jāmiʿ al-Tawārīkh, a significant historical work mentioning the legendary Sargozasht-e Seyyednā, which translates to the “Biography of our Master”. Intrigued, Umar sought further insights and was directed to the Nizari temple. Despite initial barriers due to being outsiders, Umar’s persistence and sincerity eventually earned them permission to access the library within the temple premises.
Their persistent efforts finally paid off when, to their utter surprise, they were presented with the Sargozasht-e Seyyednā, the very artifact that was long believed to have been destroyed during the Mongol raid. With permission, they photographed the pages for translation. Umar’s research trip proved to be a resounding success, culminating in the discovery of the artifact that would fuel the project’s narrative.
“TRAVEL throughout the EARTH and see how He created LIFE for the First Time, and then Allah will Recreate it for a Second Time”
– The Qur’an Chapter 29 Verse 20
- From
June 2023
- To
June 2023
Sand Dunes
Death Valley, UT
SHOOT: FIRST TEST SHOOT OF THE CREED (ORIGINS)
One year after Mecca, on his 41st birthday, Umar turned his vision into reality – filming a concept shoot for Hasan bin Sabbah in Death Valley, CA. Umar gathered a talented and dedicated team to bring his main character to life visually. This was only the beginning…
“Turn your face in the DIRECTION of the SACRED MOSQUE”
– The Qur’an Chapter 2 Verse 144
- From
March 2023
- To
April 2023
Los Angeles, CA
RAMADAN 2023: ORIGINS CONCEPT
From a young age, Umar has been blessed with a profound understanding of art and its dissemination. Umar has always wanted to create an Islamic story with a Muslim hero as the role model for the younger generation. Initially, he believed that notibility was a prerequisite to pursue Islamic-focused projects aimed at sharing the teachings and principles of the Qur’an. However, over time, Umar came to realize that his vision is not bound by notibility but rather by a commitment to truth and authenticity.
After delving into research about Hasan bin Sabbah, Umar felt compelled to share the story of Hasan and the origins of the Creed, with its deep-rooted Islamic themes and values, to a global audience. Through this project, Umar aims to offer insight into the essence and legacy of the Creed, allowing the world to witness and appreciate its origins and teachings.
Due to the scarcity of information regarding Hasan’s appearance, Umar faced the challenge of piecing together details to create the character’s look. With Hasan being a Da’i, Umar constructed Hasan’s persona based on various appearances from multiple historical records during that era. Umar’s research involved studying visual representations of people in that region during that particular time, allowing Umar to make informed creative decisions about Hasan’s specific features: clothing, look, and weaponry. These ideas culminated in the conceptualization of Hasan’s character design to be translated on screen.
“The One who Brought the TRUTH and Those who EMBRACE it”
– The Qur’an Chapter 39 Verse 33
- From
September 2022
- To
September 2022
Sand Caves
Kanab, UT
LOCATION SCOUT: ADVENTURE
Every year, Umar celebrates Wolf’s birthday with a new adventure. This year, they embarked on a journey to Antelope Canyon, where they kayaked down a river, and explored the captivating surroundings. Intrigued by the beauty of the surrounding canyons, they decided to explore other natural sights in the area. During their exploration, they came across the Sand Caves. Upon arrival, Umar knew immediately that this location would serve as one of the stunning backdrops for The Creed: Chronicles. “You would have Thought they were Awake, though They lay Asleep. We turned Them Over, to the Right and to the Left, with their DOG stretching out its Forelegs at the ENTRANCE” – The Qur’an Chapter 18 Verse 18
- From
June 2022
- To
July 2022
W3AR3 HQ
Los Angeles, CA
W3AR3 INCEPTION
Upon his return from Mecca, Umar was deeply inspired by the knowledge he had acquired over his lifetime. With a renewed sense of purpose and a clear mind, Umar made a conscious decision to develop a project that aligned with his core beliefs and values. It was during this introspective period that the idea of W3AR3 was born.
W3AR3 embodies three fundamental values that Umar resonate deeply with: Knowledge, Vision, and Truth. Knowledge represents the accumulation of wisdom and insights gained throughout one’s life journey. It serves as the foundation upon which individuals can build their understanding of the world and themselves. Vision, symbolized by the Eye of Certainty, signifies the ability to utilize acquired knowledge to envision the creative and useful aspect of it to share with others. Finally, Truth emphasizes the importance of using these visions to navigate life authentically, accepting the reality without contradictions and staying true to one’s principles and belief.
Through W3AR3, Umar aims to promote these core values and inspire others to embrace knowledge, cultivate visionary thinking, and uphold truth in their life.
“You will SEE it with the EYE OF CERTAINTY”
– The Qur’an Chapter 102 Verse 7
