A.J. Kamdar is a 25+ year veteran in the world of Marketing/ Advertising, having been recognized for his pioneering work in the Field of Marketing Technology. He was recognized for the highly prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award for his AI (Artificial Intelligence) Driven Marketing Software Company that was being used by some of the biggest Consumer Brands in the World. While he carved out a niche in the Advertising & Tech World, his passion always lied in the Visual Art & Science of Storytelling.
Being born and raised in New York and growing up in the 1970s and 80s, he was a fan of NYU Film Alumni, Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee. These 2 directors (whose cinematic styles are at the opposite ends of the film spectrum) captured the realism of NYC through in-depth layers of character development and deeply penetrating content that struck a nerve. He is also heavily influenced by other visionary NYU Filmakers, including The Coen Bros, Ang Lee, M. Night Shamalyan and Oliver Stone. He even went as far to apply to NYU in 1987, but decided that it was not the right timing.
Fast forward 35 years later and after launching 2 Food Companies, A.J. really wanted to integrate and meld his cinematic and technology passions by creating an Industry First – the first AI Interactive Shoppable Food Film that integrated the Art of Visual Storytelling with the Science of Behavioral Psychology.
He wanted to create a visually stunning interactive Food Film that leveraged their current Brand Ambassador Nadia Mejia’s career, passions, and interests. Nadia is who he calls a Millennial Renaissance Woman. She is a highly sought-after Fashion Model and works with a number of high-end clients, including Guess. She also is a Foodie who immersed herself in global cuisines at an early age. And she invests heavily into her Health & Wellness Lifestyle. These three passions of hers are what A.J. wanted to bring to the screen and gave birth to the Title - "A Day In The Life Of Nadia".
His narrative played to her Fitness Routine (Morning), Fashion Model Assignments, (Afternoon) and her Love of Food & Cooking (Evening) that she learned from being exposed to Latin and Mediterranean flavors. The result are narratives that capture Nadia in her element, bringing to the forefront her fun, inviting and beautiful aura - while recreating a nostalgic component for Nadia.
It was truly a collaborative effort as our Talent Director, Jules Newmark pulled all the pieces together, bringing the immensely talented Cinematographer, Joey Newell and our visionary Celeb Photog, Jorden Keith, who in fact makes a cameo. We then worked with Hasani Wharton and Oscar Rodriguez at DCCAPTL, who layered on state-of-the-art AI Driven technology that allowed you to literally, Shop the Film! It was cutting edge, but it also hinged on what we call System 1 Research. The intuitive and instinctual thought-process that leads to decision making. To become the automatic purchase is the greatest success a brand can achieve—and it requires the creation of content that leverages System 1 brain processing.
It is surreal to think that we have won a number of Grand Jury Awards for an artistic vision I had created in my head and that had been seeded over 40+ years ago. Watching my director heroes tell thought-provoking narratives with deeply moving storylines, has left permanent imprints in my creative vision. It is deeply humbling, intrinsically rewarding and I am truly honored. I am excited to continue the journey and look forward to my next project.