In this episode of Connect Vegas, host Ben Laifsky interviews Shahab Zargari, a Las Vegas-based filmmaker, marketer, and faculty member at UNLV’s College of Fine Arts. They discuss Shahab's multifaceted career, from founding a record label to producing award-winning films and TV commercials. Shahab also shares his passion for filmmaking and reflects on how his early love for cinema and marketing background shaped his creative ventures. The conversation touches on the growth of the Las Vegas arts scene and the importance of community support.

Highlights:

• Shahab’s record label journey, beginning as a personal hobby.
• Transition from marketing into filmmaking and directing his first film, The Crystal Crypt.
• His experiences working on commercial projects, including an award-winning commercial for Luxor.
• Insights into Las Vegas’ evolving arts community and its significance.
• Shahab’s role at UNLV and the importance of nurturing local talent.

Significant Quotes:

• “Either we close up shop… or we move it back into the hobby space. And a hobby can never go bankrupt.”
• “I was like, okay, I’m done not having confidence. Now I want to do something I’m interested in.”
• “Las Vegas isn’t just a place for headliners; locals here are creators too.”
• “Do what you love. If you’d do it without being paid, keep doing it.”