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| With Gerard Butler and Gary Safady |
“Watch Gerard Butler delivers a searing performance in this explosive, action-packed story of an inspiring real-life hero. Butler stars as Sam Childers, a drug-dealing criminal who undergoes an astonishing spiritual transformation and makes a life-changing decision to travel to war-torn East Africa. After witnessing unspeakable horrors faced by innocent children, he vows to save them at any cost, including his own safety. Childers begins waging a relentless battle against the territory’s renegade militia, leading harrowing missions behind enemy lines to rescue kidnapped orphans and restore peace to their lives – and eventually his own”.
And now… Meet the movie’s Lebanese producer Gary Safady …
Gary Safady: Lebanese Background
Were you born in Lebanon or in the U.S?
I was born in the US.
How often do you visit?
I visited Lebanon nearly 20 times and most recently this past summer where I took the writer of my next movie Cobra 405 and an actor friend of mine, both of whom never had been.
What do you like the most about Lebanon?
I like the warmth of the people, the rich and diverse culture and the nightlife; all set along one of the most beautiful coastlines I ever seen.
What do you dislike the most?
The pain that the people of Lebanon have suffered over decades of instability and power cuts.
What are your favourite places there?
My grandfather is from Zahle; it’s a nice city to visit, but Beirut is where all the action and excitement lies.
Do you see yourself more Lebanese or more American?
I would say I am born in the US and proud of my Lebanese roots, and when people ask I say I am Lebanese.
What do you have in you (in your personality) that’s “Lebanese”?
My entrepreneurial spirit. I like to create, I like business, and I like to share in a grand vision.
Garay Safady Making Movies
From Finance, to Real Estate to Movies… How did this happen? Was production always on your mind?
I always like telling a good story or creating something from nothing. My real estate projects started with a small 500 square meter building and my last project including over 180,000 square meters of buildings around lakes etc. When I created a large ultra-luxury movie theater called Monaco Pictures, the production bug was in my system. When I heard of the incredible true story of Sam Childers life and the children in Africa , I instantly said this story needs to be told. Six months later, we are shooting the movie with Hollywood’s best actors and director.
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| Gary Safady On Location- Photo Credit Phil Bray |
What are the major obstacles that you faced shooting the movie?
There were no real major obstacles, everybody was such a delight to work with and I had a great cast and crew.
What’s the most precious memory that you keep from this movie?
The children on location in the film from South Africa. They were so lovely and a pleasure to work with.
Tell me something exclusive- that no one knows yet about Cobra 405, your next movie?
Let’s just say this is my passion project; it’s inspired by true events, bank heist, British SAS agents all taking place in Beirut, Lebanon in the 1970s.
Are you a workaholic?
Work never leaves my mind. I’m always thinking about the next deal…I suppose the excitement is what I live for.
What’s your own strategy for success?
Perseverance and persistence coupled with a grand vision.
Do you believe in Good Luck or hard work?
Both, I work hard and I believe I have had some lucky breaks in my time.
How do you spend your free time other than playing volleyball?
I enjoy Muay Thai kickboxing and Jiu jitsu, working out, dinner w friends and travelling abroad. When I travel, I get my best ideas and thoughts.
What are your dreams?
I’m blessed enough to be living it now.
If you could have one wish come true, what would it be?
My dream is to continue to be able to tell interesting stories, expand my film company and help rally support for causes like the one in “Machine Gun Preacher.”
One message to the Arab world, and Lebanese in particular…
To Lebanon, I salute my heritage and my cultural roots as I know the resilience of this country runs deep within my veins and because of that it has challenged me to be the best businessman I can be. I am very proud to say I am Lebanese!
For more on Gary Safady, Click Here to visit Safady Entertainment online.
