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Saira Umar is a writer and creator based in Los Angeles. After applying for many writing fellowships, she landed a spot in the PBS Writing Program, leading to her first produced script for PBS Kids' "Skillsville." Meanwhile, Umar also worked on projects like Netflix’s “Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld,” “Digman!,” “KEVIN,” and is currently working in production on a show at Marvel! When she’s not working, Umar volunteers with Asians in Animation, previously leading their social media creation team, but most recently running their TV production program to create the pilot animatic “Tea Leaves Last.” Read on to learn more about Saira Umar and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Name: Saira Umar
Heritage: Burmese, Chinese & Pakistani
Hometown: Potomac, MD
Current City: Los Angeles, CA
Current project: Marvel Animation
What are some of your favorite credits/projects:
I've been very lucky to have been able to work on a lot of projects that I love – my current one at Marvel is a dream come true, “Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld” will always hold a special place being my first industry credit and with the type of show it was – Asian representation both on/off screen and so unapologetically anime/kpop inspired, “Tea Leaves Last” for being the first project of that scale I've led and really did every part of, and “Digman” was just a really fun time, and is about archeology, one of my interests.
Any advice for young people getting into the arts?
Let your passion drive you. If this is what you want, never give up, and stay true to your voice.
How did you get your start?
I went at it from many angles – while I wrote scripts and applied for every writing fellowship and program I could, and at the same time I also interviewed for production jobs. So my first steps were the PBS Writing Program in 2021, which led to my first produced script with PBS Kids, and as a Design Production Assistant on “Jentry” for Netflix at Titmouse in May 2022.
Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you'd like to share?
Showrunning & finishing a 44 minute original pilot animatic (Tea Leaves Last) with a crew of more than 100 other Asian talents over 8 months.
What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career?
There are many things that are out of your control – rough patches in the industry, trying to find your way into the room, and working to get yourself out there and working with the available opportunities. I've tried to do as much as I can to make my own opportunities and make my own space.
What are some interesting facts about yourself?
I have a multi-faceted background – I've auditioned for Broadway, worked as a cancer research fellow for the government, been a middle and high school teacher, worked at every park in Disney World, and, unrelated to work, I'm also allergic to fruits and vegetables.
Do you have any organizations or non profits you work with you’d like to highlight?
I've volunteered with Asians in Animation since 2021, leading teams for their social media graphic design, art and writing creation, their production programs, and writers group. It's been an amazing way to meet fellow emerging Asians that work in this industry.
Did you always want to be in the arts or did you have another path before you got here?
I've always wanted to do something creative. In middle school, it was fashion design, being inspired by Winx Club, Project Runway, and the Disney Animation Academy. In high school, I started writing my first novel and got into musical theater. In college I started out as a Musical Theater/Psych major, and tried to create my own interdisciplinary Storytelling major combining all these interests before settling on a Studio Art major. All this was leading towards working as a writer, showrunner or creative producer.
Do you have any side projects you’d like to highlight?
Recently finishing “Tea Leaves Last” (mentioned earlier) -- a 44 minute pilot animatic that I created and worked on many parts of the pipeline alongside a crew of over 100. We did this at industry scale and pace, based off of schedules used at major studios like Netflix and Amazon. Besides this, I'm still working on writing novels and scripts, as well as content creation for social media.
If you come from parents who aren’t in the arts, what parts of them do you see in yourself that have helped you succeed in the business?
Both my parents are scientists/researchers, and are very hard-working and curious. They also fully invest themselves in their endeavors, and aim to exceed expectations.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
Keep trying, keep doing, things take time, but keep going.
What skills did you find to be the most helpful in your career?
Being quick & responsive (good communication), being observant, responsible, memory & organization, being able to see the big picture and also break down things into processes and pipeline -- thinking critically/analytically about things and questioning them to improve them and increase efficiency, curiosity and passion and drive/determination.
If you work in more than one facet of the arts industry, tell us a little about what else you do!
I currently work in production management while also screenwriting, and use that opportunity to work with established studios and experienced people and pipelines to learn as much as I can about the process and how to build the strongest and healthiest team that is conducive to storytelling. On“Tea Leaves Last,” I was able to work on truly every part – from writing, to designs, to storyboarding, voice acting and singing, composing, editing, marketing and of course production too.
What are some goals you hope to achieve?
I'd like to showrun an original show. I'd also like to publish a book. Some other fun things that would be nice is to develop a board game or escape room. Overall though, I'd like to spend my time telling meaningful stories.
What helped you most to rebound from what you considered your biggest failure or mistake in your career?
Rather than having any one big failure, most of my journey has been constant rejection, something not atypical of any creative industry, but the more I go through, the easier it gets. You just have to stay the course and use each no as a step towards a yes. Only you can give yourself the resolve to keep going.
Where do you draw inspiration for your work from?
I'm always learning, and curious about new things. Constantly consuming and exploring from TV and Movies, to music, books, games, and going out into the world to look at history (as it so often repeats). There's inspiration everywhere, you just have to give yourself the time to let your mind marinate on all you take in.
What kind of stories do you most enjoy creating?
I love the young adult and family friendly age range, stories that are enjoyable for all but have deeper themes and meanings for those who want to find it. I like to explore themes of identity, morality, culture and often with a fantastical element. I love mythology and exploring nuanced characters and relationships that feel authentic yet elevated.
When you are creating an art piece or design, what is your process for creating that?
Since I work in many different mediums, it differs, but usually I'll have the spark or idea, write that down and then just let it simmer for a bit, collecting thoughts for it in my head until it feels ready and can burst out on the page as writing or art, and I can usually get out that first draft or sketch in a decent shape. Then take a break and revisit it with fresh eyes as I shape and chisel and refine it.
To find out more onSaira Umar, please visit her at:
Website: https://sairaumar.weebly.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sairaumar/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_princessSaira_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sairaumar
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