An award-winning writer-director in film & commercial based in Shanghai, China 📝 🎬 🏆
In the bustling heart of Far East Asia, a visionary storyteller rises. Iwata Sam aka LIU is an award-winning writer-director in film and commercial festivals whose narratives transcend the ordinary. Once the enigmatic force behind M&C Saatchi’s TV division from 2013 to 2019, he now helms 38pro Film Ltd., weaving compelling stories and crafting cinematic experiences that blur the lines between reality and imagination.
With over two decades of experience in the Asian markets, he has collaborated with a constellation of high-profile stars, including Cindy Crawford, Nicole Kidman, Karlie Kloss, Alessandra Ambrosio, Manny Pacquiao, Alex Lundqvist, Clement Chabernaud, Parker Gregory, Maggie Cheung, Gao Yuanyuan, Yang Mi, Lareina Song, Zhou Xun, Zhang Ziyi, Dilraba Dilmurat, Sun Li, Hu Ge, Chen Kun, Tong Dawei, Zhong Hanliang, Zhang Yixing, and the eclectic band Pet Conspiracy.
His impressive client roster spans global and regional giants such as AEGON THTF Insurances, 'American Standard,' "ANTA Sports Products Limited," 'Ballantine’s,' BYTON, Carslan, Castrol, Cetaphil, "Chow Tai Fook," Clé de Peau Beauté, Coach, Crystal Galleria by FuBan, 'Dove,' "Estee Lauder," "FILORGA," Hang Long Properties, Huarun Paint, JingDong, K-Boxing, Kang Shi Fu, Lancôme, Lenovo, MAGNUM, Microsoft, NACA Pre-wedding Photo Service, Panasonic, "Piaget," "Platinum Guild International," SGMW BaoJun, Shuion Land Properties, Shiseido, Tsubaki, Sony, SSCAC, TMall, UNIQLO, ZhenGongFu, ZhenJiu, and more.
"Global Client"; 'Asian Pacific Client';
Quarter-Finalist
METEMPSYCHOSES - THE ECLIPSED DESTINY
Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards - Diversity Initiative v
Los Angeles
2023
Semi-Finalist
Breaking Free 2022
Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards Diversity Initiative
Los Angeles, California
2023
Semi-Finalist
Breaking Free 2022
New Filmmakers New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
2023
Semi-Finalist
Breaking Free 2022
The Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards - 2022 Diverse Writer Outreach
USA
2023
BEST THRILLER
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
4th Dimension Independent Film Festival
Bali
2022
Best Thriller Film
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Cineplay International Film Festival
Online
2022
Best Thriller (Main Category)
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
EdiPlay International Film Festival
ÉVRY
2022
Semi-finalist
Breaking Free 2022
The Wiki Screenplay Contest!
USA
2022
Quarter-Finalist
Breaking Free 2022
Storypros International Screenplay contest
USA
2022
Best Social Script
Breaking Free 2022
Gold Star Movie Awards
Newark, New Jersey
2022
Best Unproduced Script in a Feature Film
Breaking Free 2022
Hong Kong Indie Film Festival
Hong Kong
2022
Critic' Choice Award
Breaking Free 2022
World Film Carnival – Singapore
Singapore
2022
SPECIAL MENTION
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Tokyo International Monthly Film Festival
Tokyo
Best Thriller
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Little Buddha Indie Film Festival
Kathmandu
Award Winner
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
World Film Carnival - Singapore
Singapore
Best Asian Short
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Dubai Independent Film Festival
Dubai
Best Cinematography / Best Production Design
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Latin America Film Awards
Rio de Janeiro
Simi-Finalist
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Phoenix Shorts
Ottawa, Ontario
Best Thriller
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Toronto Indie Filmmakers Festival
Toronto
Finalist
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Independent Shorts Awards
Los Angeles, California
Award Nominee
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Indie Short Fest - Los Angeles International Film Festival
Los Angeles. CA,
Gold Award Editing
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Hollywood Gold Awards
Los Angeles, California
BEST THRILLER / BEST FIRST TIME DIRECTOR
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Only The Best Film Awards
Miami
Best Mystery
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Oniros Film Awards - New York
New York,
Best Thriller - Award of Prestige
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Vegas Movie Awards
Las Vegas
Best Mystery Film
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
New York International Film Awards™ - NYIFA
New York City
Semi Finalist
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Stockholm City Film Festival
Stockholm
Best Scenography / Best Opening Credits
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Fox International Film Festival
Saint-Petersburg
Best Thriller
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Snow Leopard International Film Festival
Saint-Petersburg
Best Thriller
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Moscow Russia International Film Festival
Moscow, Москва
Best Short Film
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Indie Movies Spark International Film Festival
Utrecht
Best Thriller
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Kiez Berlin Film Festival
Berlin
Best Thriller
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Berlin Indie Film Festival
Berlin, Berlin
Best Short Film
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Auber International Film Festival
Paris
Best Thriller
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Paris Cinema Awards
Paris
Best Thriller Short
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Sweet Democracy Film Awards
Rome
Best Mystery / Best First Time Director / Best Cinematography / Best Supporting Actor / Best Young Actor / Best Sound Design
METEMPSYCHOSIS 2021
Rome International Movie Awards
Rome
College
University of SouthWestern Louisiana (University of Louisiana at Lafayette)
Business administration
High School
Quantock School, Over Stowey , Somerset., UK
Birth Date
March 14, 1969
Nickname
Sam Iwata aka Liu
Birth City
Taipei, Taiwan
Current City
Shanghai, China
Hometown
Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
Height
175cm
Gender
Male
Ethnicity
Asian
Eye Color
Brown
Zodiac Sign
Pisces
Married To
Hidaka Airi
Children
Iwata Mina Natsumi
"IF YOU WANT TO BE A GREAT DIRECTOR, BE A GREAT SCREENWRITER" - Korosawa Akira
"You never know how or when you'll have an impact, or how important your example can be to someone else." - Denzel Washington
An award-winning writer-director in film & commercial based in Shanghai, China 📝 🎬 🏆
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