Sev Ohanian
Biography
m inspired by his own experiences. The film garnered international acclaim within the Armenian community, and its proceeds assisted in funding his education at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production.
Ohanian's career gained momentum with his role as a co-producer on "Fruitvale Station" (2013), a film directed by fellow USC alumnus Ryan Coogler. The movie received critical acclaim, winning both the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and later secured the Prize of the Future at the Cannes Film Festival.
In 2014, Ohanian collaborated with director Aneesh Chaganty on a two-minute Google Glass spot titled "Seeds." The short film became an internet sensation, amassing over a million views within 24 hours and earning Ohanian a place on The Wrap's Innovator's List of "Thought Leaders Who Are Changing Hollywood."
Ohanian's partnership with Chaganty continued with the thriller "Searching" (2018), which he co-wrote and produced. Made on a modest budget of $880,000, the film grossed over $75 million worldwide. It premiered at Sundance, winning the NEXT Audience Award and the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize. Ohanian was honored with the Sundance Institute/Amazon Studios Narrative Producers Award for his work on the film.
Following the success of "Searching," Ohanian co-wrote and produced "Run" (2020), a suspense thriller starring Sarah Paulson and Kiera Allen. Initially intended for a theatrical release, the film premiered on Hulu due to the global pandemic and became the platform's most-watched film upon its release.
In 2018, Ohanian co-founded Proximity Media with Ryan Coogler and Zinzi Coogler. Through this venture, he served as an executive producer on "Judas and the Black Messiah" (2021), a film that received critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. Proximity Media has also been involved in projects like "Space Jam: A New Legacy" (2021) and is developing an adaptation of the "Bitter Root" comic series.
Ohanian's contributions to the film industry have been widely recognized. In 2014, he was named one of The Wrap's Innovators Changing Hollywood, and in 2021, both he and his sister, Ramela Ohanian, were selected for The Hollywood Reporter's 35 Under 35 Rising Executives list, marking the first time siblings have been honored together in this category.
Throughout his career, Sev Ohanian has demonstrated a commitment to storytelling and innovation, establishing himself as a prominent figure in modern cinema.
