He began his career as a model right after having won the golden medal in the talent show “Studio El-Fan 2001-2002″ under the modeling category. A year later, he was crowned Mister Lebanon 2003 and sent to the Mister World 2003 contest where he earned the 1st runner-up title, the best achievement ever for Lebanon in this international male pageant. Since then, he took part in several fashion shows, and he starred in more than 15 video clips and 120 TV ads. Meanwhile, he managed several nightclubs, worked in public relations and handled many artistic and social events. In 2007, he opened up his own production house. Besides, he became a partner in a real estate agency in 2009.

Ambitious, optimistic, dynamic, energetic, modest, sociable, friendly and down-to-earth, those are the characteristics of Mister Lebanon 2003, Assaad Tarabay, who talked about his latest achievements and his career as film producer exclusively in this special interview on “Lebanese Beauty Press”. Feel free to comment and give your rating below.

Lebanese Beauty Press: We know a lot of things had happened in your life since your election as Mr Lebanon 2003. Name a few achievements that you are most proud of.

Assaad Tarabay: Winning the Mister Lebanon title was definitely a door for many opportunities, my past achievements include the following:

• First runner-up of Mister World 2003
• I acted in several films in Lebanon and abroad
• I opened my own production house “T Group Productions” producing several projects: “Help”; “My last Valentine in Beirut” in 3D,  TV ads and shows
• I partnered in several hospitality businesses such as “Palais”, “Life” to name a few.

Right now, I’m handling the public relations and marketing department of “Life Multipurpose Venue“.  I’m also partner in “Prime Properties” which is a real estate agency.

LBP: From running bars to producing movies, what was behind this big transition?

AT: I am running few hospitality venues, and I can say that it also introduced me to the right people, and there is no reason to move, but maybe in the next coming years when I decide to get married I will have to focus on daily business and move away from the night life scenes, but till now I am enjoying every single moment of it.

LBP: How did the title help you move forward towards your career and dream job?

AT: It made me more known, and gave me confidence towards my work, and helped me move faster towards my dreams.

LBP: You were the producer of a couple of movies, and your most recent one is “My Last Valentine in Beirut” written by director Salim El-Turk. Tell us a little bit about the story of this movie, and what major problems did you face while executing the movie?

AT: It is the first 3D romantic comedy film in the Arab World, and I am proud to be producing that, being the first production house to do that. It was a really interesting experience, and believe it or not, we never had a bad day, maybe we had some different opinions about some scenes, but they were addressed in a professional way. Salim is a great director and professional in his field and I am definitely repeating this experience.
The story talks about many controversial issues, pinpointing them and how we treat them as Arabs. It is one of the funniest and smartest films you will ever see, and the 3D in it is better than “Avatar”!

LBP: How do you expect the reaction of the Lebanese and Arab viewers to this movie?

AT: I am hoping the reactions will be positive, cause the quality of the film is of Hollywood standards. I am very happy of the outcome of the film, I recommend everyone to go and watch it, and I am sure they will be impressed. I bet on that! The subject of the film will get people to the theaters, and also 3D factor is definitely a seller, not to forget that Salim name is considered to be one of the leading directors in the Arab world.

LBP: Where do you see yourself going in the film industry?

AT: I am meeting several producers all over the world, and I’m reading several scripts from Europe and USA, also I am producing all future films of Salim since I was very pleased to work with him, so I guess in the near future you will hear a lot of my new work and I will keep you posted!

LBP: What was your favorite movie in 2011?

AT: The best movie in 2011 is “My Last Valentine in Beirut”, hehe, well it is… In fact I loved all the Lebanese films, and I am supporting every single Lebanese movie since the quality has improved a lot lately.

LBP: Have you seen “Cash Flow”?

AT: Yes I have!

LBP: What did you think of it?

AT: The director is my friend, so I can’t but say I am happy he made it at this young age. It is a simple film, nice script, funny scenes. It is a good first step for Sam Koujan, and I wish him luck in his future work.

LBP: Who deserves the best director and best actor award in Lebanon?

AT: Best director: Salim Turk; Best actor: Lorraine Kodeih.

LBP: Back to beauty contests, how did you like the Mr. Lebanon 2012 contest?

AT: I was invited by Mr. Nidal Bcherrawy, but I overslept that Sunday and I couldn’t see the contest, and when it was broadcasted on TV I was at work, so I didn’t see it, but I heard the winner deserved it.

LBP: At the end of this interview, what do you like to say to our readers ?

AT: Support the Lebanese film industry, go watch every movie produced by our Lebanese directors, and spread the good word!

Love each other, think positively. Love yourself, nothing deserves to bring you down. You are the reason for your happiness, enjoy every moment of your life, be proactive, do everything, don’t let anyone stop you on your way. (I worked in more than 50 projects, failed in most, but it made me a stronger man.)

Enjoy life, enjoy the wine, the bread, the kiss, the trip, the hug. Think of the present, forget the past, focus on the NOW and the future, your time will arrive, and most important thing: thank your God for everything, there is always a reason for our existence at the end.

- Check out ”My Last Valentine in Beirut” trailer on YouTube.

- Visit the movie’s official website: “My Last Valentine in Beirut”.