Media Production Students - Where are they now? Aaliyah Yaqub

Meet Aaliyah Yaqub, a 2020 graduate BA(Hons) Media Production student who studied at Solent. We spoke to her to find about what she's been up to since graduating and how she's found joining the Film and TV industry!

Chloe: What have you been up to since leaving Solent, and how are you finding it?

Aaliyah: I'm currently studying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Production Management for Film and TV at the National Film and Television School. I started my course this September and it's been great so far, we have been able to continue operating under Covid restrictions so it has been good. I'm really enjoying the course, it's teaching me lots of really good skills such as setting up productions, budgeting, location management, production paperwork and a heap of people skills and problem-solving. It's very industry facing so we're learning everything the way it is done in the real world to best prepare us for when we graduate.

Chloe: It's great that you are continuing your studies at another great institution! What would you say have been your most valuable experiences from your time at Solent, which has led to the start of your career?

Aaliyah: I'd say one of the most valuable experiences I had was the process of producing a short film for my FMP. I had to set up the production of my film from the very beginning and do a lot of intensive planning and prep. I realised that I really enjoyed the process of production planning and management and it was what led me to look more into roles in production. Solent was also a great place for me to build different skills and the Media Production course allowed me to build the confidence to step into production roles. 

Chloe: You've built an impressive portfolio during your studies, what advice would you give someone interested in the same path as you?

Aaliyah: I would say work experience is so important, whether it is in the production office or on set. You really get to see how these productions run and the types of things that people deal with on a day-to-day basis. Also building your network and then keeping in touch with people is always important, especially when you enjoyed working with them. I always drop someone an email after I've worked with them to thank them and wish them the best as people really do appreciate it. You kind of have to treat each meeting with someone like a job interview, if they like you and think you are competent they might offer you work later down the line!

Chloe: Obviously you began the next steps of your career journey in a time of uncertainty and change, what challenges have you faced and overcome since graduating?

Aaliyah: I think the pandemic must have been the biggest challenge, which is quite an obvious one. The amount of uncertainty was difficult and not knowing what path to take. I did get offered a job in television which was a 6-month contract but I was also considering my options to do a year in post-grad. I'm glad I continued as I'm hopeful that my job prospects will be improved, and I'll be in a better position when I graduate from Film School.

Chloe: How do you feel the industry is going to move forward in the current climate and how is this affecting you being fairly new to the industry?

I think the Film and TV industry is coping really well with the current situation and have adapted so well to all the changes. Productions are up and running with Covid production protocols and methodology in place, covid supervisors, and thorough risk assessments. There's even more planning and consideration behind the way we work (it does mean more paperwork) but it keeps everyone safe. The industry will continue to move forward as it always does! It's been strange adjusting to all the changes and not working in the same way with lots of new challenges to the job. It's definitely improved my problem solving and ability to deal with pressure, you kind of have to prepare for every scenario. But I think if you can do it in Covid, you can do anything!

Many thanks to Aaliyah for taking the time to catch up with us, we wish her all the best in the rest of her studies! Check out her website and portfolio here.

Written and published by Chloe Webb

BA(Hons) Media Production

Solent Media