Mediazone: Student Volunteers from half way around the world!

My career path has always been influenced by what I enjoy, but also by doubts and uncertainty about my skills when it comes to the real world. Being a volunteer at Mediazone not only reignited my passion for video production projects and storytelling—it made me realize how capable I can be when the best is expected of me.

 

What started as curiosity to work with professionals ended up becoming a feeling of being welcomed and appreciated in a family full of creative people—people I saw not only as friends but also as mentors. If Mediazone had a love language, I would say it is sharing and teaching. The girl who walked in for her first shift, nervous and small, is completely different from how I feel now: skilled and prepared. All thanks to the trust they placed in me; not long after my first interview, I was already covering an event with them.

My path here, although short, leaves me with good memories, valuable knowledge, and a clear sense of what I want to dedicate my life to. Being an exchange student in Cyprus brought many unforgettable experiences, but the people behind Mediazone are the ones I’ll keep closest to my heart—and in each project I’m part of in the future, long after I’ve left Cyprus.

It’s been an honor to be part of something so meaningful.
Thank you once again for the opportunity.

– Camila Muñoz Helguera – Exchange Student, Mexico, Mexico City

Multimedia and Design / Cinematography and film production

If you are a student in the Communications, or Design and Multimedia Departments and want to become part of the Mediazone team, apply today!

Apply Now! Don’t miss this chance to make an impact in the audiovisual world and your future.

** Apply Here! **

Fall dates: Applications open-> First week of August until the last week of November of every year.

Spring dates: Applications open-> First week of January until late-June of every year.

June 25, 2025 /  

GH5S vs. Your Eyes: Can You Match What You See in Camera

Have you ever been fascinated by how the human eye perceives the world? I was, and I wanted to capture that same natural perspective through a lens. One afternoon, while observing the new Bean Bar on campus, something caught my eye: the warm ambient light, fun doodles on the wall, and a neon sign that popped right out. It had this laid-back, cozy energy I wanted to preserve exactly as I saw it.

The human eye, with a focal length typically around 22mm, is often compared to a 50mm lens on a full-frame camera. So, to recreate that experience, I chose the Panasonic GH5S, which features a Micro Four Thirds sensor, and used the kit lens (12-60mm) but zoomed in to the 25mm mark.

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May 14, 2025 /  

MAKING NICOSIA LOOK LIKE A SCIFI CITY WITH EDITING

When I first heard about this project, my mind immediately went to cyberpunk. I imagined neon-lit streets, futuristic vibes, and a city that felt straight out of a sci-fi movie. My first instinct was to capture Nicosia at night, where the tall, modern buildings could help bring that aesthetic to life. At the same time, I knew that shooting in LOG, a flat, low-contrast video format, would preserves more detail, giving more room to play with colors in post-production. Continue reading →

May 7, 2025 /  

How to get a Cinematic Look with just a Tripod

When people hear the term “cinematic shot,” they often picture smooth slider or dolly movements. However, for me, it is quite the opposite. I find beauty in static tripod shots. They allow you to truly capture a moment, creating a calm atmosphere that encourages viewers to relax and observe what unfolds on screen. That’s why I was excited to write this blog, I knew I would enjoy sharing my approach to achieving a cinematic look with minimal equipment.

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April 25, 2025 /  

The Gimbal challenge: What’s the Longest Take We Can Pull Off?

What is the longest continuous take you have ever spotted in a film? Was it in Goodfellas by Martin Scorsese, with its mesmerizing three-minute tracking shot that kept your eyes glued to the screen? Or maybe it was in the war movie 1917, where the seamless cuts were nearly impossible to spot, with uninterrupted shots lasting up to 8 minutes. Regardless, one thing is for sure: We have a newfound respect for anyone who attempts a long continuous take.

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April 21, 2025 /  

The Role of Planning in Unpredictable Event Filmmaking

I was covering the Music Vibes party with my friend and colleague Elina who was directing and editing the video for the event. My role was lead camera operator for the night. I prepared a brief shot list that did not have enough details because I thought I could rely on instinct more than preparation. 

The mistake became clear later. I hadn’t planned my shots thoroughly enough, no detailed shot list, no clear structure of what moments I absolutely needed to capture. As the night unfolded, I improvised too much. When we reviewed the footage afterward, Elina didn’t have enough strong, usable shots for the final edit. She had to fill gaps with material from previous events, something that should never happen when you are covering a fresh experience. 

There was no one to blame; it was simply a lack of pre-production discipline on my side. The experience taught me that especially in fast-moving environments like parties or live events, preparation is as important as the shoot itself. A clear plan is essential in this kind of unpredictable environment, do not be tricked that your creativity will be limited, and like we say in Mediazone, plan for it and leave it all behind. 

Now, before any event, I build a detailed shot list: key angles, crowd moments, specialty shots, transitions, performer coverage, and backup options. I walk through the venue mentally, imagining the flow of the night. 

Before any live event, create a simple but detailed shot list and try to scout the location beforehand. Even 10–15 planned shots can save the entire edit and keep you from scrambling later. 

– Riad

If you are a student in the Communications, or Design and Multimedia Departments and want to become part of the Mediazone team, apply today!

Apply Now! Don’t miss this chance to make an impact in the audiovisual world and your future.

** Apply Here! **

Fall dates: Applications open-> First week of August until the last week of November of every year.

Spring dates: Applications open-> First week of January until late-June of every year.

April 15, 2025 /  

Behind the Screens: The Unseen Challenges of Running a University AV Department

Most people just see the final product—a polished video, a flawless live stream, a perfectly lit interview. What they don’t see is the behind the scenes effort. The last-minute technical glitches, the juggling of multiple projects, the race to fix something before anyone notices. That’s where Studio Assistants come in.

Working at the University of Nicosia’s Mediazone isn’t just about handling cameras and sound equipment. It’s about thinking on your feet when a microphone suddenly stops working or a file won’t export five minutes before a deadline. It’s about guiding students who’ve never touched a camera while keeping things moving for those who have. Supporting our students and staff in their practical courses means great ‘customer service.

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April 8, 2025 /  

“I’m with the Crew”

The word “crew” can mean a lot of things. You need a cabin crew to fly an airplane, a rowing team is also called a crew. From my very first event, Music Vibes, back in my first year in 2021, I wore the ‘Mediazone Crew Shirt’ for the first time. That black polo felt like armor, preparing me for a battle; directing one of the most crowded and highly anticipated Music Vibes events we had ever hosted. This was no ordinary event, it was the first one after COVID. The music blared through the speakers, students jumped and danced like there was no tomorrow, and my crew and I stood shoulder-to-shoulder, cameras in hand, ready to capture it all. It was chaos, it was exhilarating, and it was our moment.  

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March 26, 2025 /