In my opinion, Mediazone (MZ) is not only the audio-visual hub of the University of Nicosia (UNIC) but also, it is my second home. Not only because I spend the majority of my time at Mediazone, but also because it is the place where I have been growing as a person and as a professional. Now, I am on my third academic year in UNIC and on my second year in Mediazone, as a student assistant. Therefore, I can say with confidence that I am more than glad that I decided to join the crew.
I am studying Digital Communications and Mass Media, concentration Film and Creative Media Production (BA). I find the theoretical and the practical courses of the university interesting, helpful and important. However, I personally believe that they are not enough. Practice and experience are also essential. Mediazone offers this opportunity: to practically use on a daily basis the knowledge that we get from our university courses. In fact, during the semester, we participate in multiple events where we are important members of the production with positions such as Director, Scriptwriter, Camera Operator, Director of Photography, Production Assistant, Gaffer, Editor etc.
Apart from the technical aspect of knowledge that you can gain in Mediazone, there is also the creative aspect of knowledge. Thus, in Mediazone, you can also explore your own creativity. During my journey in Mediazone, I have discovered both and I have also discovered my strengths and my weaknesses, on which I need to work on. While directing and editing you get to try new things, by learning from mistakes that you did in the past. The mentality of Mediazone is: no one remains in the same level of knowledge from the point he/her joins Mediaozne until the moment he/she leaves from there. During the time I have been a lab assistant in Mediazone, I have been watching how my fellow colleagues have been growing and have been evolving. That makes me realize that changes happen fast and also that is all thanks to Mediazone.
Furthermore, Mediazone taught me how to be a team player. In fact, it has been reshaping me, and I do like that. Such as in movies, character development is crucial. If you also want to work in this industry, you should know that, any type of creative media production owes its creativity to its crew. It is a fact that you will not choose, unless you are the Producer, the people you will be working with. One of the main things I have understood while working in Mediazone is that your communication skills and professionalism build your reputation. Finding a job in a company which has a bad reputation will be challenging, especially in a community such as Cyprus, where everyone, pretty much, knows each other.
Mediazone staff is responsible, reliable, respectful, responsive and understanding. These characteristics make our communication about any issue, whether it is personal or professional, very easy. Furthermore, Mediazone crew has taught me how to be able to receive criticism, something that anyone faces in regards to their art.
While working in Mediazone, I have already participated in many local and international, significant events such as Cyprus Film Days Festival, TEDxUNIC, Cyprus Career Expo, Tech Camp, Cyprus UNESCO National Committee, and many more. Not only this is my first official work place, but it is also connected to my future career. I cannot think of a better place for students who want to pursue a career in this industry. Therefore, I believe that it is the perfect opportunity for you as well, so you should also consider it!
Assem Zhekeyeva
Mediazone Student Lab Assistant
