Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zuzana Martinkova. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zuzana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

As an aspiring producer and director, I am deeply committed to shedding light on topics that are often overlooked. My projects explore a range of themes, from disabilities to the daily struggles that many people face but go unnoticed by society. I believe that by raising awareness and sharing knowledge, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive world.

While some may question why I choose to focus on these topics, I know that it is essential to educate others and create empathy for those who may be marginalized or facing challenges. I am proud to share that my latest project, the short film “How I Sound,” is a powerful and meaningful portrayal of one individual’s experience.

As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, submitting the film to festivals, I am filled with hope and excitement. I know that our message will resonate with audiences and inspire others to become more aware and understanding of those around them. I am grateful for the incredible team that made this project possible and am confident that we will make a positive impact with our work. Wish us luck!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I initially stumbled into the entertainment and filmmaking industry, never really envisioning myself as a producer or director. Ironically, my childhood dream was to become a journalist or reporter, which I pursued by studying Sports Journalism in Scotland. While I loved the craft, I quickly realised that success would require me to completely lose my accent, which was part of my identity and persona, and I did not really feel like that is something I would like to do.

During my Bachelor’s degree, I produced a documentary as part of my thesis that followed the stories of eight war correspondents who risked and still risk their lives to do their job. I traveled to five different countries to interview these inspiring individuals, and the experience ignited a passion for filmmaking and production. My documentary, “Bullet Away,” was nominated for the Scottish Journalism Student Awards, which reinforced my desire to pursue this career path further.

When I got the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in Film and Media Production, I did not hesitate. Three years later and I am still here. Now I am continuing my education at UCLA and aspire to once hopefully complete and gain a Ph.D. in Film and Visual Studies. Alongside my studies, usually work as 1st AD, Producer, and Line Producer on various projects. Additionally, I am a part-time content creator with expertise in fashion and style photography.

I am a versatile individual with a deep passion for learning and applying my talents to various fields. While some may consider it a cliché, I strive to excel in every endeavor I undertake. My natural creativity and strategic thinking have allowed me to solve complex problems for clients more efficiently than others in the industry.

On one particular occasion, we were faced with a significant issue with the delivery of certain props required for a project that was fast approaching the shoot day. Despite the looming deadline, I made the decision to take on the challenge myself. I applied my skills to the task at hand, and my director was so impressed with the result that I was tasked with creating all the graphics for the feature film. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the value of creativity and resourcefulness, and I am eager to continue utilizing these qualities to overcome any obstacle that comes my way.

My creativity and complex thinking skills allow me to approach projects with a unique perspective, and I’m not afraid to tackle difficult topics. I’m committed to increasing representation of people with disabilities in the film industry, and hope to produce and direct projects that raise awareness about this important issue.

I take pride in my accomplishments and the hard work that led me to where I am today. Despite the challenges and obstacles I’ve faced, I’m grateful to be conducting this interview from my home office in LA, happy, proud, and excited to continue creating and producing meaningful content.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

As someone who has been in the entertainment industry for several years, I have encountered some challenges from those who may not fully understand what we do. The entertainment industry is always on, never sleeps and its constantly changing. And while we have designated hours for set and workdays, it doesn’t mean that we get to relax after. As a 1st AD or Line Producer, I am constantly on call, ready to handle any issues that may arise at any time of the day or night. This is something that people outside the industry may not fully comprehend. It’s not a typical 9 to 5 job, and it can be quite demanding at times. However, it’s all worth it in the end.

To succeed in this industry, you must have a passion for it and be willing to make sacrifices for your dreams. You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges, rather than staying in a comfortable bubble and not improving. The hard work and dedication pay off, and it’s a thrilling feeling to see your efforts come to fruition. So, even though the entertainment industry can be tough, it’s an industry worth pursuing if you’re willing to put in the work.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

It may sound unconventional, but one of the most valuable resources in the industry is your network. Despite the competitive nature of this field, many individuals are friendly, approachable, and willing to lend a helping hand if you ask. That’s why I highly recommend utilising your “people” as a resource. Don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. You don’t have to pretend that you know everything. In fact, being honest about what you don’t know can often earn you more respect and admiration from those in higher positions, rather than be caught lying. They can offer you their guidance and expertise, allowing you to learn and grow in your craft. It’s always better to be upfront than to be caught lying, as word travels quickly in this industry and your lie could potentially damage your future opportunities. So make sure to nurture your relationships and leverage your network.     

Contact Info:

• Website: http://sjumartinkova.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjuziem/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zuzana-martinkova21/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsA8dkFDKR60kCUJCT0VMOw
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/youbysju/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14825528/