Working as an Assistant Producer on What About Me? has been an amazing experience and a real opportunity for personal and professional growth.When I first came across the opportunity, I didn’t know exactly what the project would look like and couldn’t picture how it would come together.
After researching Breaking Barriers and learning about the kind of community projects they were involved in, I knew straightaway that I wanted to be part of it and sent my application. I distinctively remember connecting with Parvez on LinkedIn to introduce myself, and was thrilled to be offered an interview, then the job.
At the time, I had just finished my BA in Film Production and had begun my MA in Production Management. I was in that in-between stage where you start questioning what comes next. I had the academic understanding of producing but not much hands-on experience, and I was looking for something that could bridge that gap. Working on What About Me? did exactly that and helped me build real confidence in my abilities as a producer.
Finding My Confidence
From the very start, I was welcomed into a team that treated me as someone with something to offer. Working closely with Jodie and the rest of the production team, I had the chance to get properly involved, from organising shoot days and liaising with SCL and provision leaders to leading production meetings and managing parts of the event. It never felt like I was just shadowing. It felt like a real collaboration that gave me space to learn, make decisions, and develop the confidence to lead my own projects in the future.
A Personal Connection to Salford
Even though I’m not originally from Salford, my Grandad is, and I’ve always felt connected to the city through him. He’s always spoken with so much pride about the city’s culture and rich history, often showing me places tied to his own life story, a true Salfordian through and through. That pride inspired me to join this wonderful project, which not only connects to my own family history but also explores Salford’s identity through the voices of its young people. It was especially meaningful that we hosted What About Me? in Parr Fold Park, the park opposite my Grandad’s house. That place holds a lot of memories for me. I remember spending half-terms there with my brother, playing on the swings, riding bikes at the skatepark, and singing in the band stand. Coming back there years later to help tell the childhood stories of young people in Salford felt poetic. It was like helping to capture their memories in the same park that shaped so much of my own.
Learning Through Collaboration
Before this project, most of my experience was in independent filmmaking, so I was used to smaller teams and short film shoots. What About Me? was something completely different.It was a large-scale outdoor event that brought together sound, film, projection, and community storytelling. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to a new way of working.The process was incredibly collaborative. The Young Company model encouraged us to take initiative, lead on ideas, and support each other’s growth. One of my favourite experiences was helping to create our own Creative Mixer for young artists in Salford. We were given a budget and total freedom to plan and deliver it. We worked through everything together, from choosing the venue to managing the budget. Seeing it all come together was so rewarding and gave me a real sense of how to take a project from an idea to reality.
Reflection and Growth
Looking back, I can see how much this experience has shaped me, both as a producer and asa person. Since joining What About Me?, I’ve completed my MA, released a documentary, and continued developing my own creative projects. But what has stayed with me most are the lessons from this experience.It made me reflect on my own professional journey, specifically during my A-levels when I went through financial hardship and experienced a period of homelessness. Looking back now, this project reminded me how far I’ve come, but also how much my passion for the creative industries kept me going during that time. My aspirations to build a career as a producer gave me something to work towards, they pushed me to complete my A-levels and go to university to create a better future for myself. It is possible that potentially some of the young people on this project are facing their own challenges and hardships makingWhat About Me? all the more rewarding and inspiring to me.
What I’ll Take Forward
If there’s one thing I’ll take from this experience, it’s how valuable the Young Company structure is. It’s a model that gives everyone, regardless of their experience, the confidence to contribute and take ownership of their work. It creates a sense of equality and shared purpose that makes the creative process stronger.When I go on to lead my own teams in film or television, I want to carry that same approach. Everyone has something to offer, everyone’s voice matters, and we achieve the best results when we lift each other up.
Working on What About Me? has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey so far. It connected me to my roots, strengthened my confidence, and showed me the power of collaboration and creativity. It’s been a privilege to help bring this project to life, and I know its legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
About
I am a passionate new entrant in the film and television industry, recently graduating with a BA in Film Production and an MA in Production Management for Film, TV, and Digital Media from the University of Salford.
Currently working as a Location Marshal and Runner on scripted productions, I am developing my on-set experience and expanding my understanding of production logistics, coordination, and team operations. My long-term goal is to progress into Production Management roles within scripted Film and High-End TV, helping deliver ambitious creative projects with precision and care.
Alongside my industry work, I continue to create as an independent filmmaker, producing and directing short film projects. These experiences have honed my abilities in budgeting, scheduling, leadership, and storytelling, giving me a strong foundation to bridge creativity with production management.