Conversations with Aya Aziz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aya Aziz.

Hi Aya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for visual storytelling was sparked by a love for editing, which began at a young age watching movies and flourished when my brother gifted me my first editing software in college. I channeled my creativity into creating YouTube videos from concerts and traveling with friends, using Instagram and YouTube as platforms for expression. This creative outlet led to a diverse client roster that I produced, shot, and edited content for to refresh their advertising & brand identity. Through these experiences, I honed essential skills in business, timeliness, self-representation, and aligning with brand visions—all while earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media.

In 2019, I interned at ESPN3 at Eastern Michigan University, where I had my first experience with sports broadcasting and live storytelling. Under the guidance of Associate Athletic Director Greg Steiner and Broadcast Director Erik Beehler, I learned the value of professionalism, hard work, and attention to detail. Starting as an Assistant Director, I dedicated myself to the craft, eventually earning the opportunity to direct broadcasts alongside Erik. Broadcasting basketball became a passion, complementing my growing video production business. I thrived on the energy of game days, from the three-hour pre-production setup to capturing every moment of action on the court, and the post-production meetings that focused on continuous improvement. Broadcasting taught me the importance of concise communication, the power of teamwork, and the necessity of honesty and accountability. It also instilled in me the selflessness required to let athletes shine on the court while skillfully narrating their career-defining moments to audiences at home.

The pandemic brought significant changes to the sports industry, prompting me to lean further into my video production business as social media became increasingly central. In the spring of 2021, I was fortunate to be selected for the Marcus Graham Project x Detroit Pistons Workshop. Over four intense days, I honed my networking skills, ideated on a larger scale for a Back To School campaign, and had my first official encounter with the NBA. By August, I found myself working with the Detroit Pistons, Red Wings, Bally Sports, and Detroit Tigers. That year was the most exhilarating of all, as I absorbed insights from talented broadcast professionals and applied them to my work. The strong relationships I built through networking laid the foundation for countless opportunities.

In February 2022, my mentors encouraged me to attend the NBA All-Star Games in Cleveland. Upon connecting with the RocketMortgage FieldHouse team, I was made aware and offered the role of Live Events Producer at RMFH and Cleveland Cavaliers. By July, I had relocated to Cleveland, diving into the dynamics and differences between television and in-house productions. For the first time in my career, I worked with multiple directors, allowing for shared responsibilities and a deeper focus on quality of in-house shows. My team’s support enabled me to direct basketball games while also managing and photographing other events. My time in Cleveland was incredibly enriching; I forged friendships with creative individuals, developed indispensable skills, and experienced once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Connecting with diverse industry professionals while visiting NBA arenas nationwide was an experience I deeply valued.

By Fall of 2023, I had established a robust international client base and decided to pursue video production full-time, all while knowing I missed the thrill of live-television sports broadcasting. This realization led me back to Detroit to direct for ESPN3 and manage a hybrid schedule between Detroit and Dubai where I aim to reconnect with my Middle Eastern heritage and engage with a region at the forefront of innovation.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a Michigander, I know that smooth roads are typically the result of ongoing construction. Nothing comes without effort, and my career is no different. Every detour has taught me patience and the importance of aligning my decisions with my long-term purpose. Especially in a creative field where I conditioned my mind to view every challenge as an opportunity to learn. I approach things with curiosity, which allows me the space to question why something does/doesn’t work, and seek inspiration if I’m ever in a rut.

My immigrant experience prepared me to face both good and tough times with resilience by always finding the silver lining. I learned early on how to wire my mindset for the best. I’ve navigated the challenge of balancing assertiveness and maintaining my default soft nature in a male-dominated field. As a Middle Eastern woman, I know I stick out in most spaces as there are very few of us. I’ve been overlooked in favor of male colleagues, but in the same breath, I’ve worked with many male colleagues who have mentioned my name in rooms they knew I belonged in, thus opening countless doors for me. There’s always going to be a balance, and I reassure myself that my passion and experience in basketball and creative storytelling speaks for itself and will belong where I’m wanted.

As a freelancer in a creative field, inspired by the mentality of basketball players, I’ve learned that preparation is my responsibility. This principle, echoed by many greats, influences every aspect of my life—both personal and professional. I can only control how I carry myself, convey my passion, hone my skills, and set high standards for myself and my team. This mindset made me a better mentor, driving me to seize every opportunity to smooth the path for those who follow.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a freelance photographer and videographer with a focus on enhancing brands’ digital identity through compelling photo and video production. I’m also a Sports Broadcast Director from Fall to Spring, where I direct live-sports productions with a keen attention to detail and passion for storytelling. Most days, I’m either shooting client photo/video projects or researching upcoming teams to thoroughly understand our opponents and craft their story for our home court/field. My experience encompasses capturing Fashion Weeks, directing NBA and college basketball games, to spearheading every detail of the MAC Tournament and Conference Finals.

I’m most proud of my ability to seamlessly turn my hobby into a professional career, as well as my journey to the NBA between the Pistons and Cavaliers where I collaborated with incredible clients and managed numerous high-profile events. Additionally, I take great pride in my basketball photography portfolio, where I’ve honed my skills in capturing fast-paced environments. Another source of pride is my longstanding commitment to Eastern Michigan University, where I’ve been an active crew member since 2019. Regardless of where my travels took me, whether flying from Colorado or driving two hours from Cleveland, I’ve shown that I’m always just a short trip away from supporting the place and people who nurtured my love for sports. Working with a talented team and being part of a supportive environment brings me immense satisfaction, and I look forward to continuing my journey with them for years to come.

What distinguishes me is my multi-hyphenated skills in photo, video, live-sports broadcasting, and stage presence all driven by a passion for storytelling and an unwavering dedication to my clients and team. Even as an intern, I arrived early and was the first to strike our set after game days. I knew that hard work was noticeable by people I respected; it’s how I was raised at home. My family’s legacy in Iraq and immeasurable sacrifice to immigrate us here is a constant reminder of how lucky I am, so I take every opportunity very seriously.

What makes you happy?
So many things make me happy, and it spans a wide array of experiences:

Quiet mornings where I practice mindfulness, meditation, mobility stretching, and journaling. These moments of solitude are essential for me to organize my thoughts and recharge, enabling me to be my best self to others. The contrast between the tranquility of these mornings and the high-energy environments I thrive in makes them all the more precious.

Traveling and sharing content with others. If I can make traveling to a new place less intimidating and more simplified, then I will share every detail I can.

Networking and discovering new creatives in my field. As aforementioned, I love learning from my surroundings and sharing what I know. It’s part of a creative’s workflow, to share. Some of my most meaningful relationships and mentors have emerged from these interactions.

Coming home to my house cat, Mlookhia. She’s a source of profound happiness. Since adopting her eight years ago, my empathy for her and other living beings has deepened. I was raised with so much love from my mother which ultimately deepened my bond with Mlookhs. Time spent with her and the other cats we’ve taken in is a cherished escape from the demands of everyday life.

Photographing basketball or simply attending a game. I didn’t grow up with sports. As an immigrant, our main priority was finding a stable home in a stable country with a strong education system. Finding an interest in sports in 2019 was a transformative experience. I read everything I can about Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Jaylen Brown, Dawn Staley, Maya Moore, Sheryl Swoopes, and countless others. Having these examples of sharp minds and endurance was enlightening, especially knowing how to listen to your inner voice positively and honestly. It seamlessly translated into my daily life. To view everything with curiosity, perseverance and patients. My world wouldn’t be the same without it, and I still feel that exact same joy each and every time I shoot or watch a game from home/arena.

Not many people know this, but exploring philosophy and astrophysics brings me immense joy. Most of my days are filled delving into the thoughts of Newton, Galileo, Nikola Tesla, Bohr, Marie Curie, Einstein, Aristotle, Ibn Rushd, and other great minds that fascinate me. My early college days had a few accidental philosophy classes, and it resulted in my current curiosity for life. The ongoing quest to understand the universe and all forms of beings enriched my sense of wonder and purpose. We’re surrounded with unexplainable magic everyday on this planet, and it’s a privilege to be here with the gift of time to contemplate our purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ayaazizcreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_aziz/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ayaaziz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AyaAziz
• Other: https://gondola.cc/ayaaziz