About Alexandra
I am a developing media practitioner with a keen interest in observational documentaries for Television and Radio. I graduated from Birmingham City University in 2020 with a first class degree in Media and Communications (television). I have a passion for using media to tell stories. Along with being awarded the Charles Parker Prize 2020 for 'Best Student Radio Documentary', I have a range of media experience in both radio and television production that I am looking to expand upon. The work I produce is of a consistently high standard as I fully immerse myself into everything I do.
Be sure to look though the rest of my site for a look into what I can offer to the workplace.
RECENT NEWS
I was recently awarded the gold award for 'Best Student Radio Feature' for my radio documentary 'This Ain't My Life'. My work aired on BBC Radio 4 in August and is available on BBC Sounds. Quoted below is a section of the announcement and judges' comments following my award.
"This is a raw piece of campaigning journalism centred on one homeless man, Kane, who died on the streets of Birmingham. The material is very strong and the programme’s sheer documentary power packs a real punch. One judge said she’d had a “very immediate connection”; it was “well-researched, cleverly edited; urgent and important.” “This presenter is a real talent”, commented a second judge, “the writing, presentation and authorial voice are a cut above all the other entries. And the forefronting of the incredible, heart-wrenching piece of audio where Kane shouts “this ain’t my life” is reassuring of a producer who knows what they’re doing.”
Charles Parker Prize
Media Experience
BBC Radio
2020
Prior to airing on BBC Radio 4, I was given the opportunity to work on my radio documentary 'This Ain't My Life' with Soundscape Productions and my mentor Simon Elmes. This work consisted of rewriting and rerecording my voiceovers to a higher professional standard, and also having it re-edited with Soundscape's editor. The opportunity to work with such successful media professionals gave me a whole new insight into the world of radio production.
As part of my Charles Parker Prize gold award, I will also be attending a work placement with BBC Radio 4 this year. I am looking forward to this great opportunity, and will utilise my time at the BBC to the best of my abilities. As well as gaining new skills and experience, I will work on networking to increase my chances of gaining valuable contacts or further work.
FREE RADIO
2018-2019
My role at the radio station Free Radio as a ‘Street Star’, consisted of setting up for public events, arranging the transport and set up of equipment, and looking after members of the public during these events; all whilst being a representative of the company and maintaining the expected standard of service. I understand the importance of working in a team, and the vitality of delivering the high standard of hospitality to the public that is expected of the brand. This has given me an in-depth look into the radio industry, as well as given me some great experience in PA and Events Management.
ANDERSON ZAKS - MEDIA PRODUCTION
AUGUST 2019
I produced the most recent media content for technology company Anderson Zaks, including a promotional video, brochure, business cards, and website. This was independent freelance work, so I produced, shot, edited and designed these products independently. This placement taught me important skills about independent work and caused me to gain valuable experience in working for a client. Creating these products expanded my experience editing with Adobe PremierPro, Audition, and InDesign.
My Work
A LOOK INTO WHAT I’VE DONE
2018
MY ROLE - PRODUCER &
CONTRIBUTOR
FIGHT LIKE A GIRL
2019
MY ROLE - PRODUCER &
EDITOR
Anderson Zaks
THE BUZZ
MY ROLE - PRODUCER
2017
THIS AINT MY LIFE - RADIO DOC
'GOOD BOY OLLIE'
Tiktok
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
2021
Qualifications & Skills
AND INTERESTS
VIDEO, PHOTO, & SOUNDÂ EDITING
I am trained in editing videos with software Adobe Premiere Pro and Apple iMovie. I also have experience editing photographs with Adobe Photoshop & Adobe InDesign and sound with Adobe Audition. I am confident and competent with all of this software. See above for examples of my work.
SOCIAL MEDIA
In the space of 2 months I have grown a following on social media with 25,0000 instagram followers and close to 1 Million TikTok followers. I regularly produce videos for these platforms which have been featured on ITV's Lorraine, The Daily Mail, LadBible, and more. I am able to keep up with the ever-changing trends online and create new, unique content in order to grow my following.
POLO
During my final year of University I was the President of the Birmingham City University Polo Club. Under my presidency, our team won the SUPA Summer Nationals and were the top university team in the UK in our category. Running such a successful team has taught me how incredibly important the value of teamwork is. As president I also manage the club's money, organise the weekly lessons, and I also manage all paperwork regarding competition entry. This means that I have to stay incredibly organised.
PERFORMING
I have my grade 8 qualifications in LAMDA Speech and Performance, RAD Ballet, and LAMDA Acting all at high distinction levels. These qualifications mean that I am confident, and have the ability to present myself well to people. The number of shows I have performed in also has given me a great interest and ability in script writing.
Educational Experience
WHAT I’VE LEARNT
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY, BA (HONS)
2017 - 2020
I have recently graduated with a First Class Degree in Media and Communications (Television) from BCU. This degree has given me the opportunity to produce a live television show, a radio documentary, a social media campaign, and vital knowledge and skills I can use later in the workplace, amongst other things. I consistently achieved high first class grades across all modules through my three years at university, resulting in a first class degree demonstrating my high work standards.
THE HENLEY COLLEGE,Â
A LEVELS
2015 - 2017
I achieved 3 A Levels at high grades. Working on my A levels taught me very good time management as I was having to manage my time working between three subjects. This skill is essential for any workplace because no matter what I will be doing, I'll have a time to complete it by, and I always aim to meet deadlines.
CHILTERN EDGE SCHOOL,
GCSE'S
2010 - 2015
I completed 13 GCSE's grades A* - B. My time here is where I gained the work ethic that I have today - and is reflected in the grades I achieved. Studying an extra GCSE out of school hours taught me the important skills of applying myself and working hard. This is also the first qualification I have in Media Studies and is where I learned all of the basic media knowledge that still applies to the media industry today.
It's not just about good ideas.
It's about making good ideas happen.
SCOTT BELSKY
