Step into the heart of cinematic innovation with our latest episode featuring not one, but two incredible guests: Rizwan Wadan and Nina Karwalska.
Together, they're leading the charge for diversity and inclusion in film.
Join us as we discuss how they're breaking down barriers in the industry and creating opportunities for everyone through projects like Futures in Film.
And find out what joining our 2024 Advocacy List meant to Rizwan.
Listen to learn:
- The importance of accurate representation and combating stereotypes
- The evolution of the film industry
- Challenges women face in balancing work and family in filmmaking
- Why we need initiatives like Futures in Film
Want to get involved with Futures in Film?
Contact: info@futuresinfilm.com or 01753785637
You can now nominate for the 2025 Northern Power Women Awards to be in with a chance of celebrating with changemakers, trailblazers and advocates on 6th March 2025! Nominate now at wearepower.net
Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here.
Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook
Sign up to our newsletter.
Step into the heart of cinematic innovation with our latest episode featuring not one, but two incredible guests: Rizwan Wadan and Nina Karwalska.
Together, they're leading the charge for diversity and inclusion in film.
Join us as we discuss how they're breaking down barriers in the industry and creating opportunities for everyone through projects like Futures in Film.
And find out what joining our 2024 Advocacy List meant to Rizwan.
Listen to learn:
- The importance of accurate representation and combating stereotypes
- The evolution of the film industry
- Challenges women face in balancing work and family in filmmaking
- Why we need initiatives like Futures in Film
Want to get involved with Futures in Film?
Contact: info@futuresinfilm.com or 01753785637
You can now nominate for the 2025 Northern Power Women Awards to be in with a chance of celebrating with changemakers, trailblazers and advocates on 6th March 2025! Nominate now at wearepower.net
Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here.
Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook
Sign up to our newsletter.
Hello and welcome to the we Are Power podcast Northern Power Women podcast. For your career and your life, no matter what business you're in. Hello and welcome to the we Are Power podcast. In this podcast, we're always talking to the most wonderful role models, sharing some of those great stories, how they got to where they got onto their professional career path and hopefully passing along to you some of those top tips, advice, guidance, life hacks that will help you navigate, whether it be your career, your life, whatever adventure you are currently on. And this week we have a two for one, which I'm really excited about. We have Rizwan Wadan, who is on the inaugural advocacy list for the Northern Power Women Awards earlier this year, and Nina Kowalska. Um, please, welcome both to the podcast. How are you both today over in sunny blackburn?
Speaker 2:hi, I wouldn't say it's so sunny, but yes, we're both doing. We're both doing well, thank you for having us on oh no, it's.
Speaker 1:I'm delighted, it's great to have both of you here because, uh, you were unable to join us. Uh, back in march were you at the awards? Uh, but you were. You're beautifully represented by, by nina. Who did you bring with you? Who did? Who was the? Who was our the youngster, our future talent that you brought onto the stage?
Speaker 3:right. So joe um has been on the program for about a year, coming on to about a year. Um, he's one of blackburn's finest, I would say. Um, he's been able to uh gain practical experience through our initiative which is a training hub, a technical innovation space. We have industry standard technologies there which participants can get their hands on so they can get the training they need, take the participants through an end-to-end process of what a production looks like, and joe has been a part of all of that over the years.
Speaker 3:He's gone through the initial stages of training, then he's worked on a number of productions where he's actually had trainee roles but then stepped him up to having more of a responsibility, uh on in in his department which camera department for him, and then he's also been able to get onto wall fall series two.
Speaker 3:So he's been on set and that he's also been on a paramount series called curfew which is going to be coming out as well. So joe has. Joe represents a few other members of his team as well and, uh, you know we're trying to make sure that talent are able to get um hands-on experience but also get an understanding of what it means to work on a production. So he was there to represent, because he deserved to be there, um, to kind of see where we're going and what this means for him as well in the northwest, and how the initiative is being recognized as well, because that's very important for young people to understand that the work that they're doing, the effort that's being made in the northwest, is also being recognized and just to sort of set the scene, you have multiple organisations.
Speaker 1:You've got Pixel, eye Pictures, futures in Film and Mr Helix. Can you tell our audience, can you describe, how that all comes together? Because you talk about it? They're very interconnected and very much in a sort of like your own circular economy, isn't it your own circular format?
Speaker 3:The best way I can explain this is that Mr Helix is a technology and it's heavily involved in technical innovation and development of industry technologies and how they work together to achieve a creative vision. And what that might mean in layman's terms and simple terms is that you might need to move a 25 kilo camera payload from somewhere very high and you need to bring it down to the ground, so you have to use cranes, you have to use wire rigs, you have to use various industrial equipment and you need to bring it down to the ground, so you have to use cranes, you have to use wire rigs, you have to use various um industrial equipment, and you have to figure those things out in order to achieve the director's creative vision, which is being executed by the dop or the grips working together. So that kind of explains what mr helix does. The pixel art pictures. Pixel art pictures is a. It's where we would say the creative, the production company is the production aspect of it, it's the creative aspect of it. Um, pixel art was born out of mr helix's corporate social responsibility to, to, to make um content as well, but also to facilitate the research and development of our technologies, and that nicely leads us up to Futures in Film. Futures in Film has been to create a pathway for one companies that are consistently, continuously carrying out innovation and R&D, so we would then create that. And when we create those productions, we would give the ability for those coming through the industry to step up on those productions, get experience on those productions, whilst also getting those from underrepresented groups an opportunity to get onto a film set to understand what happens on a film set. And we've been doing that the last 10 years.
Speaker 3:Refugees in Film as a whole has always been there, but over the last three and a half years we took a step back, a little bit, slowed down after COVID and thought, okay, we need to focus on creating the circular economy and giving it its own commercially sustainable structure so that, god forbid, not even that one day I'm not going to be here, mina's not going to be here, simone, we're all going to leave the world, and what do we leave behind? And it really made me think that I need to preserve this position for others who have come from a difficult background. Like myself, I don't come from a background where I've had a silver spoon or anybody in the industry or any networks or connections, and I thank God for that, firstly and foremostly, and all the companies after that that have supported myself to get to that position and I think after COVID, it was a real, really a way for me. Once I came up to the Northwest, I thought, you know what there's any places almost as good as any other, and if you remember that film, a Field of Dreams, if you build it they will come.
Speaker 3:And I thought you know what there is a need in the northwest or a hub to be created that connects back to the industry.
Speaker 3:And you know, for the last three years, you know, we moved up and we've been committed to that.
Speaker 3:Um, and there's a little, you know a lot of support from the public sector, like when we're down council, a lot of corporations, a lot of companies. Panavision directly supporters us a lot, sunbelt rentals, various companies I mean there's so many companies that have been that have recognized there's a need for support in the northwest for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, for women in film, for those from neurodiverse backgrounds, and that that's kind of been the core reason for me to and for us to sit down up near the northwest and say, actually we need to focus on building something that's going to have circular well, building a circular economy that's going to be um a lasting legacy for everybody involved, and that's all the sponsors, stakeholders, company and um the regions that are great benefit from that I love the fact that this circular moment that you have created and and we've given back it at heart and and and build more joes, if you like it, in the north of england and beyond to give him that exposure, that platform, that stage.
Speaker 1:Nina, we always talk about not having straight career paths. Did you always want to work in this industry?
Speaker 2:and that's that's a great question, saman. Actually, um, I never, although I felt like, uh, I always wanted to do something uh, film related, and I was. I loved film, I would. You know, as a teenager I would sit and and and watch a lot of films and study them not watch, but more study and really learn about how things are done end to end. And you know, that's something I always felt like I'd like to do, but I never felt, um, that that's an option that's possible.
Speaker 2:For me, it didn't seem very clear. How do you get in it? How do you make your way up? It didn't seem very clear then and for a lot of young people actually, it's not very clear now. Even, and I also, when I was around 15 years old, my mom, who was a single parent here in the UK and we had no other family here really she fell sick with cancer and then she ended up actually passing just after I turned 18.
Speaker 2:So, growing up and kind of seeing that, I really felt like I needed something stable and accounting seemed like a more stable option. So I kind of put the film and the creative thing to the side and felt like I need to do something that's that's not provide me some stability in my life. But you know, here here I am now over over the years, you know working actually um in the industry. So I've slowly I would say it's been a very slow transition and from accounting um, um, I've been able to to kind of start with doing some production management on some smaller productions and kind of managing basically all the different departments to pull a project together.
Speaker 1:Rizwan, you talk about sort of understanding and storytelling from a diverse perspective. How have you brought that into your world and into your work and why is it so important?
Speaker 3:So I picked up the camera because I felt the need to represent Islam and Muslims to the wider I would say the non-Muslim audience, global audience, because I felt that the storytelling around our community, our faith, isn't one that I believe is accurate at all. It's not a world that is a reality for myself. I don't agree with the way that narratives have been pushed, and I've also seen the damage that that's done over the years since 9-11, how on the buses, people would move away from me, how I'd just randomly get stopped, and so, therefore, when I made the air and terror campaign and when we went out with that around pubs across the UK and went into areas where people hadn't met a Muslim before, we could see the immediate response, without having to preach to anyone, that a lot of the basic information, which were shared values, weren't understood. But what I did see in 2020, when we were out during the pandemic, especially in the period we were documenting this as well where I would say hatred went on furlough. You know, there was a point when everyone was united, and we've documented that. We've got 149 days documented of the pandemic and we could see all those voices of hatred that disappeared and all the communities that were not united were united together. You know Muslims helping non-Muslims. You know Muslims working with Jewish groups, jewish groups working with atheist groups I'm talking about all the frontline volunteers and the frontline. You know teams.
Speaker 3:And so we had a common enemy, which was COVID. And so we saw how humanity works and how our country you know society in our country works, because we traveled all the way, from the South, all the way to Scotland, to the Northwest, to Blackburn, birmingham, all over the place, and I think what we saw was this common thread of everybody helping each other. So if that's a reality that can exist, because we have a common enemy which is COVID, why do we need to go back to hating each other again? There is a way for people to understand more about each other, and that's what it's about. I think. If people can understand our shared values between the societies within our communities, I think there's going to be a way for us to work together and get rid of some of the challenges within the communities where there's hatred.
Speaker 1:There's something definitely about that working together, it's that better together, the power of that, it really is. Love that. I love that, your phrase, that illuminating, that illuminating storytelling, which is really powerful. Nina, how do you see the film industry evolving in terms of diversity and inclusion and, um, how is your future?
Speaker 2:first, I think, not just contributing, but it feels like it's really the forefront of this um, yeah, so definitely futures in film that's something we're trying to champion is the kind of diversity and different voices within film. You know just to go back to your previous question as well, over the years as I've kind of worked my way up through, starting with some bookkeeping and accounting on productions and then production management and there's some ADing as well, and had my hand at some directing some commercial shoots as well we did with some clients. So over the years I've seen definitely a change in terms of the industry is more keen to have those different voices heard and voices from different backgrounds. Obviously, the film sector in the industry is massive. It's a massive contributor to the economy. There's a skills gap as well which we're addressing actually for futures in film. There's a massive skills gap in terms of, um, the technical roles as well, because that's not something you can just google or go to go, necessarily go and do a degree in. You know, these technical roles are very much industry specific in terms of learning on the job and in terms of practical learning.
Speaker 2:Well, that's something that we are addressing and how diversity and inclusion kind of fits into futures and sell and fits into the wider industry and actually and it's it's why we have a lot of support from from various companies that that we do or in the industry is, you know how to make sure that those different perspectives are heard and and and one showcase, um, you know, in front of the screen and behind the camera, and you know the industry is still very much south centric and london centric and as much as there's different ways people are trying to kind of tackle that um, kind of nepotism that still unfortunately exists and you know it's still there.
Speaker 2:But there's definitely a push from within the industry to have those different voices heard. So, for example, the trainees that we have here in Blackburn, you know they've been able to go on sets down south on BBC Drama, wolf Hall, on Paramount, on Sea Wolf, curfew. So we've been able to kind of patch that and address that and we've been able to provide opportunities to people that would not normally have those opportunities, because the opportunity, like I thought for myself, you know how do you get into film Maybe it's not something readily available either. If we are, if you're outside of London, if you don't know anyone in the industry, it's very, very hard.
Speaker 3:So you know we're trying to address that and we're trying to address that not as a kind of a tick boxing exercise and, simone, I think you got me on a trigger as well is one of the things that happens to me when you mention why I got into the industry and we've got to be conscious of what this, what your podcast and what your organization, and why we've been accepted, why I've been honored to be a part of the advocacy list. I can kind of, because I have ADHD and I'm neurodiverse as well. We're on the spectrum somewhere of getting that tested properly at the moment. But what we've set up the circular economy of futures in film it's about that. It's about creating a pathway for those that didn't have that before, you know, in areas and regions where they're disconnected from the industry, and for people to understand their strengths. So within our team we have talent who are neurodiverse, working with us to create a charter and implementing the the charter within the industry for neurodiverse talent, and we're working with a few companies to implement those and help consult those companies because they've got talent that are neurodiverse and how to create processes within the company for the team to understand how to get the best and turn basically turn that into a super strength for the team and how they can discuss and open those conversations, how reporting can happen, how, if there's a problem, how they could address that problem and work better.
Speaker 3:So Futures in Film is not just about content creation or storytelling. It's also about working within the industry to make it better, like improvements, and so consulting, make it better, like improvements, and so consulting. And within the northwest as well with it, for our talent. We're also teaching them how to be content creators, um, that for them to work for a local business, to make a promo, or how to make something. That how they can basically survive through, uh, that, through wanting to be a director which could take them 10, 15, 20 years.
Speaker 3:So what to do in between that, rather than just thinking I'm going to be a director, I've come out of university, I've got a degree, I'm going to be a DOP. Now, that's not how things work. There has to be a process which helps to nurture that talent, helps to get them entry-level jobs, helps to chip away and shape them a bit better. Help them to become own little businesses what? But to help work with little businesses to make content, whilst not destroying their dreams or crushing them, because the reality of the world may crush them and if you don't prepare, that can be extremely challenging for someone do you know what.
Speaker 1:It's absolute magic, um, and that you're you're. You're sort of delivering and passing on. You know you're using your power for good, right to pass on the skills, knowledge. It strikes me you're doing it with intent. You're doing it where you're setting up talent for success, not just sort of filling. It's not all about the shiny, sparkly. You're teaching them to be entrepreneurial, right, that's what you're doing as well.
Speaker 1:We do these monthly. We call them our power-ups, where we did one earlier this week where we had 80 students. We bring together the world of work and I want the mentors to be talking about the failure, where things didn't work, where the bumps in the road were, because it's not all shiny, is it? You know? And I think, the more that we can pass on that skills and knowledge, and it doesn't matter how small it is, so that you can go and have your side hustle or your side hack over there. So it's really important that you've absolutely taken the time to do it and this is why one of the reasons that's contributed to you being nominated and successfully on the advocacy list what does that mean to you? Because it senses for me you're very passionate about giving people a platform, a stage passing on that skills and knowledge. But how does it feel to have that spotlight shot on you and and as being that, ally and advocate?
Speaker 3:I think the hope is always um in the collective power, um, and I know that once you, you know they say your network is your net worth right? And sometimes, like we look at social capital, you know it's not all about money making and I think I'd advise everyone if you're thinking you're going to get into filmmaking and you're looking to make money out of it film is an expensive hobby try to use other people's money to do it right. That's me. They'll always be the advice and well, in terms of um us being nominated, I think um for us it's one is. We deeply honor that and we're looking forward to working together with the network and coming together and having these meetings and having, you know, consultation to say, look, this is our sector. Our sector involves, you know, it involves catering, it involves transport, it involves locations.
Speaker 3:The film industry is an industry in which there are specialists from every single field, so it is about working together with different organizations and companies and I think what you can do together with a network is phenomenal and the power of the collective is truly visible on a film set.
Speaker 3:It's visible through the production process because it is various people from different backgrounds, different skills coming together to do that. I think for us it's looking at the book. We're going to network and say, look, how do we grow this to not just make social, not just to generate social capital, but how can we work together to create jobs up here? How do we get together to kind of come together with the businesses so that we can create a little industry that can employ young people, that can help to bring back some of the business for independent film. That's always been taken by the states, you know, because we export a lot of our content. A lot of the companies that invest in the uk are foreign investment and why can't we be investing in the sector within the uk? And I think that that will take the group of people together who are business savvy and within the network we're hoping to get together with those groups and say, look, this is what we want to do, let's build this together and change people's lives, especially women.
Speaker 1:When I come to have a conversation with two amazing individuals like yourself and I'm out enthusiastically matched. I've met my match today with enthusiasm and it's wonderful. You know what you talk about social capital. You know ultimately dispelling the myth it's grim up north and creating those opportunities. It's better together collaboration. I'm really excited to be working with you and I know the community that I'm very proud to have created and built will be too, because it is that ecosystem, is that circular a piece? And it's. It's actually deeds, not words, and that's what you and Nina do and continue to do. Um, please continue to do that. Thank you so much for joining me. I have loved this conversation. Nina Rizwan, thank you. Thank you for having us.
Speaker 2:Can I add one more thing actually that I think is quite important actually for women, and so one thing that I found personally really challenging and I know a lot of women go through this as well is navigating career, especially such a volatile career and such a career that's tricky to navigate around motherhood. You know, how do you kind of balance those two things? Especially, we don't have a family support. You know a lot of people don't have a family support the kind of the childcare system here in the UK in terms of nurseries and nannies. It's all very, very expensive. So how do you navigate a career around motherhood, around making sure you're there for your children as well, but also having a full-time career? That's something that we're also addressing.
Speaker 2:Um, you know there's different options, for example, like job sharing or flexible work, working from home. So we're trying to find ways to, because there's a lot of women struggling. I know I struggled, I know I had a very hard time for, for a number of years, trying to, you know, build a career whilst also being there for a number of years trying to, you know, build a career whilst also being there for my children. So I think that's one thing that definitely needs to be addressed as well, especially in an industry where so many people are self-employed and like a film industry and you know, if you're sometimes out for a couple of years, how do you make your way back in. So we're trying to to address that and I hope it'll it easier for for women moving on and that's that same intent, isn't it, nina?
Speaker 1:it's that passing that skills and knowledge on, and it's also leading from this industry. How can your industry help shape for other industries? So it's for the benefit of your industry and your talent, but equally passing on that externally as well. It's. You are amazing, amazing, both of you role models. You are role modeling your industry, um, and you are role modeling the north of england.
Speaker 1:Thank you so much for joining me thank you and thank you to all of you for listening. What a conversation, rizwan and nina uh. So much to reflect on, so much to want to get involved in. I know many of you will be wanting to get involved. Now I'm going. What can I do? How can I get involved? Because this is a community out there that wants to do and give back um and really make that change from the north of england. So please do stay connected on all of our socials. We are power at facebook and linkedin and we are power underscore net on tiktok, instagram and and twitter. Please leave us review. This is a great five star for sure. Thank you all of you for joining us. My name is Simone. This is the we Are Power podcast of what Goes on Media Productions.