Meet Ariana Malik of Los Angeles / NY

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Malik

Ariana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my career at Dick Clark Productions / Atlas Entertainment. I soon realized I longed to be on set rather than in an office. I started working for the camera department as a 2nd AC / loader but my heart was not in it. Not long after I came across the most personable 1st Assistant Director I’ve met to date. This person took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I was grateful and excited all at once. The job allowed me to have a hand in everything and to set the tone on set. More often than not the sets I had previously been on lacked organization and clear communication. I was determined to bring that to the table. As I rose in rank on set I was Directing my own independent works and gathering my tribe of talented artists. The storyteller in me was finally allowed to run free! Directing my shorts allowed me to have full control over creative and my tribe helped embellish that vision. It takes a village and I am forever indebted. My job and connections have helped me get to where I am today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe what you give, you get. Los Angeles has been good to me because I’ve approached situations with a positive, proactive attitude. Just remember you’re not getting a handout, the effort you put in is what you get back. Time was/is a struggle, evolution takes time.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My team and I are developing a project based on true events of an unexpected friendship that unfolds between two unlikely beings. We are currently in the financing stage of production. My long-term interests in storytelling focus on returning to our roots, to explore tradition and ritual across the globe, and remember our forgotten connection with Mother Earth. My curiosity for deeper meaning throughout the years has expanded my awareness and I now have a better understanding for the unseen energies at play. I aspire to act as a conduit and transmit this knowledge to the screen.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During the peak of Covid-19, I decided to shut out the noise and go back to Source. I devoted my time to yoga for a 200-hour certification. During that time I remembered my body was my temple and I was in fact not helpless but very powerful. Redirecting the focus and intentionally shutting out the world gave space for memories to resurface. Memories I thought I had long since buried. I had the time to acknowledge them and make peace with these wounds. The body does keep score. I am so grateful I was in a position to carve out that time for myself as I am fully aware many were not so privileged.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arianamalik.com