Her Story
About Zia
Zia Hoskins is a media and film professional with approximately two decades of experience spanning cinematography, filmmaking, photography, and marketing. She holds a master’s degree in Cinematography from The New School in New York. During her decade in New York, she worked across several production disciplines, including camera operation, video editing, and color grading, developing a versatile creative background that informs her work across the media and entertainment industries.
After relocating to Los Angeles, Hoskins expanded her career into educational programming and professional sales. During the pandemic, she joined B&H Photo Video’s education department, where she helped produce educational events on college campuses and mentored students interested in pursuing careers in film and media. She subsequently advanced to an Executive Sales Representative position at Film Tools in West Hollywood, California, where she continues to support educational initiatives and engage with professionals in the film and production community.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Hoskins remains committed to creative exploration and lifelong learning. Her interests include filmmaking, photography, and experimental music, particularly playing guitar and synthesizers. She attributes her success to trusting her intuition, remaining committed to her aspirations, and persevering through challenges. She also emphasizes the importance of building supportive professional relationships, finding mentors, and collaborating with people who share one's creative vision.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Zia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistently trusting my intuition and following my heart. Throughout my career, I have turned down opportunities that did not align with my instincts, goals, or dreams. I would encourage my younger self to keep moving forward, remain committed to my aspirations, and never give up. I believe perseverance is essential to success, and those who continue working toward their goals despite challenges give themselves the best opportunity to achieve them.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the film and media industry is to never give up and to keep seeking the right people with whom to build meaningful professional relationships. Put yourself in spaces where you can connect with others in the industry, meet mentors, and discover opportunities for collaboration. Filmmaking is inherently collaborative, and success requires building a supportive network rather than trying to navigate the industry alone.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value intuition, perseverance, authenticity, and meaningful relationships. I believe in staying true to my goals, trusting my instincts when making career decisions, and continuing to move forward even when the path becomes challenging. I also value collaboration and supportive professional relationships, as filmmaking is a collective effort that benefits from mentorship, shared creativity, and strong connections within the community.
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