My TV Journey With Lola

Digital Producing & A.I

In this episode of My TV Journey With Lola, I’m joined by Abdullah, former Head of Development at Sky News Arabia, whose career spans roles as a DOP, producer, director, and executive director. We talk about how content is developed and commissioned, the shift from traditional TV to digital-first storytelling, how journalism is evolving, and what it really takes to build a freelance career today. We also dive into AI in content creation and why Abdullah sees opportunity where others see fear!  Wanna see what goes down behind the mic? 🎙️ Follow us on IG for all the BTS chaos, laughs, and magic — @my_tv_journey_lola

Directing & Managing Egos

We are back!!!!  Welcome to Episode 5 of My TV Journey With Lola! In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Karim Abouzeid — a visionary filmmaker who’s been directing and producing for over 26 years across the Middle East. From 11:11 (2022), which spent 32 days as the number one film on Netflix, to his latest project Dracu Ra (2024), Karim’s work continues to push creative boundaries across Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. We talk all about bold storytelling, cinematic risk-taking, and the art of managing talent (and egos!) which, as Karim says, can sometimes feel like being a professional mum or dad. Tune in for a fun, honest, and insightful conversation with one of the region’s most dynamic filmmakers. Wanna see what goes down behind the mic? 🎙️ Follow us on IG for all the BTS chaos, laughs, and magic — @my_tv_journey_lola

Influencer Managing & Six-Figure Fees

This week, we’re in London with the digital powerhouse herself — Esther!  With nearly a decade of experience in content strategy and influencer management, Esther has worked with some of the biggest brands in the game: Twitter, Meta, McCain, Booking.com, the Olympics, and Virgin Atlantic (just to name a few). From managing six-figure influencer budgets to hiring ex–Love Islanders, Esther pulls back the curtain on what really goes down in influencer managing. Ever wondered how much the average influencer makes? Listen to find out!  We also get into: * The pay gap between US vs. UK influencers * Brand demands that will make your jaw drop * Why diversity and authenticity matter more than ever If the internet had a backstage pass, Esther would be running the show. Let’s get into it! Wanna see what goes down behind the mic? 🎙️ Follow us on IG for all the BTS chaos, laughs, and magic — @my_tv_journey_lola

Street Casting & Shapeshifting

This week on My TV Journey with Lola, I’m joined by the brilliant and hilarious Shelley Gill — a casting powerhouse with over 10 years of experience working across UK and US networks. From First Dates (C4) to The Rap Game UK (BBC3) and Secret Crush (ITV), Shelley has helped shape the faces of some of the most loved unscripted shows on TV. We talk about everything: ✨ Street casting  ✨ Code switching in the TV industry ✨ Casting escorts, influencers, and terminally ill patients — all in a day’s work ✨ Surviving a full-on storm on a tiny boat during filming Shelley shares how she got her start, the pressure of first series launches, and the joy of helping people break into the industry. It’s funny, inspiring, and totally unfiltered. Wanna see what goes down behind the mic? 🎙️ Follow us on IG for all the BTS chaos, laughs, and magic — @my_tv_journey_lola

AI & Donkey Whispering

In this episode, Lola sits down with Middle Eastern TV powerhouse Hayam Sabury, a true multi-hyphenate who's worn every hat from producer to show caller to post wiz. With over 15 years in the industry, Hayam has worked with major brands like Pepsi, Bugatti, Snapchat, and Pizza Hut — and she’s got the wild stories to prove it. They chat about:  *  How she broke into the industry *  Her role as Unit Production Manager on the film Mountain Boy *  The biggest budget she's ever worked with (yes, she spills!) *  The rise of AI in content creation   And yes... the mysterious world of donkey whispering This one’s packed with laughs, gems, and a whole lot of real talk about what it’s like to work behind the scenes in the Middle East’s fast-growing creative industry. Wanna see what goes down behind the mic? 🎙️ Follow us on IG for all the BTS chaos, laughs, and magic — @my_tv_journey_lola