ALAA SULAIMAN
Washington,DC
Filmmaking is a chance to live many lifetimes.
Robert Altman
Summary
Creative and versatile Video Producer & Director of Photography with 20+ years of experience in investigative storytelling, digital media transformation, and AI-driven video production. Specializing in ethnographic filmmaking, I craft immersive narratives that foster cultural understanding and audience engagement. Adept at leading high-performing creative teams, conceptualizing innovative content strategies, and delivering high-quality productions under tight deadlines. Proven track record of driving audience engagement, resulting in 30%+ increased viewership. Passionate about integrating cutting-edge technologies such as AI-enhanced video production, motion graphics, and VR storytelling to elevate visual storytelling experiences.
Overview
20
20
+ Years of professional experience
16
16
+ Awards
Skills
- Video Editing & Post-Production: Expertise in Adobe Creative suite, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve
- Directing & Story Consultation: Guiding narrative development for cohesive storytelling
- Creative Leadership & Team Management: Leading teams to deliver innovative projects
- Brand Identity & Content Strategy: Aligning visual content with brand goals to boost engagement
- Motion Graphics & Color Grading: Enhancing visual storytelling through dynamic graphics and grading
- Videography & Photography: Capturing compelling narratives through dynamic shots and composition
- Social Media Strategy: Developing content to drive social media engagement
- AI-Enhanced Production & Editing: Utilizing AI tools for efficient video production and editing
Work History
Digital Video Producer / Creative Lead
USAGM - Middle East Broadcasting Network
09.2019 - Current
- Spearheaded digital brand identity for MBN, leading to a 30% increase in audience engagement.
- Led and mentored a 10+ member creative team, producing award-winning Arabic content.
- Developed and executed immersive digital experiences, incorporating VR storytelling and AI-driven content.
- Launched strategic content campaigns using data-driven insights, increasing audience retention by 20%.
Videographer & Creative Video Producer
Global Investigative Journalism Network
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Produced and edited investigative projects, and documentaries.
- Collaborated with international GIJN partners to establish project requirements and execute creative visions.
- Produced videos according to client specifications, including desired length, style and pace.
- Operated cameras, lighting equipment, and audio gear proficiently to produce high-quality footage in various environments.
- Developed creative approaches to video production to create unique and engaging content.
DOP & Creative Video Producer
George Mason University
03.2022 - 05.2022
- Developed and produced high-quality video content that strengthened the university’s brand, increasing audience engagement across digital platforms.
- Led full-cycle video production from conceptualization to final delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic brand initiatives and university storytelling goals.
- Directed and managed on-set operations, coordinating crew, talent, and locations for seamless execution of marketing, event, and news video productions.
- Supervised and mentored a team of videographers, editors, and student interns, fostering skill development and enhancing creative collaboration.
- Executed expert-level video editing, including color correction, motion graphics, and sound mastering, ensuring high production value and impactful storytelling.
Senior Video Producer and Picture Editor
Sky News Arabia
01.2011 - 09.2019
- Led the visuals editors team to successfully launch the channel, managing to create an impact on both social media visual identity and content and TV look and feel.
- Increased audience engagement by producing high-quality video content tailored to target demographics.
- Spearheaded live event coverage, capturing key moments for future promotional materials and digital archives.
- Managed production schedules, ensuring timely delivery of projects while adhering to budget constraints.
- Created, produced, and directed a medium-long format documentary series (In Focus) that won many international awards.
Director of Post Production
Lemon Tree Productions
05.2009 - 11.2015
- Directed and oversaw post-production for entertainment shows, short films, and documentaries across multiple countries, collaborating with major TV networks such as Alrai TV, Al Arabiya, and Comedy Central Arabia.
- Produced and edited long-running television programs, including The Big Screen, In Focus, Street of Laughter, and Beautiful Life, which aired for over eight years.
- Co-produced the short drama Not Another World (Women Girls Lead) 2013, written and directed by Cherien Dabis, highlighting impactful storytelling on social issues.
- Led creative teams and managed production workflows, ensuring high-quality content delivery for Royal Film Commission and top-tier production houses.
Creative Director and Video Editor
Al-Libya Broadcasting Co.
01.2007 - 04.2009
- Led channel rebranding efforts, introducing modern visual aesthetics and innovative storytelling techniques, resulting in increased audience engagement and refreshed brand identity.
Promotion Producer & Video Editor
Arab Radio & Television (ART)
03.2002 - 07.2006
- Produced and edited high-quality promotions and video content for six international TV channels, including Star World, Star Movies, Channel V, Granada UKTV, Nat Geo People, and Sky News, ensuring compelling brand storytelling and audience engagement.
- Created and edited sports show segments for ART Sports Channels, enhancing viewer experience with dynamic and engaging sports coverage.
- Led the launch of the ART Movie World (AMW) channel, overseeing content strategy and branding for a channel that successfully broadcasted for nine years.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Literature & Drama
05.2004
Certification
- AI in Journalism: Tools & Ethics, Applied AI-driven video analysis techniques, 2025
- Mobile Journalism Filmmaking, USAGM, 2023
- Filmmaking Essentials, New York University, 2023
- Storytelling for Social Change, University of Michigan, 2022
- Digital Filmmaking, New York Film Academy, 2020
- Filmmaking & Cinematography Workshop, London Film School, 2018
- Motion Graphics Certification, Motion Design School
Awards Recognition
- New York Festivals, Gold, Silver, Bronze
- Telly Awards, Gold, Silver, Bronze
- The Webby Award, Best Documentary, 2019, 2024
- Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards, Silver, Gold in History & Personality/Portraits, 2021-2023
Languages
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Similar Profiles
WAYNE MICHAEL SHORTERWAYNE MICHAEL SHORTER
Technical Network Center Operator at Middle East Broadcasting NetworkTechnical Network Center Operator at Middle East Broadcasting Network
ZHOR BAKIZHOR BAKI
Multimedia Reporter at Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Maghreb Voices)Multimedia Reporter at Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Maghreb Voices)
Tarek SalahTarek Salah
Newscast Director at Middle East Broadcasting Networks (AL Hurra TV)Newscast Director at Middle East Broadcasting Networks (AL Hurra TV)