Zahra Haider
Dallas,TX
Summary
Dynamic and strategic Creative Director with over 8 years of experience leading award-winning video content, supervising cross-functional creative teams, and delivering compelling storytelling across broadcast, digital, and branded platforms. Proven ability to manage production from pitch to delivery, with a focus on marginalized voices and powerful narratives.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Documentary Producer
Al Jazeera Media Network (AJ+)
07.2021 - Current
- Pitched and produced digital-first short- and medium-form documentaries for Al Jazeera’s global platforms
- Wrote impactful scripts with a focus on underrepresented voices and power dynamics
- Collaborated cross-functionally with legal, creative, publishing, and analytics teams
- Managed shoots, interviews, and post-production across multiple timelines
Head of Creative
Black Iris Photography Production House
06.2020 - Current
- Oversaw production teams and led creative direction for wedding and commercial projects
- Managed post-production feedback loops and quality control
- Designed marketing strategy and coached content teams for optimal audience engagement
- Advised clients on content development and visual storytelling needs
Lead Producer
NowThis
09.2017 - 06.2021
- Led political video team during major events including Super Tuesday and presidential impeachment
- Produced 700+ digital videos with over 100M views across platforms
- Conducted interviews, managed breaking news coverage, and traveled for feature projects
- Handled equipment, logistics, and corporate budgeting for travel
Multimedia Journalist
City Press
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Reported with video, photography, and written journalism for South African weekly
- Produced 'Humans of Mzansi' photo series and led regional documentary coverage
- Collaborated with newsroom for feature-length social issues stories
Video Development Intern
CNN International
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Pitched and created short videos for CNN.com with reporters and digital producers
- Conducted interviews, shot footage, and contributed to production planning
Education
B.A. - Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism, International Politics Minor
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL06.2017
Skills
- Creative Direction
- Story Development
- Script Writing
- Field Production
- Cinematography
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Project Planning
- Marketing Strategy
- Creative direction
- Pitch development
- Interviewing techniques
- Crew direction
- Production oversight
- Media relations
Awards
- Webby Award (Team)
- Peace on Earth Film Festival Finalist
- Honors Graduate
Select Projects
- 'Return of the Buffalo', 10 min, Director & Producer, Indigenous Land Justice
- 'Guantanamo Detainees Push to Close Prison', 6 min, Producer
- 'The Native American Vote in Montana Rises', 10 min, Producer
- On-Camera, Capitol Hill impeachment coverage, 2020 Election live hits, 'A Sanctuary Lost'
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Urdu
Native or Bilingual
Arabic
Elementary
Timeline
Documentary Producer
Al Jazeera Media Network (AJ+)
07.2021 - Current
Head of Creative
Black Iris Photography Production House
06.2020 - Current
Lead Producer
NowThis
09.2017 - 06.2021
Multimedia Journalist
City Press
01.2016 - 12.2016
Video Development Intern
CNN International
01.2016 - 12.2016
B.A. - Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism, International Politics Minor
Northwestern University
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