When Zuzana Martinková first walked through the doors of the University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) Ayr campus to study Sports Journalism, she never imagined that years later, she would be producing films for one of Hollywood’s biggest studios.

Zuzana’s journey from reporting on sports to creating cinematic stories is a testament to the versatility of storytelling, adaptability, and the power of ambition.

The Journalism Roots That Led to Filmmaking

Born with a natural curiosity and passion for storytelling, Zuzana pursued a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism at UWS, where she developed her skills in investigative reporting, media production, and documentary filmmaking. It was during her time at UWS that she realised journalism wasn’t just about reporting facts – it was about crafting compelling narratives.

The program at UWS provided a strong foundation in media ethics, research methodologies, and storytelling techniques. From covering live sports events to conducting in-depth interviews, Zuzana honed her ability to capture stories that resonated with audiences. It was her BA thesis, however, that became a turning point in her career. Instead of following the conventional written route, she chose to produce a documentary Bullet Away —a decision that would open unexpected doors.

A Leap into the World of Film

After graduating from UWS in 2019, Zuzana realized her passion for visual storytelling extended beyond journalism. Eager to explore the cinematic world, she enrolled at the New York Film Academy (NYFA), where she pursued a Master’s in Film and Media Production. This move was a bold leap from journalism to filmmaking, but she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.

At NYFA, Zuzana immersed herself in the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. From script development to directing and editing, she gained hands-on experience in various aspects of production. The intensive program allowed her to work on multiple projects, helping her refine her craft and develop a deeper understanding of the industry.

“Journalism taught me how to tell a compelling story, and filmmaking gave me the tools to bring those stories to life visually,” Zuzana recalls. “It was a natural progression, even though it felt like a major shift at the time.”

Breaking Into Hollywood

With a solid academic foundation and hands-on experience, Zuzana set her sights on Hollywood. She further honed her producing skills through UCLA’s Producing Program, which gave her industry-specific knowledge about financing, marketing, and distribution. This training proved invaluable as she began navigating the competitive world of film production.

Relocating to Los Angeles was both exhilarating and daunting. The film industry is notoriously difficult to break into, but Zuzana’s background in journalism and her experience at NYFA and UCLA gave her a unique edge. She networked relentlessly, collaborated on independent projects, and steadily built a reputation as a skilled producer with a strong eye for compelling narratives.

Her perseverance paid off when she landed a role as a producer at Paramount Pictures. Her first major film as one of the producers, Utopia, was released in December 2024, marking a significant milestone in her career. The film received critical acclaim, solidifying her place in the industry and proving that her unconventional journey was one of strength and adaptability.

A Short Film Premiere at the Chinese Theatre

Even before Utopia, Zuzana was already making waves in the independent film scene. Just last year, one of her short films How I Sound, premiered at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Known for its historic premieres and star-studded events, the Chinese Theatre is a dream venue for many filmmakers. Having a film showcased there was a defining moment for Zuzana, validating years of hard work and dedication.

“Seeing my work on that screen, in such a legendary venue, was surreal,” she says. “It reminded me of how far I’ve come—from a small city in Slovakia, to standing in Hollywood, watching my film play in front of an audience.”

Challenges, Lessons, and Future Aspirations

Despite her success, Zuzana acknowledges that the transition from journalism to film was not without its challenges. Breaking into Hollywood required resilience, adaptability, and an openness to learning new skills.

“There were moments of doubt, especially early on,” she admits. “But my background in journalism gave me a strong foundation. The ability to research, communicate effectively, and tell a compelling story are skills that translate seamlessly into film production.”

Looking ahead, Zuzana is eager to take on more ambitious projects. With several films in development, she is focused on producing stories that resonate with audiences globally. She also hopes to mentor aspiring filmmakers, particularly those coming from non-traditional backgrounds like hers.

From Scotland to Hollywood—The Journey Continues

Zuzana’s story is an inspiring example of how skills learned in one field can translate into success in another. From her beginnings in Scotland to the bright lights of Hollywood, she continues to push creative boundaries, proving that storytelling transcends industries.

For aspiring storytellers, whether in journalism or film, her journey serves as a powerful reminder: passion, adaptability, and persistence can turn unexpected paths into extraordinary careers.