Uploaded April 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
In this episode of our Value Talks series, we explore how to channel your passion and creative practice into a full-time career.
Host Tim Ogu is joined by 3 contemporary filmmakers – Samona Olanipekun, Natalja Safranova and Tash Tung – to discuss how they’ve shaped their own creative journeys, built strong portfolios, and engaged with the successes and challenges that come from carving out your own space within the film and content industries.
Chapters:
00:00 Episode introduction
01:15 Speakers introductions
02:00 Career journeys
05:40 Finding your voice and style
10:35 Is this project right for me?
14:45 Building your portfolio
20:10 Platforms
28:55 Challenges
32:10 Finding your people
35:30 Building connections
47:05 What projects are you most proud of?
49:50 Biggest achievements
51:40 Advice for your university self
53:00 Conclusion
About the speakers:
Samona Olanipekun is a writer and director who has worked across areas ranging from commercial content for global brands to award-winning shorts. Samona’s work is characterised by natural lighting, collective narratives and candid moments that offer beauty and honesty. Website: samona.co.uk Instagram: instagram.com/samona_o
Director of Photography (DOP) Natalja Safranova has collaborated with major clients such as Channel 4, Adidas, WeTransfer and Somerset House. As a practitioner, Natalja focuses on adventure, travel and crafting worlds full of colour. Website: nsafronova.com Instagram: instagram.com/nsafronova
Tash Tung is an artist and director who has worked on short films, commercials for brands such as Virgin, and music videos for artists including Jorja Smith and Bree Runway. Her work aims to disrupt the lines between art and pop culture by creating stylish and cinematic emotional worlds. Tash studied at Chelsea College of Arts and London College of Communication. Website: tashtung.com Instagram: instagram.com/tashtung
Tim Ogu is a multidisciplinary visual artist and creative director who uses text, film and photography to explore themes around narrative and identity. Tim is a Media and Cultural Studies graduate of London College of Communication. Website: timothyogu.com
Listen:
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/value-talks/id1659691175
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0RTBMcYUXKSGHaejsbsXJD
Production credits:
Shot and edited by Grey Moth: grey-moth.com
About Value Talks:
London College of Communication’s Value Talks series brings together figures from across the creative industries to share their thoughts around contemporary issues and the importance of creativity.
Disclaimer:
While LCC encourages open communication, please note that the views expressed in this film are the views of the individuals featured.
In this episode of our Value Talks series, we explore how to channel your passion and creative practice into a full-time career.
Host Tim Ogu is joined by 3 contemporary filmmakers – Samona Olanipekun, Natalja Safranova and Tash Tung – to discuss how they’ve shaped their own creative journeys, built strong portfolios, and engaged with the successes and challenges that come from carving out your own space within the film and content industries.
Chapters:
00:00 Episode introduction
01:15 Speakers introductions
02:00 Career journeys
05:40 Finding your voice and style
10:35 Is this project right for me?
14:45 Building your portfolio
20:10 Platforms
28:55 Challenges
32:10 Finding your people
35:30 Building connections
47:05 What projects are you most proud of?
49:50 Biggest achievements
51:40 Advice for your university self
53:00 Conclusion
About the speakers:
Samona Olanipekun is a writer and director who has worked across areas ranging from commercial content for global brands to award-winning shorts. Samona’s work is characterised by natural lighting, collective narratives and candid moments that offer beauty and honesty. Website: samona.co.uk Instagram: instagram.com/samona_o
Director of Photography (DOP) Natalja Safranova has collaborated with major clients such as Channel 4, Adidas, WeTransfer and Somerset House. As a practitioner, Natalja focuses on adventure, travel and crafting worlds full of colour. Website: nsafronova.com Instagram: instagram.com/nsafronova
Tash Tung is an artist and director who has worked on short films, commercials for brands such as Virgin, and music videos for artists including Jorja Smith and Bree Runway. Her work aims to disrupt the lines between art and pop culture by creating stylish and cinematic emotional worlds. Tash studied at Chelsea College of Arts and London College of Communication. Website: tashtung.com Instagram: instagram.com/tashtung
Tim Ogu is a multidisciplinary visual artist and creative director who uses text, film and photography to explore themes around narrative and identity. Tim is a Media and Cultural Studies graduate of London College of Communication. Website: timothyogu.com
Listen:
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/value-talks/id1659691175
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0RTBMcYUXKSGHaejsbsXJD
Production credits:
Shot and edited by Grey Moth: grey-moth.com
About Value Talks:
London College of Communication’s Value Talks series brings together figures from across the creative industries to share their thoughts around contemporary issues and the importance of creativity.
Disclaimer:
While LCC encourages open communication, please note that the views expressed in this film are the views of the individuals featured.
