Inspiring Conversations with Aaliah Hartley of Exalted Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliah Hartley

Hi Aaliah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started in Video and Film Production in 2014, when I was a PA for a docu-series that aired on PBS. From there, I tried to immerse myself in the field as much as possible, and interned at Rocky Mountain PBS in their production department at the time.

I’ve always been a lover of film, I was enchanted with the medium ever since I was young and I knew it was something that I wanted to pursue. However, because I grew up undocumented in the United States, I didn’t have a pathway to follow my goals for many years.

Once I received my papers, it was still a non linear path to get to where I wanted to be. After interning at Rocky Mountain PBS and winning an Emmy Award for the production I worked on in 2015, I knew that Video and Film Production was the field I was meant to be in.

I love telling stories visually, I especially love telling the stories of the those who need to be heard and who has compelling stories to share. I continued working in Public Media and even went back to school to obtain a Film Production Studies degree, one I created at MSU Denver in 2016. However, I was no longer in Production at work, and I really wanted to continue being on set and telling stories.

In 2018, I left my job in Public Media, and started my Video Production and Photography business, Exalted Productions. I supplemented my income by Lyfting and Nannying. I was on track until the pandemic happened, and quickly found out my job was not as essential as others at the time.

I went back to my old job for a full time position during the economic uncertainty, but my passion never left. This time I was able to work a bit more in Creative Producing, but the goal to be self employed was still there. In March of 2023, I restarted Exalted Productions and have been doing it ever since!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly was not a smooth road getting to where I am now. I was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and was undocumented the majority of my life in the United States.

It was extremely difficult if not impossible to prosper under these oppressive circumstances. I always felt that I was years behind my peers, as I couldn’t go to the college I wanted to right after high school, work legally, drive a car, or travel.

Getting my papers while trying to progress my life and goals was the biggest struggle of my life to date. Once I received my documentation status, it was like starting from scratch at an older age. I really pursued my passions and wanted to make sure I didn’t give up, no matter how long it took.

My perseverance and tenacity that I learned from a young age to survive, had helped me achieve the things that I am doing today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Exalted Productions?
Exalted Productions is a Video Production and Photography Company. I specialize in telling visual stories for individuals, artists, small and local businesses, and nonprofits alike. I produce all of the content from pre production to post production.

I primarily produce Brand Stories and Promotional Videos for my clients that ranges anywhere from :30 sec to 10:00 min videos. I also am a portrait, brand, and event photographer. I love telling stories for everyday people and businesses who are doing amazing things for their community.

I’m drawn to their ideas and gifts that they’re sharing with the world in order to make it a better place. I’ve never been drawn to corporate lifestyle and major corporate storytelling, what interests me are the people that stand apart from that and are creating things outside of it.

Additionally, I love working on short and long form films! I love to freelance when I am able to, usually as a Producer but I will take any role on a film that I find interesting, including Production Assisting or Script Supervising.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am an activist first and foremost. I always have been due to the circumstances I grew up in. I always stand in solidarity with folks who are oppressed, and try to shine light on their issues. This is why 90% of my work is documentary storytelling, it’s the most real and honest.

I’m a lover of history and geo politics, and want to hopefully turn my work into shining a light on the massive injustices that our world faces. I’d love to produce and direct my own films in the future, with one story being a narrative based on my life, and the others being documentaries that will help illuminate minds, as so many documentaries have done for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.exaltedproductions.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exalted_productions_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExaltedProductions