Contact:
Kaliyah
646-956-4440
Kaliyah.b.mcknight@gmail.com
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Summary
An adaptable Cinema Studies major with an English minor at Rutgers University and a filmmaker with 3 years of experience. Specializing in writing, cinematography, directing, and editing. A strong background in bringing stories to life for both fiction and non-fiction works, utilizing visual storytelling techniques. Looking to bring these skills into a workplace where creativity and problem-solving are valued.
Education
Rutgers , The State University of New Jersey | New Brunswick
Bachelor of Arts - Cinema Studies | 01/2026
Relevant Experience
Free Tyree Documentary | New Brunswick, NJ
Editor | 06/2024 - 08/2024
Shoot footage on location using guerrilla filmmaking equipment. Lead real-time interviews with people on the scene, capturing their current emotions and thoughts. Create a trailer fit for release using the editing software Adobe Premiere Pro.
Pour Over | Princeton, NJ
Production Assistant | 01/2024
Assisted the crew with set dress, technical equipment, and script supervision.
Blasphemme Studios | New York, NY
Camera Operator/ Lead Production Assistant | 07/2023
Collaborate with production on what angles and distances scenes should be shot at. Shoot footage of the live production using Blackmagic and Canon cameras. Capture sound using condenser and lavalier microphones. Explain how to assemble and break down equipment to the other Production Assistants on set.
Dutch Total Soccer Center | Somerset, NJ
Social Media Manager | 06/2023 - 08/2023
Conceptualized, shot, and edited video to be posted on the corresponding Instagram account in various formats (posts, reels, stories).
No Man’s Land: Podcast | New Brunswick, NJ
Field Reporter | 10/2022
Gathered information and asked speculative questions for season 2 of a true crime podcast.
Other experiences
Akihi Bubble Tea | New Brunswick, NJ
Barista and Cashier | 08/2025 - Present
Prepare and serve bubble tea beverages, ensuring quality and consistency. Provide excellent customer service, taking orders and offering menu recommendations. Handle cash transactions accurately using POS system. Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the work area and equipment.
Office of Family Voice | New Brunswick, NJ
Youth Council Member | 11/2023 - Present
Selected to work alongside other lived experts to design web content, generate social media content, discuss policy, and create legislation that creates positive change for youth within the foster care system.
Durham Woods Associates | Edison, NJ
Gate Guard (Seasonal) | 05/2025 - 09/2025
Greet and keep accurate records of residents at the facility. Counsel lifeguards by informing them of safety precaution information and regulations. Maintain safety regulations and remove patrons who demonstrate unsafe behaviors.
Millennial Pool Management | Lawrence, NJ
Lifeguard (Seasonal) | 07/2022 - 09/2024
Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct. Complete and maintain records of weather conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.
Oak Tree Canvassing | New York, NY
Canvasser/Team Leader | 02/2024 - 06/2024
Engaged with the public to convey information about a specific issue, recorded and maintained detailed records of all interactions and feedback received, attended training sessions to learn about the issue, and persuaded individuals to support the cause.
Candlewood Management Services | Somerset, NJ
Lifeguard | 06/2019 - 08/2021
Instructed participants in swimming and provided safety precaution information. Maintained quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
awards
Short Film Featured in Volume 3 of The Writer’s House Review
Recipient of FosterClub's Outstanding Young Leader Award
Short Film Featured in Volume 4 of The Writer’s House Review
Short Film Accepted into the Fencesitter Film Festival
Recipient of Embrella’s Outstanding Youth of the Year Award
Skills
Video editing (Adobe & Final Cut)
Text editing
HTML & CSS
Camera Operating
Microsoft Office
Self-motivated
Multitasking
Communication
Dedicated