"I started out as a Picture Researcher, working in publishing. Back then, publishing was definitely a man’s world, dare I say it - I felt like a young woman who had to prove that I deserved a desk. I commissioned photographers and planned photo shoots, booked crew, sourced props and directed shots. I was driven and hungry, and took a role as a Multimedia Producer – a chance to deliver both video and photography, with the opportunity to lead a team. My skills in producing photography were transferable to moving images, it felt like a natural move for me.
In a room full of big characters, in the early days, I felt it was easy for women to be overlooked. Thankfully, I’ve been lucky to work with many impressive women throughout my career. In my first role, I worked with a confident & ambitious graphic designer, a mentor in self-worth. I had a crazily eccentric manager, afraid of nothing, who taught me that making mistakes reaps rewards. I had a CEO who once told me I deserved to be in every room I ever entered, and a boss who developed my management skills and business acumen, and taught me to check everything three times. These women have helped shape who I am today. In return, I try to empower and inspire everyone I work with too.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve found as a female Producer is being heard. As an introvert I’ve had to challenge myself to speak up throughout my career. I’ve seen big changes over the years and generally feel well respected in my work these days. Two Fresh is run by two male company directors who make me valued and appreciated. Hearing thoughts and ideas from broad demographics is incredibly valuable to concept-development, strategy and growth. It’s not always easy for people to speak up, so providing a safe space to be heard makes all the difference, and Two Fresh is great for that.
A Producer helps turn a concept into a deliverable, so developing confidence to present ideas is really important. We’ll consider various elements, such as client identity, core objectives, or call to actions, and of course value for money and timescale. Producers are the cogs that turn the wheels – managing schedules, overseeing budgets, briefing teams, completing risk assessments, preparing contracts or release forms, and ensuring that the work produced is of the optimum quality for the client. I’ve met lots of Producers during my career and each offers their own strengths that will help a project in their own unique way.
Importantly, a Producer needs people-management skills; we will work with an extensive team, which includes the client, Director, writers, and project managers. We’ll book and brief the camera operator, sound engineer, set designer, prop maker, makeup artist, stylists, runners, assistants, actors, caterers and chaperones. In post-production, we’ll work with editors, colourists, sound mixers and post-houses, sub-title writers, stock libraries, animators, graphic designers, distributors. The list is endless! Being adaptable in response to individual needs is critical.
As a content agency, our projects are incredibly varied, from video, animation, photo shoots or building websites. Two Fresh is unique because we offer so many creative services, so I can use all of my skills, and continue to develop new ones! I love the variety of my role. As a process-oriented person I can focus on improving efficiencies in workflows, or get stuck into spreadsheets and contracts. Yet, as a creative, I can develop ideas, think conceptually and problem solve. One day I’ll be at my desk talking to clients, and the next I might be on a shoot or recce. Sometimes the job is fast-paced and reactive, and other times calm and pragmatic. I love the variety and balance.
There are lots of entry routes available if you’re interested in becoming a Producer. You can complete a Foundation, undergrad or Masters in film, and there are also apprenticeships out there. I found work experience in my second year of uni, working one day a week until I graduated, which was a huge stepping stone for me, building experience and contacts. I completed my degree in photography but moved to video by demonstrating my skills through gained experience. You can learn skills on the job if you show interest and commitment. Two Fresh offers a free training program for developing filmmaking skills – the Two Fresh Academy – check it out on our website. It’s a great place to learn more and develop your skills.
Being a Producer is a great job if you like varied, creative work, and video is evolving faster and in higher demand than ever before. I feel grateful for every step of my career and everyone I’ve worked with alongt he way! My advice? Build a network, find a lesson in every experience, and be kind to yourself along the way."
