Creative Producer
ITV Fixers - (Public Service Broadcasting Trust)
My role is based in a media production company whose clients are young people aged 16-25, our job is to create and develop a media-based campaign that raises awareness for a social issue of their choosing - for example: bullying, homelessness, crime, equality, mental health or social activities, to name a few - by creating short films, documentaries, music videos, photography and print-based advertising, such as creating posters, leaflets, as well as organising and filming events and live performances.
The job is a 'jack-of-all-trades' position where, as the producer, I am expected to be proficient, skilled and competent throughout every stage of pre and post production: treatments, budgets, writing, producing, directing, editing, cinematography, cameras, lenses, sound-recording, call sheets and everything in between. I must often work with experienced and inexperienced actors and crew members; and I must also be fully efficient in completing two projects a month consistently. The majority of my projects have been handled solely by myself from beginning to end - including the shoot itself - so I'm very much adjusted to self-shooting and working alone, as equally adjusted to collaborating with a team.
Each project has to be completed within the tight constraints of a small budget, follow company guidelines and criteria, whilst working inside a short time-scale. Every film and product has to be short and concise, yet must fulfil its purpose by informing and enlightening/inspiring its target audience, and encouraging pro-activity and action for its campaign.
I have made over 150 short films, along with a handful of short documentaries and broadcast pieces - many of which, have been on featured on ITV and screened at the BFI cinema in London (7 films at once during a Mental Health film festival), plus other specific festivals and events - on top of that, I have written and directed a number of plays, plus also designed and created a good number of posters, leaflets and booklets, which can be presented on request.
My role also entails assisting other producers on their own projects through offering help and advice in pre-production, working behind the scenes to help their project come to fruition during production, and providing second opinions and suggestions in post-production.
A huge part of the job is knowing how to communicate with a large variety of people and personalities - including those with mental health issues, learning disabilities and difficulties, and shy and/or anxious characters, difficult and/or impatient individuals - I pride myself on knowing how to pitch an idea to anyone based on their disposition and preferences, and taking a client's idea (which might not be a very good one) and applying it to the final product in a way that allows them to feel valued in the creative process.