Transferable skills

End-to-end delivery

Between initial concept and signing off the final edit, I will have pitched ideas, recruited a team, negotiated with contributors and suppliers, had full control of editorial content, set up and run shoots, run an edit, addressed stakeholders' notes , and ensured all legal and broadcast requirements are met.

Scheduling

Adaptability

Collaboration

Diplomacy

Budgeting

Making this website

I do everything from pitching ideas, to giving clear instructions to multiple departments, to briefing contributors. I’m an excellent copywriter, producing compelling, factually correct scripts, pitches and press releases.

Quite honestly I've surprised myself.

Large-scale shoots

I have made big-budget, prime-time entertainment shows, where, as well as my editorial oversight, I have been across the running of the shoot itself - attending and running planning meetings, liaising with heads of department (cameras, sound, lighting, floor management, art) and producing from the gallery, alongside the studio director.

Small-scale shoots

On pilots and small documentary teams, I have sourced and booked studios and locations, designed and dressed spaces and sets, and directed shoots. I have produced shoots in green screen studios, white cyclorama / infinity curves, black-box studios, and hired spaces such as domestic homes or cafes.

I've worked with both massive and tiny budgets, spending big money when it's necessary, but also coming up with imaginative ways to stretch finances or move money across budget lines when there's not much available.

I’m always involved with devising a production schedule which is achievable with the time, money and personnel available. I make daily shooting schedules and programme running orders. I have run multiple simultaneous edits, supervising the making of different parts or episodes of a show at one time.

My experience in celebrity booking means I know how to use my skills of persuasion to convince someone that a project is right for them, and also find a way to say ‘No’, while keeping a contributor onside. I have plenty of experience of wrangling ‘tricky’ high-profile personalities.

Working with many different stakeholders, I have always needed to make sure everyone in all the diverse roles on a production team is pulling in the same creative direction, as well as satisfying (and often decoding) the needs of the channel commissioner I’m delivering to.

Acquiring expertise

Leadership

I'm used to managing people - and expectations - on production teams of all sizes; from a junior researcher needing support and guidance, to a graphics supplier on a tight deadline. I never let my team feel overworked or undervalued.

Communication

I've worked on shows including live election coverage and topical shows, where the content can change even during the recording or live broadcast. This means being able to take the appropriate action fast, and keep calm.

I’m happy, confident and competent in working in new areas and quickly getting up to speed on a new subject. I have written research briefs on hundreds of topics, and made documentaries and series on a huge variety of subjects.