When you were at Brighton College, what did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
Complete disclosure: I had absolutely no clue; I went through phases of wanting to be a vet, an Artist, and at one point a pilot! So no real theme. ?
Tell us about yourself now you've grown up.
I’d say I’m very social, I love people, having a good conversation and laughing over a coffee or wine. I enjoy long walks, putting the world to rights with friends, family… and all the babies and dogs that come in tow. I am also particularly partial to a good crime drama! I’m also a Reiki Master – which is quite novel.
What about your life now would most surprise your Brighton College teachers?
I think quite a bit would surprise them ?
What are your favourite memories of your time at school?
Making friends for life.
What advice would you give to your school-age self?
Do not compare yourself to others. Everyone’s running their own race at different speeds.
What do you do as a career?
Initially, my career properly started as a personal PA. I ended up living between LA, Vegas and London at one stage… it was possibly at this point I felt the pull to do something for myself. I switched to a career in TV at the age of 28 (quite old to start in the industry), through a contact that my sister had (who was also in TV and an Old Brightonian) and worked my way up. Fortunately, I picked it up quite quickly as the premise and logistical/ troubleshooting elements of the job mirrored my former PA/EA work rather well.
Now I work in Production Management in Television.
Some shows worked on:
X-Factor
The Grand Tour
Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr
Married at First Sight (UK)
Hunted
Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model
Disney+ Documentary
The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver
The Masked Dancer
What does your work involve?
The main focus is to help manage and run each production as if it were a small business. Reporting costs, managing and forecasting budgets, hiring and scheduling all crew, cast and talent etc. – Covid protocols have been a fun addition!
The other side to it though is being readily available and onset to oversee, troubleshoot and navigate the day.
Strangely, and slightly tongue in cheek, dependent on what show or programme you’re on, you generally end up turning your hand to becoming a specialist in whatever the show required, and for me that has meant being a cook, framer, car enthusiast, interior designer...
What are the most challenging parts of your job?
Being totally unsure of what is around the corner and attempting to navigate a situation and get ahead of it (even though half the time, it’s your first time). Once we had to find 95 shark costumes and get them shipped in from China for a rendition of Baby Shark for an opener at Wembley Arena (with four days’ notice), another we were set the challenge of getting 60 people visas, to be dropped at a remote Gulag in Russia via 3 planes and helicopter. These are not single-handed conquests, but nothing seems to shock anymore. ?
What are you most proud of?
Not knowing what it was I wanted to do post-school, and it eventually all worked itself out.
What are the three objects you would take with you to a desert island?
- Great company
- A Tardis
- Pen and paper (these come as one right?)
How would you like to be remembered?
As positive, loyal and always up for fun