Lindsay Tracey is the Head of Production at Nickelodeon UK, her busy schedule see’s her in London and L.A. If you believe you have exceptional organisational skills, strong problem skills and would love to work in TV production alongside the production team, actors and contributors, then a job in TV production could be for you.
Lindsay has such a big heart, so big that she managed to find time (exceptional organisational skills) to answer these questions to give you the reader an insight into what it takes to be the Head of Production at Nickelodeon UK.
Job Title: Head of Production
Company: Nickelodeon UK
What does your job role entail?
I am responsible for all aspects of UK Production. I support the day to day management of production and also contribute to the longer-term objectives for growth and efficiency. These include shaping and planning production activity, securing key rights and talent as well as managing financial and operational risks.
Describe your working day or week?
One of the things I love about my job is the variety. Every day is different. Sometimes I’m in the office working on budgets and spreadsheets while other days I’m on location filming in places like LA or, a bit less glamorous, Southampton Airport.
What key skills do you need to do your job?
- A good understanding of the technical processes involved in television production, including camera, lighting, sound and editing
- Up-to-date working knowledge of relevant UK and foreign production and legal obligations and regulations.
- Have highly-developed communication skills.
- Have strong problem-solving skills.
- Be able to work effectively, and with diplomacy and sensitivity, with all members of the production team, and with actors, other contributors, and members of the public.
- Have advanced analytical skills.
- Have strong budgeting and financial skills.
- Pay precise attention to detail and have a methodical approach to work.
- Have excellent organisational skills.
What made you decide to go for this job role?
At school I didn’t know what I wanted to do, when everyone was applying to Uni I was lost. Then, I was flipping through college brochures and found a production and technical theatre course at a local college. It wasn’t until I went to college that I realised this is something you can do as a job. Since then I’ve focused on production.
Best part of your job?
Best part of my job is the people I work with. I get to meet a wide variety of people from all walks of life.
Worst part of your job?
Worst part is the hours. Production takes commitment. You need to be prepared to work some very, very long hours.
Most memorable moment at work?
Wrapping on an ambitious week long shoot in the middle of the Australian outback for Nickelodeon’s ‘Camp Orange’.
On reflection, we’d managed to [safely] transfer 8 kids, 8 parents, an entire production team and an Olympian to Oz AND successfully finished on time and on budget!
Sometimes the most stressful and draining shoots become the most memorable and rewarding!
If I’m choosing a course to study, what type of course suits this job best?
After college, I did a specialised stage management degree because I knew what I wanted. But a more general media/production degree would be just as applicable and could be useful if you’re not 100% on which area of the media you want to go into. The most important thing is to study something you’re interested in and enjoy. With the right experience and passion there are many degrees that can lead to careers in the media industry.
Does work experience really help you to get the dream job?
Yes yes yes!! Definitely, one of the biggest problems I faced when I first graduated from Uni was no experience!
Work experience is vital! Do as much as you can. And don’t be afraid to be persistent!
Give us a tip on how to steal your job.
Be super organised. Work hard and be nice to people.