What does a typical day look like for you as the Head of Production at Buff?

My typical day starts the day before, as I review where we’re at across projects and formulate a plan for the next morning’s team meeting. Each morning the Production Team update the Creative Team with any relevant information that could affect ongoing projects, such as client feedback or assets received. In turn, they update us on progress, as well as anything that's stopping them or they need help with so we can address it.

Then throughout the day, I work to keep our projects on schedule, reviewing work before it goes to clients, liaising with freelancers, running ideation sessions, and directing voiceover records. I work hard to ensure our clients are kept happy and that our projects are delivered on time, on budget, and creatively on point. I also spend time looking ahead: juggling our team schedule for the coming weeks and taking briefs for new enquiries; working with our Creative Director (Tom) to build estimates and project plans.
It's certainly never dull!

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How do you deliver high standards whilst juggling multiple projects?

Managing multiple projects is always a challenge, especially when each project has its own unique requirements. At any given time, our core team typically juggles between 12 to 20 projects at various stages of production. From creating a logo package for a new brand, to produce a series of multiple 2D character animations requiring design, storyboarding, animation and audio… Each project demands a different level of time and resources.

To deliver high standards whilst balancing multiple projects, we prioritise effective planning and resource allocation. We always try to match client deadlines with our team's workload without compromising on quality… And at times that can be no easy feat. Each team member brings a unique set of skills to the table. Some projects require the entire team's input, while others might need only one or two team members. Regardless of the project's scope, Tom (our Creative Director) and I review all project stages before they go out the door, with other team members helping with QA.

Our review process ensures that each project meets Buff’s high standards and answers the brief to provide the best end product for its intended use. Tom’s focus is on delivering a high creative output and ensuring the project is stylistically consistent, while I ensure that we're answering the brief, representing the client's needs and keeping it all within the agreed scope. Despite the different priorities, we're all united in making the best thing we can. That's why our review process is so crucial in keeping everyone aligned and ensuring that all key stakeholders are represented.

What advice would you give to somebody looking to get into production or project management?

When I joined Buff, it was as a Project Manager and a Junior Project Manager or Production Assistant is the sort of entry-level role I would expect new starters to be aiming for. If you’re not able to jump straight into the industry of your choice, a lot of the skills are transferable so look far and wide. I’ve had roles that included Project Management in a few different organisations that had nothing to do with animation, but all of which taught me a lot.

At that level, job ads or articles on the subject weigh heavily on being ‘highly organised’, ‘structured’ and the ‘ability to plan’. Those things are important building blocks for sure, but it makes it sound like it's just; make a plan, then execute… Those in the industry know that’s just not how it goes! The best plan in the world isn’t safe from client curveballs, team sickness or delays for whatever reason. And so, the ability to be flexible and stay solution-focused is just as, if not more important.

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What core skills, qualities and experience do you think are necessary to be a successful Producer or Head of Production?

I read this LinkedIn post about how so many Producers have totally different career paths and levels of experience. I totally relate to this. My path wasn’t designed and yet I took something from every experience and pieced together skills, experience and attributes that inform how I do my job every day. So this is a tricky question, but I have a few thoughts personal to me…

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1. Managing Relationships & Communication


I think there's a need to have a wider understanding of relationships with clients and colleagues and how these can impact the delivery of a project. Understanding people's interests, how they communicate, and what's important to them I would say is a key part of Producing. Also, if you generally don’t like dealing with all types of different people… it may not be for you!

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2. Understanding yourself

I'm someone who chooses not to be a big planner in my personal life. I like surprises and the spontaneity of not-knowing. I find plans quite dull to be honest! But thinking on my feet, being solution focused and adaptive - this is where I feel at ease.

These are examples of my own strengths and weaknesses and it’s important you’re aware of your own. You’ll need areas to rely on and know where to put a bit more effort in for those that come less naturally.

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3. You don’t (and can’t!) have all the answers

I was chatting to a friend recently. She works in the creative industry and was telling me about the amazing projects she’s got in the pipeline. She concluded in a way that sounded very familiar… ‘now I just need to work out how to actually do it all!’

This is a familiar feeling, but one that I now realise shouldn’t be too scary. You have a clear creative brief, you know what the end product needs to achieve, but how you’ll get there, isn’t always so straightforward. From experience however you learn that you’ve been in this situation before, the process will help and eventually, you’ll work it out. That's where the creative element of Producing really comes through, taking each challenge and finding a solution that answers the brief creatively on time, within budget, whilst keeping the team and client happy.

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What do you like most about working at Buff and in the creative industry?

We sometimes joke about the work we do. We take it very seriously, we want it to be great and we do it because we love it, but you have to keep yourself grounded. There are people fighting for human rights, curing diseases, and working to preserve our planet’s animals and plant life… Some really heavy and important stuff. However, since working at Buff I have been blessed with the opportunity to work adjacent to these people and their causes. We’ve been fortunate to work with brands, charities and causes that are really trying to make a difference and although I can’t do the work they’re doing, it's great to get to help them tell their story.

Beyond this, I love the variety of the people I get to work with by being in the creative industry, both the excellent and diverse team at Buff and also all the collaborators and clients from around the world. Through my work, I am exposed to so many ideas and personalities I wouldn’t normally have had access to, so I’m grateful for that. I said it before… It’s certainly never dull.