Stress test: How can independent production navigate 2026 and beyond?
From pitch costs to the changing media landscape, Rogue Films' owner, MD and EP Kate Taylor breaks down the stresses and strains of the production obstacle course and tries to look at the positives of what 2026 can bring.
Why post production deserves a seat at the creative table
As demand for deliverables grows and AI becomes more embedded in post production workflow, Bianca Redgrave, Managing Director at Studio Private, makes the case for bringing post in from the very start of the creative process.
Production in 2026: All change
With AI reshaping workflows and agency networks expanding their in-house production capabilities, the commercial production landscape is shifting fast. Tim Cumming speaks to a range of producers from The Sweetshop, Saatchi & Saatchi, Uncommon, Rogue, The APA, and The Martin Agency to sift through the changes and challenges they face in a rapidly evolving present, and to look towards the sector’s possible futures.
An Englishwoman in New York: How does producing differ across the pond?
From Super Bowl mania to the caffeinated pace of client meetings, Polly Durrance, EP at Electric Theatre Collective, unpacks on her move from London to the Big Apple and shares the contrasts between producing on either side of the Atlantic.
Why producers should say 'yes', but without selling themselves short
Producers want to make things work, so saying 'yes' is in their DNA but, says Epoch EP & Managing Partner, Melissa Culligan, sometimes saying 'yes' comes with a cost.
Protecting craft and crew in an industry that demands more for less
As budgets tighten and expectations expand, Dalia Burde, Founder and EP at Avocados and Coconuts, explores the soft skill of holding ambition and constraint at once, and knowing when doing 'more with less' comes at a creative and human cost.
Adaptive by default: The ever-expanding role of a producer
Job evolution is natural; things change over time, and adaptations must be made. But, says Wojtek Skiba, Executive Producer at Papaya Films, a producer's role has evolved so dramatically that it can feel like a whole new job. Here, he outlines the major changes and explains why supporting talent is still at its heart.
Producing without a playbook: What happens when every producer is a hybrid?
As production changes and the role of producer - both production and agency - evolves, Krysia Johnstone, Executive Producer at Boomshot, examines the necessary qualities a producer must have, the changing demands they will face, and the challenges - and opportunities - they can expect.
Agents of change: The new models reshaping UK production
Mia Powell, founder of MAMMAMIA Talent, explores why UK talent agents are increasingly representing external production companies in the advertising ecosystem.
Beyond good intentions: Producers speak out on director diversity
With recent stats showing that 80 per cent of award-winning ad directors are white and male – a figure that’s not budged for years – the goal of a diverse pool of directing talent seems a long way off. Caroline Bottomley, Founder of Shiny Awards, which champions underrepresent talents, chats to producers about the issue.
Why production is advertising's best kept secret
A great strategy and a brilliant idea are both key ingredients in any campaign but, says Jess Ringshall, Chief Production Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi London, it's production that determines whether an idea survives in the real world.
The next wave: Young agency producers on navigating a changing industry
On February 5th, Electric Theatre Collective and Biscuit Filmworks brought together a group of promising emerging talent for their annual Young Producers Dinner. shots joined them to catch up with a new generation on what inspires them, challenges them, and how they’re fairing in an ever-shifting industry.