The Insight
Percipient thought-pieces and opinions from some
of
the world’s most respected industry leaders.
)
Elliott Starr, Creative Partner at Belief Studio, thinks creative companies are like an octopus; sleek and smooth on top, with arms beneath the surface that can be chaotic and unpredictable, but often brilliant. Most attempts to use AI to make creativity more efficient, Starr thinks, will be a step towards sterility and predictability.
How AI ruined the internet… and why I'm happy about it
The sun has finally shown itself in Britain, for how long, no one knows, but Chris Baker, New Business Director at Park Village, is thankful it means he can get outside and away from the internet and the AI slop it's serving.
Untapped ability
shots speaks to Tom Woodard, Co-Founder of the newly launched Nashville agency, The Ability Machine, which evolved from the non-profit community group On the Avenue with a mission to empower neurodiverse talent in adland.
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.
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.
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.