So That's How It's Done

The importance of giving your jobs 100%.

This episode is with Jesse Richards, a director proficient across narrative and commercial projects with a strong editing background. Jesse lets us in on his wealth of knowledge and shares insight on what he had to learn (and unlearn) when transitioning from film school to landing his first job, how trust is the magic ingredient to a successful project, and how to balance your workload while maintaining personal filmmaking goals. Jesse also shares advice on the importance of learning what kind of director you want to be and how you don’t need to be like anyone else.

So much more than spreadsheets: how producing is one of the most creative roles.
In this episode, we speak with Josie Baynes, Executive Producer at Wildebeest Films, and discuss everything from film school to running a business. Josie shares valuable insight on how creative her role is within Wildebeest, and talks about the transition from being a producer to becoming an EP. We also touch on the differences between narrative and commercial work, inclusivity in cast and crew and the importance of taking a chance on new talent.

Finding beauty in subtlety and colour.

Colourist Sam McCarthy from Crayon joins us in this very informative episode to share insight into the wonderful world of colour grading. He shares insights on his journey in the industry, the qualities of a good colourist, and his experiences of collaborating with clients, directors and cinematographers. Sam also touches on the specifics of his workflow and what tech is available to colourists now. And most importantly, we find out what he thinks about The Matrix grade. 

Working collaboratively as a DOP, dinosaur photography and lighting set-ups that keep him up at night.

On this episode we speak to Josh Mitchell-Frey, one of Monster & Bear’s founders and in-house Director of Photography. This guy knows everything about cameras and will do anything for the shot. We chat to him about starting out in the industry, to then working his way up to being a DOP of his own company. Josh also talks us through the beauty of differing creative approaches that each person brings to a project and the constantly changing tech landscape (whilst making sure he doesn’t become a ‘tech boffin’).

Editing, motion graphics, managing scope creep all the while ‘facilitating the roost’.

Ryan Bird is a co-founder of Monster & Bear and the Head of Post-Production, but this isn’t where he initially thought he’d end up in his career. During our chat, we unpack how he got to his position and what it takes to be successful, as well as working closely with clients to make sure their projects are managed effectively.

The magical point where music, video editing, sound design and foley fart noises come together in perfect harmony.

Adrian Horsman talks us through how his love of music morphed into setting up his career in video editing and sound design. Adrian runs us through his day-to-day work life and shares thoughtful insights on aspects of video production not often considered by anyone other than a soundie.

Finding success little by little.

Time, money and scope are things often associated as a producer’s priority, but Maria sits down with us and tells us more of what’s in the heart of a producer’s role. We discuss how necessary it is to be adaptable as a producer (especially when the weather can be a producer’s worst enemy).

Working with good creatives and being willing to take a little risk.

Listen along as we chat to Monster and Bear’s Creative Director (and general creative powerhouse) Sarah Hickey, as we discuss her role as a business owner, Film Director and Creative Director. We discuss what those roles look like to her, how she juggles them, and the benefits of diving in the deep end. Sarah tells us about the importance of having thick skin, the power in reframing ‘failures’ as an opportunity to learn, and how sometimes the best thing you can do for a mental refresh is to go for a (really long) walk.

Building rapport, establishing respect and reflecting as an Executive Producer.

On the very first episode of ‘So That’s How It’s Done' we sit down with JC Reyes to talk about his extensive career as a creative. We discuss what an Executive Producer role looks like and how his journey through many creative roles has shaped him to best support his clients in achieving their goals. JC shares his nuggets of wisdom on the importance of being good now, leaving your ego at home and how every idea can be good if you put it in the right environment.