integrated creative productions

If you follow us on our blog and social media, you will know that we at TJ like to share insight into the world of professional advertising productions, and at this time of year we visit undergraduates on creative courses from CGI and animation to photography to digital design. The fresh talent is inspiring and we’re proud to help the ambitious folk jump into their next adventure armed with a little know-how.

So last week, our Business Operations Manager, Laura, and one of our newest Producers, Heather, took the train to Cheltenham to visit the University of Gloucestershire’s Art and Design centre. Heather graduated from their esteemed ‘Photography: Editorial & Advertising’ degree course just 3 years ago and remembered how inspired she was getting a glimpse into the commercial world from “the best post-house” all those years ago…

We kicked off with the launch of our 2014 showreel and a preview of our latest work. Heather and the team delivered print, broadcast, interactive and short film projects, often simultaneously, and our BTS videos showed the scale of sets, props and high tech equipment the students could only dream about. Heather told of the ups, downs, knock-backs and fantastic opportunities that followed her graduation. Drum roll, please, for….

FIVE MINUTES WITH… HEATHER, TJ PRODUCER

How long have you known about TJ and when did you join in?

Taylor James have been growing and evolving since 1999 and I was very aware of their work throughout my Photography degree. We often referenced their work in our modules and found the behind the scenes a great learning tool. I’ve been at Taylor James fulltime since July 2013, I worked for another stills and film company prior and collaborated on a few productions with TJ.

What do you like about the studio?

Definitely the attention to detail and pride in the quality of our work. Also I love being able to chat with everyone from CGI, editors, retouchers, CDs (not the musical kind), EPs and everyone who keeps the cogs turning whilst we’re out on big productions. Working virtually with our team in NYC is also great.  I’ve found it a great way to learn about techniques such as live-action animation integration and how to get the best of render files in retouch.

We have a healthy bunch of freelancers who come and go so it’s nice to get to know them all. It’s a relaxed atmosphere as there’s so much respect for everyone and what they bring to the party. Plus, I get to come to work in my high tops and nobody bats an eyelid, always a plus.

What’s your alter ego role, if you weren’t a Producer?

I have this image of being a successful west end star playing all the cool lead roles. However I’m SO good at singing I thought I’d give everyone else a try… I had so many career ideas when I was younger… athlete (I was 3rd in UK Under15s in hammer throwing!), police officer or a chef (my cakes are quite good.) I did at one point say I was going to join the circus, I can ride a unicycle.

The piece of advertising work I wish I had thought of is…

I completely fell in love with Chipotle’s The Scarecrow. It literally hit all the buttons for me, iconic song choice, adorable graphics and it’s topical.  I couldn’t stop showing everyone the video even if they didn’t want to watch! The behind the scenes video is also a great insight into the production.

My dream collaboration is…

Anything with Martin Schoeller or David Bailey. If they needed some portraits animated, that job would be mine. The other TJ producers wouldn’t be allowed to touch it and I’ve already got my dream team listed out.

The last piece of criticism I’ve received was…

That I plan things too much. I’m not big on last minute decisions.

At the moment I am working on…

A nice product campaign for an Indian agency, combining CGI and post-production. It’s great to broaden the spectrum on who Taylor James works with, as many of our clients are based in the US and UK.

The best piece of creative work around at the moment is…

Anything that comes out of Wieden+Kennedy. I’ve been incredibly jealous of those who worked on the “The Ride” and “Pony”. They’re just totally my type of ads.

The last song I listened to was…

Vera Lynn – Travelling Home. I commute from West London to Shoreditch everyday and there’s something about 50s music that helps me not fly off the handle at rude commuters twice a day.

This year I’ll be attending…

Nadav Kander’s talk at the National Portrait Gallery. The NPG is one of my favourite places to go and this is my first event for The Late Shift, tickets were free!

The next big thing in advertising…

There’s a cardboard woman at Kings Cross station that talks to you when you go past her, she freaks me out. I don’t want to imagine my reaction when, in the future, her hologram will call me over by name from the departures board whilst knowing where I’m about to travel…

Creative production and image making is changing all the time, and the creative industry is an attractive place to be. No more do you have to get a sensible job in law or accountancy or a bank. If you have the passion and desire to work in the creative sector and want to come and see what’s happening behind the scenes, let us know. Drop us an email at recruitment@taylorjames.com with ‘Internship’ in the subject line or click here formore info.

Heather’s advice to people seeking a placement at TJ?

In terms of shoot production, you need to be organised, proactive and have common sense. It sounds daft but so many people just do not think! In my early days as a runner, I saw someone, higher up in the chain of production, put a box of chocolates for the client down in front of a heater and remember thinking, did that seriously just happen? I also saw a hairstylist use hairspray next to a candle… Be aware of your surroundings; always think the worst on set and make sure it doesn’t happen.

A good sense of humor is also vital; I don’t think there’s been a time where my height and hair colour hasn’t been thrown into banter. (I’m 6ft and ginger.)