Our interview series continues with Lauren Birch (Potts), a Producer in our Film and Post team. Lauren is one of the people who helps to keep projects running smoothly so commercial content gets cleared and delivered to the correct media channels, kit and crew are in place for shoot days and motion graphics editors are briefed and scheduled for their projects.
Can you tell us about what you do at LEAP?
I work closely with the editors and producers in the moving image team as well as with people in other departments to organise our shoots and edits. I also assist our account managers on OOH and social campaigns.
How did you get into the advertising industry, and what led you to where you are now?
As part of my second year at the University of Greenwich studying Digital Film Production, we were required to do a two-week work experience placement. Someone in the year above me posted on our Uni Facebook page that their company hosted placements, so I began with a work experience at a commercials production company called Stink.
I extended my placement and then acted as a freelance runner/front of house for them for around nine months before a full-time position became available. I ended up working there for four years in various roles. I kind of fell into commercial production, but now I realise how well suited it is to my personality. I like to be very organised.
I was excited to make the move to LEAP because of the different brands the company has worked with – well-known brands like Byron, Duracell and wagamama. I also thought it was cool that LEAP had worked on the Fenty UK launch because I love the brand and remember seeing this campaign in Tube stations.
What do you enjoy most about your role/work or advertising and marketing generally?
The work we do at LEAP is so diverse, and each project is so different, which keeps it exciting! The fact that we see the whole process is great – I love getting out on set and seeing all of our pre-production planning come to life, and then following this through post-production into a finished film.
What’s the project you’re most proud of?
Our luxury brand film for The Mansion, Marylebone, was my first shoot with LEAP. The final film looks amazing, so I’d definitely say this is what I’m most proud of so far.
What’s your favourite ad and why?
I can’t decide between Freeview’s singing cat and budgie, or Three’s #SingItKitty! Anything where I can sing along. (There seems to be a bit of a theme!)
Do you have any interesting hobbies or do you do something else that’s really important to you?
I love to travel and love anything with a bit of adrenaline. I’ve done a 15,000ft Skydive at Mission Beach, Australia, and most recently I hiked an active volcano in Bali at 3am to make it to the top in time for sunrise!
I am also obsessed with dogs! I have volunteered at Dogs Trust at the weekends as part of their Dog School team, assisting dog owners with basic training of their pooches in six-week sessions. It’s amazing to see the progress both the owners and dogs have made at the end of their six weeks.
Who’s your inspiration?
Not necessarily an inspiration, but I am most in awe of blogger family The Bucket List Family. They sold their company/house/everything to travel the world with their young children and make amazing travel content/vlogs from their travels all over the world. I could watch their videos for hours!
What’s your biggest motivation?
My biggest motivator is seeing an ad I’ve worked on out in the world. It’s a great sense of accomplishment seeing something you know a lot of work went into being enjoyed by other people.
It’s a lot of work to keep things running smoothly for everyone across a project, so how do you unwind?
A couple of rosés on a Friday after work help to keep me sane at the end of the week.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?
Enjoy it! It’s a very fun, creative job. I’ve had the opportunity to go to fun events, meet brilliant people and travel to amazing places with my job so far.
Find out more about the people of LEAP in other interviews with members of our team.
