Working Lives

She hopes the indie’s debut – hit BBC One drama Boiling Point – is the first of many TV and film successes.

Why did you set up an indie together?

Phil and I were introduced in 2019. It was a coincidence that we are both from Liverpool and have similar backgrounds. Neither of us knew anyone in the industry – we fought our way in and built these careers for ourselves, and we both have very similar goals. So we decided to work together.

The fun part is playing music detective and creating playlists – but there’s also the labyrinthine business of negotiating and securing the rights to use the tracks.

What does the job involve? 

What does the job involve?

I guess the simple answer is that the clue is in the title: it’s about having a clear direction in which you want to take a project.

You’re the hand on the tiller, making sure all the departments and actors are going in the same direction.

I started in documentaries, so I’m trying to make things feel real and truthful. I’m not just trying to deliver the script, which is what a lot of people think a director’s job is. You have to breathe life into it so it doesn’t feel written, or even directed.

What does the job involve?

A mix of covering breaking large events – a lot of which in recent years have been wars – and self-starter pieces. As a team, we do long-form stories, too. The withdrawal of British forces from Afghanistan was not just a news story for us, it also became an hour-long programme.

Why is it important?

What does the job involve?

I oversee the production budget and scheduling, as well as the day-to-day aspects of a production. This involves ensuring that filming is done safely, on time and on budget. I’m also the go-between, between the crew and the producers.

How do you differ from a producer?

A producer works on the editorial side; a line producer is on the production side of a TV show.

How did you get your break in telly?

What does the job involve?

I source the off-screen talent for ­productions across Arrow Media and Arrow Pictures, including runners, researchers, assistant producers, ­directors, series producers and executive producers. I also recruit people to permanent positions in the company; we have about 25 core staff. My role includes all aspects of HR.

Do you recruit on-screen talent?

No, talent agencies and broadcasters tend to look after the on-screen talent.

What was your route into becoming a talent manager?

What does the job involve?

Executive producers, and there are usually more than one on a show, are across everything: creative development; scripting; casting and crewing; financing; the shoot; the edit; and marketing and publicity. Essentially, the role lasts for the lifespan of a project.

Do you focus on any particular areas?

Emma Butt works across drama and documentary, recently mixing the sound for the BBC One series Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads and Amazon Prime film Arsène Wenger: Invincible. Having spent the first decade of her working life in Dublin – where she worked on Lenny Abrahamson’s much-loved film What Richard Did – she now freelances in the UK. 

What does the job involve? 

What does the job involve?

Ultimately, my job is to plan ahead, working closely with the producers, key stakeholders at Vertigo and the broadcaster, from programme development to delivery, making sure the financials, compliance and the right creatives are in place to bring the creative vision to fruition.