Cuppa with UNIT’s Executive Producer, Darryl Bolton

Darryl has been with UNIT for 13 years and has a vast knowledge of the post production world. We enjoyed a cuppa with one of our most well-known and loved UNIT EP’s Darryl Bolton and talked about all things UNIT. Darryl leads a range of key Commercial and Brand accounts working closely with agency and production company teams.

Q> What inspires you and drives you as an executive producer?

Darryl> As an executive producer in post, I love getting scripts and better still, winning them and ensuring the client and our team work well together and have a good experience, especially nowadays with tight budgets and schedules. It's important that I can help take away some of the stress from the client and give them a good experience.

Q> Proudest achievement?

Darryl> My proudest moment was getting into advertising from a comprehensive school background, at the beginning no one would have me! Most people I met at the start were from Oxbridge backgrounds, and I felt a little out of place but I was given the opportunity throughout my career to work with some of the biggest names in advertising. It’s been a roller coaster, but I have loved every minute of it and have made some fantastic friends for life.  

Q> What first inspired you to get into this career?

Darryl> I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do. I remember my father suggesting that I try advertising. One of his clients was Leo Burnett when they were in St Martins Lane. I wrote to the top one hundred agencies, not knowing what I wanted to do but to find out more about the business. I had seven replies and three chats: Geers Gross, Ogilvy & Mather, and Benton & Bowles. I was fortunate to be offered a position at B&B as a Creative Management PA. And that's really where it all began for me. Cut to 40 years later and I’m still loving the industry and work. I’ve been at UNIT coming up to 12 years now, which is the longest place I’ve ever been, so I must be doing something right. 

Q> What makes a good producer? And more widely, what are the key elements of a successful production? 

Darryl> A good producer plays a crucial role in the success of a project.  A good producer can lead a diverse team, motivating and guiding them toward a common goal. Effective communication with the team, and ensures everyone is on the same page. A combination of strong leadership, effective planning, teamwork makes for a successful production.

A successful producer is detail-oriented and can manage schedules, budgets, and resources efficiently. Challenges will arise in any production; a good producer can think on their feet and find creative solutions. They should have a clear vision for the project and the creative insight to enhance it. Producers must manage budget, making financially sound decisions that support the project. Building relationships within the industry can help secure talent, resources, and enthusiasm for the project. A good producer can effectively negotiate contracts and deals that benefit the production. The foundation of any production is a compelling story or concept that engages the audience.  Hiring skilled professionals, including directors, writers, actors, and crew members, is crucial to bringing the vision to life. Comprehensive planning and preparation ensure that everyone knows their roles and timelines before shooting or performing begins. Allocating resources wisely helps to avoid financial pitfalls and keeps the project on track. Establishing effective communication throughout the production process ensures that issues are resolved promptly. Prioritising the quality of work in every department, from cinematography to sound design, enhances the overall product. Ability to adapt to changes or unforeseen issues during the production process while maintaining focus on the end goal is vital for success.A well-thought-out plan for reaching the target audience and distributing the final product can significantly impact its success.

Q> What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far in your career? 

Darryl> The most valuable lesson I have learned is to be honest and respectful to everyone and to admit our mistakes, we’re not perfect. We can’t know everything, especially these days with technology changing so fast. 

Q> What am I watching now?  

Darryl> I really enjoyed Killers of the Flower Moon. A true story that is thought-provoking with a great cast & production design.