Cuppa with UNIT's Production Assistant, Nell Simmonds
Nell joined UNIT in 2021 as a production runner where she developed a passion for producing in the post production world. After moving into MCR she was promoted to production assistant in 2023 working across the busy production department supporting on a range of Commercial, Music Video, Brand projects. We caught up with Nell Simmonds for a cuppa and to hear about what it means to be a production assistant and what she is loving most on TV right now.
Q> What inspires you and drives you as a production assistant?
Nell> There are two factors for me which are the driving force behind each working day.
For a start, I love the work. A lot of my role is focused on organising, multitasking and problem solving which are all things I find extremely satisfying. Secondly, I find the entire team at UNIT super inspiring. I massively respect everyone's graft and talent and feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and work alongside them. It therefore feels easy to be inspired and driven when you enjoy what you're working on and the team you're working with.
Q> How does it feel to be part of UNIT production team?
Nell> I really enjoy being a part of the production team at UNIT. Everyone is willing to teach and guide you and it is a really supportive environment to learn in. I also feel incredibly grateful to have Tania as my head of production. The way she manages and motivates the team is what makes it work so well. It is a strong team led by a strong woman and for me, as a young woman starting my career, it is very empowering. I also find everyone hilarious and love that everyday I go to work, there is a guaranteed laugh.
Q> What first inspired you to get into this career?
Nell> I have always loved watching Films and TV. That was all I ever did after school and for hours ha! If I'm being completely honest this was a career I accidently fell into but as soon as I started as a runner I knew this was an industry I wanted to work in as from the beginning my fascination has been what has driven me to learn. I've been open minded and therefore have had a lot of opportunities to sit and learn about what each department does and even had the chance to do some foley! Every day I'm amazed at the work that can be done in post and now when I watch TV and Films I almost get to enjoy it twice because I enjoy what I'm watching but then respect the work that has gone into it and enjoy thinking about how it has been curated.
Q> What kind of creative work do you admire most?
Nell> Anything a little bit out there! I love anything slightly dystopian or that has me thinking after for example, recent things I have watched and loved include Poor Things, Parasite and Don't Worry Darling. One of my all time favourites is The Truman Show! I also love films/documentaries about people, especially musicians and bands. I think I like the insight into what they were going through and the influence it had on their lyrics (especially if I'm a fan of their music)! Commercials wise, I find most high end fashion and big sports spots pretty epic! I love the edginess and slickness there is to them. Currently, my big goal and dream is to work on one of them!
Q> What are you watching / reading / listening to right now?
Nell> I am currently watching Kaos on Netflix. I can only watch an episode at a time though as I feel like there is so much to think about! I love how the story is set in a modern world and I try to think about what (if anything) would have been the same and also how power presents itself in the world. The whole afterlife part completely blows my mind too and really gets me thinking.
