Concept to Reality: Connecting the Production Dots with Gillian Burkley

Gillian Burkley, a native New Yorker, has long been captivated by the city’s dynamic energy, which mirrors her deep passion for both people and the arts. She launched her career in the performing arts, later moving into post-production and agency production before finding her natural home on the production company side.

Along the way, Gillian discovered her ability to curate talent and bring people together—skills that have become the foundation of her career. Now, as executive producer at Good Company, she thrives on leading innovative projects and fostering collaboration, bringing creative visions to life with every new endeavour.

LBB> What first attracted you to production – and has it been an industry you’ve always worked in or did you come to it from another area?

Gillian> Musical theatre was my major, and for much of my younger years, I found myself auditioning for various roles, though success seemed, shall we say, elusive.

My friends and I decided to take matters into our own hands and create our own off-off-off (okay, maybe more ‘offs’) Broadway production. It was a true team effort, driven by our shared passion to finally step on stage and do what we loved.

This experience marked my first real taste of being on ‘the other side’ of the creative process.

There was something incredibly fulfilling about building something from scratch, watching all the pieces fall into place, and realising we had made it happen ourselves.

LBB> What was your first role in the production world and how did this experience influence how you think about production and how you grew your career?

Gillian> My first role was at Cut & Run NY, where I worked in client services with absolutely no idea what went into editing a commercial. All I knew was that people kept coming and going from these things called ‘bays’, and my main job was to keep them fed and hydrated and happy.

Eventually, I moved into production at Company 3, and that’s when everything clicked. I was finally able to immerse myself in the post-production world, gaining an understanding of the process from start to finish. It was a lot more complex than I had ever imagined, but that’s where the real learning and excitement began.

LBB> How did you learn to be a producer? 

Gillian> I’ve always been a believer in learning by doing. When you're thrown into something, there's really no choice but to figure it out, though it almost always comes with a few missteps along the way.

Growth doesn’t happen without making mistakes.

I’ll never forget my first agency production job at BBDO. I was completely green and had zero knowledge of things like talent costs, casting, session fees, buyouts, you name it. So, when I mistakenly booked talent and ended up with a $300 overage, I thought I was going to die and get in so much trouble!

But that experience taught me more than any teacher ever could.

LBB> A good producer should be able to produce for any medium, from film to events to digital experience. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why/why not?

Gillian> Absolutely. Production is all about connecting the dots –transforming them from concepts to reality while balancing creativity with budget constraints.

At Good Company, we are constantly presented with ambitious production requests and cutting-edge challenges. It’s precisely in these moments of complexity where the excitement lies.

It's the problem solving, the improvisation, and the satisfaction of overcoming hurdles that make it all so much more rewarding!

LBB> What’s your favourite thing about production and why?

Gillian> I genuinely love every phase of the process. Pre-production, being on set, editing, colour, sound, music –each one plays an absolutely vital role in crafting a great spot.

But if I had to pick a favourite, it’s the feeling of seeing it all the way through to the finish line. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking an idea and watching it transform into a fully realised piece of work. That moment when everything comes together is pure magic.

LBB> How has production changed since you started your career?

Gillian> I got my start back when film was the standard, and digital work was still in its infancy. It's incredible to think about how much has changed since then –it’s a world of difference. And yes, I suppose that’s one way of dating myself!

LBB> And what has stayed the same?

Gillian> How I'm constantly inspired by the people!

LBB> What do you think is the key to being an effective producer – and is it something that’s innate or something that can be learned?

Gillian> Staying calm under pressure is key. I always say I’m like a duck –gliding smoothly on the surface, but underneath, I’m paddling like hell. The trick is never letting the panic show. There's always a solution, you just have to find it.

LBB> Which production project from across your career are you most proud of and why?

Gillian> I’m genuinely proud of each one. Every project came with its own set of challenges, but the ones with real purpose behind them hold a special place. There’s something deeply fulfilling about contributing to something meaningful and giving back in that way.

LBB> What are your personal ambitions or aspirations as a producer?

Gillian> I’d love to produce a short film –something truly collaborative, a project I believe in and can be involved with from the very start. Hopefully, someday soon!

LBB> As a producer your brain must have a neverending ‘to-do’ list. How do you switch off? What do you do to relax?

Gillian> I never truly switch off –it’s both a blessing and a curse. Whether it’s work, personal life, or being a mommy, my mind is always running. The only time it slows down is when I’m working out, since it demands my full attention. But even then, it’s not exactly ‘relaxing’, is it? 

LBB> Producers are problem solvers. What personally fuels your curiosity and drive?

Gillian> We have to be that way—it’s one of the core principles of where I am the EP, Good Company. Our team is all about rolling up our sleeves, diving in, and finding solutions together.

One of my favourite stories is from the very beginning of Good Co, when Kanye had this vision for a seven-screen film. The team didn’t hesitate— they went to B&H, bought seven cameras, swung by Home Depot to build a rig, and shot it out of the back of a van as they cruised around Manhattan. Fast forward, it was sold, shot in Qatar, and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival just six weeks later.

Innovation is the driving force behind all of it—the thrill of being the first to push boundaries and make it happen. It’s pretty incredible.

LBB> What advice would you give to people who are interested in becoming a producer?

Gillian> I believe being a people person is key. It's essential to navigate and collaborate with a wide range of personalities, all while staying dedicated to the creative process and striving to produce the best work possible.

And just as importantly, always stay buttoned up – make it a point to be the most knowledgeable person in the production, so you're fully in control of everything happening on the job.

LBB> From your experience what are the ingredients for a successful production?

Gillian> Preparation is everything. It all starts there. You have to be fully prepared –clear on the vision and direction from the outset. It’s far more challenging to fix things on set or in post-production. While there are always unpredictable elements, being transparent and clear from the very beginning is crucial to keeping everything on track.

LBB> What’s the key to a successful production-client relationship?

Gillian> Communication, collaboration, and transparency are key. You want everyone to be fully aware of each step in the process, with no surprises along the way. If something isn’t ready to share or if we need an extra moment on set, it’s important to explain why and provide the reasoning. Keeping everyone informed is essential to maintaining trust and ensuring a smooth workflow.

LBB> Producers are naturally hands on – they have to be. How do you balance that in the more managerial role of an EP?

Gillian> It’s crucial to give the producer the space to manage the production in their own way. I’d never want to overstep or micromanage someone in their role. Sometimes, it's about stepping back and trusting the process. When I do step in, it’s to support, guide, and help keep everything running as smoothly as possible for everyone involved.