Grand Central’s New Era: Meet the Production Team

Having worked at Grand Central previously, it’s so nice to be back and catch up with so many familiar faces and although things have moved on, it feels very much like I never left.

Our production table is very much the heartbeat of the company. The whole team gravitates towards the desk for a chat, to feel connected to the work that’s coming in and pick up a biscuit or sweet treat on the way through, Simon’s homemade millionaire shortbread are divine! 

That’s a big part of what we do in production to be honest, we nurture the team around us and want to see them thrive. Sound designers, like many artistic people, can have moments of self-doubt, off days, and just need a boost. I like the feeling when I can really cheer somebody up with news of some exciting new work or just a bit of silly chat. 

 

It’s important to keep the sound designers connected with the twists and turns of projects and it’s a truly collaborative relationship between production and the sound team. I love nothing more than popping into a studio to discuss a project with one of our sound designers, making sure they feel valued and respected creatively, and supported always.

And the sound designers are getting quite good at reciprocating their love for us too. Long gone are the days when the designers could call up a producer and bark at them in a big red rage. Everyone is much more respectful, and we make sure that everyone feels equally valued from the runners to management. 

What I love about Grand Central as a company now is that we are there for our clients as well as our staff and want to make the audio experience as positive and fulfilling as possible. We can now be much more flexible with budgets, which means we can help more people out and the empath in me feels grateful for this.

The production desk is an amazing place to work! You truly feel like you're walking into a day at work with your mates and after a commute navigating traffic, armpits (or worse) and food delivery bikes pinning you up against the tube doors, that is precisely what's needed (as well as a strong coffee).

No matter how bad a day I'm having, I know someone will always make me laugh (and with a laugh like mine, it's always good to work somewhere with properly soundproof studios). It's also a real hub, be it sound designers, the guys from transfer or the runners, it's lovely to have that interaction. Those moments where your brain goes for a wander and you need someone to bounce off is invaluable and the team never lets me down. And that's just the staff!

I am also blessed to liaise with some amazing clients who by the time we meet in person, it's generally hugs all round (though I have also been known to break into a dance on first meeting as they sign the visitors book and if they dance too, all the better/ less embarrassing).

I'd heard a great deal about Grand Central before having the pleasure of crossing their path and you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer, more professional group of staff.

The epitome of swans gliding whilst feet paddle furiously beneath the surface, always with a smile and generally with a pastry of some sort (since my short time here one of the MDs has treated us to homemade samosas and brownies... I sure hope he doesn't think this is some kind of hint *winky face*).

Budget wise, we're not as unbendable as perhaps we once were and are always willing to discuss costs on projects as helping our clients get their project off the ground is paramount to us!

I'm pleased to say, I have found my people.