Meet Your Makers: Negar Shekarchi on Balancing Empathy, Awareness and Persuasion in Production

Oh hi!! Negar here. My motto you ask? When given an opportunity, deliver excellence and never quit.

I’m a 15-year veteran of making magic with experience across the content spectrum from commercials and documentaries to a variety of television formats including reality, scripted, and food competition shows. I now oversee production on the West Coast for Laundry Service and our sister company, Cycle.

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

Negar> I was born and raised in Los Angeles, where production is woven into the fabric of the city – so it’s something that was always around growing up. Joining the entertainment industry was a natural progression with so many friends, neighbours and family members with careers within and adjacent to the business. Besides summer vacation type jobs I’ve always worked in production.

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?

Negar> I started as a PA on a political documentary film, and unless you’re an unpaid intern, there is no lower position. You’re the one doing the dirty work and lowliest of tasks on-set, but without this support the production couldn’t operate. Seeing the difference between some authority figures appreciating this support and others condescending towards it informed my decision to be a certain type of producer and leader. I work on projects and for companies that respect all employees while fostering a healthy work environment for my staff and crews

LBB> How did you learn to be a producer?

Negar> Apprenticeship and observation. Apprenticeship in particular is absolutely an overlooked step by many young producers I encounter. Schooling is important and provides many of the necessary skills a producer needs, but there is no substitute for learning hands-on from established pros.

LBB> Looking back to the beginning of your career, can you tell us about a production you were involved in where you really had to dig deep and that really helped you to grow as a producer?

Negar> Working on Lockup for MSNBC was a transformative experience. Sitting face-to-face with rapists, serial killers and child molesters will test you as a person and producer! There’s a witches brew of empathy, awareness and persuasion simmering in producing – and keeping them balanced is key. I talked to some serious criminals but couldn’t demonstrate fear or judgement. I had to relate to them and show vulnerability but simultaneously orchestrate the flow and direction of the conversation. Interviewing these inmates was the ultimate training ground, where every producer muscle was tested and optimised. 

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?

Negar> I agree, because a good producer will always surround themselves with complementary talent. Different media and genres essentially run themselves with the craftspeople that specialise therein. Very often bringing together the right people for the right project is the most important part of producing – so a level of competency should be expected across disciplines. However if you’re looking to be a great (not just good producer) then focusing on a primary genre is where it’s at.

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

Negar> 100%, the best part is being on set as part of the creative process. Don’t get me wrong: I love crunching numbers for budgets and attending meetings (rolling eyes emoji), but there is nothing better than witnessing the labours of pre production come alive. I’ve had the opportunity to direct, operate camera and audio equipment and of course some light HMU. I love it all – especially the camaraderie and teamwork present on a collaborative set.

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

Negar> The biggest changes are dynamics and demographics. When I started in the early 2000’s there was a pretty high tolerance for abusive and inappropriate behaviour. Correlated to the prevalence of these behaviours was the dominance of white males in the industry. As time has passed, we have seen a consistent rise in diversity associated with a rise in civility and professionalism. Progress is important, and new perspectives are shifting the culture in more inclusive directions. 

LBB> And what has stayed the same?

Negar> Unfortunately, a lot. But all the stagnant things will improve with more DEI efforts and initiatives. 

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?

Negar> Tom Hanks has a great quote about what a producer really is and why he doesn’t do it: 

“They get on the phone, and try to convince somebody to do something they do not want to do… or they tell somebody on the phone that there’s no way that they are going to do what that person on the phone really wants them to do.”

So whether you want to call it persuasion, manipulation or Jedi mind tricks, compelling people without the task affecting the budget is effective producing. And it can absolutely be learned. Just send $49.99 to the address on the bottom of your screen and we will rush you your very own copy of 'Producing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting People to Do What You Want.' 

* WINK *

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

Negar> Teen Mom. We collectively helped lower the underage birth rate in not only America but the whole world. And I also met my amazingly talented, handsome husband on that show, so I owe my life to it.

LBB> And in terms of recent work, which projects have you found to be particularly exciting or have presented particularly interesting production challenges?

Negar> Well covid production was and continues to be a challenge. Testing and set safety, local mandates and permitting, remote viewing, contingencies, and on and on. An unintended, positive by product is revealing who and what is actually essential to a production. So many norms had become habits that were unnecessary to the process. Covid-limited productions have shown what does and doesn’t work in a virtual or remote setting. 

LBB> Producers always have the best stories. What’s the hairiest / most insane situation you’ve found yourself in and how did you work your way out of it?

Negar> The best stories are protected by NDAs and other contractual or professional vows of secrecy. Let’s just say the gift of gab, long eyelashes, and lots and lots of petty cash have always been valuable assets.

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

Negar> My focus is to work on meaningful projects with friends and colleagues of the highest quality integrity and creativity. I’m happy to say I continually make that dream real.

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

Negar> Watch guilty pleasure programming like Bravo reality TV really switches the brain right off! But seriously, the basics like exercise, yoga, adventures, cuddles with my dog and time with family are my main sources for a recharge.

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

Negar> Get on-set or in the production office and see what a producer actually does all day. The reality may not be all that you expected. Also, actually being there, you may find another position or craft that’s a better fit. This goes back to the importance of observation.

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

Negar> I subscribe to the fabled production triangle, with each side an option of GOOD / FAST / CHEAP. Attaining all three is impossible unless you’re calling in favours, so for a successful production: pick two. Besides that, realistic expectations and clear honest communication is always a huge help.

LBB> One specifically for EPs: Producers are naturally hands on - they have to be. How do you balance that in the more managerial role of an EP?

Negar> If you hire the right producers, balance is easy. It’s only when you don’t trust your staff that micromanaging is necessary. Similar to investing in pre production to ensure a smoother production schedule, investing in a high quality team makes it easier to delegate and keep focus on the 30,000 ft view.