Meet Your Makers: Pure Collaboration with Marcia Wigley

Marcia Wigley is head of production for Cut+Run NY, whose experience as a post producer includes long and short-form advertising content in all genres. In addition to her work on multiple award-winning campaigns, Marcia is known for seeing the big picture and supporting her teams and client visions in equal measure. She loves to find solutions and takes on challenges to open up new ways of thinking. She is a strong supporter of mentorship and leads C+R NY’s Camp Kuleshov & Internship programs.   

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? 

Marcia> The pure collaboration between editor, assistant and producer is what piqued my interest in post production and ultimately why I decided to carve out a career in this industry. I started in production and worked at Paramount/Viacom for a time. From that experience I realised that I would thrive at a smaller company where I’d have access to more hands-on training. I have a film and music background but needed technical and real life experience to determine if this was an industry that I could see myself in long term. Being a post producer is unique in that the team really learns from one another and each project poses new obstacles that we figure out how to solve together. Needless to say the work never gets boring and I was really drawn to that. Also, the bonds and connections you make in this field are truly unmatched.

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?

Marcia> My first post production experience was at Lost Planet NY. It was highly creative and I worked with such amazing talented people. Hank Corwin had a great influence on my perception of editorial and its role in advertising. His editorial process and how things were put together blew my mind and it had such a lasting impact on how I value the editorial process overall.

LBB> How did you learn to be a producer? 

Marcia> By having failures along the way. It’s one thing to know on paper what the workflow of a project should be and how to manage things. But it’s something entirely different to be fluid enough to adapt to instances where it’s not so clear what is needed, or how to help. In my experience, the process of making mistakes – and being open to constant learning so you can approach things differently next time  –  is how you learn to be a trusted production partner.

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? 

Marcia> I honestly don’t know of one instance where something new hasn’t come up, so I’m constantly digging deep on some level!

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

Marcia> Digital shoots, fast-connect platforms to share media, the ability to supervise sessions remotely anywhere in the world...all of this changed expectations on how quickly edits can be turned around and delivered. On the one hand it’s always nice to get what you need in a timely manner and to have limitless access to media and people, but on the other hand there is still a creative process to consider. A lot of time has been put into intent of what is being seen, heard, and understood before the editor gets involved, so having the time to creatively explore is important to the craft as well as the overall messaging. In the age of hybrid workflow, being thoughtful about time and process is an important part of being a post producer and also carries over to our production and agency counterparts.

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? 

Marcia> The ability to listen to what people are saying and understand what the project needs to positively propel the work forward is an important part of being an effective producer. At the same time it’s equally as important to know when to exhale in order to enjoy the process even at its most difficult times.

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

Marcia> There have been many and I am so grateful to have had those experiences. One in particular that stands out would be Facebook’s (Meta) Skate Nation Ghana. Working with the talented directorial team at Love Song, creatives at Droga5 and editor Paul Watts was a treat - such a creative process and collaborative group. The work was assembled with such care and thought and it is hands down one of my most favorite producing experiences.

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? 

Marcia> I plead the fifth. HA!

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

Marcia> I enjoy building young talent and purposefully work on diversifying our team at Cut + Run to include more LGBTQA+ identifying individuals and people of color. This is extremely important to me. It would have been great to have seen more people that looked like me when I was starting out in production, especially in a mentorship role.

LBB> As a producer your brain must have a never-ending "to do" list. How do you switch off? What do you do to relax? 

Marcia> I try not to take myself too seriously. Tai Chi at the wrap of my day helps, a little karaoke, and a healthy glass of wine! I also have an amazing husband and 12 year old pup who both rally with me at the end of the night and keep me centred and laughing.

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

Marcia> I like taking risks and I don’t really feel much value in doing things the way it’s always been done before. We’re all unique and should put our own spin on things.

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

Marcia> Buckle up! No, seriously the role is what you make it so always remember to keep learning, be open to meeting new people and listen. Most of all, don't hesitate to show people what you’re capable of.

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

Marcia> Building relationships and genuinely getting to know people. We have more in common then we think and making human connections is important for both personal growth and makes the work that much more fun.