My Biggest Lesson: Si McDowell

Don’t be a fun sponge. 

My mate once told me their profound theory that every human fits into one of three categories:

While this TEDTalk-worthy hypothesis wasn’t directly linked to my career in production, the sentiment behind it has entirely affected it.

The fun appreciators keep morale high, fun makers spark creativity, and the sponges drain the energy from the room. In this industry, we need more makers and appreciators - people who bring ideas to life, not those who dampen the energy.

We’re kinda lucky to work in this industry. And I’m sure we’ve all been there at weddings or family do’s, describing what we do to a chorus of envious looks from people in proper jobs. I was at a pub after work the other day (another perk of the industry) and got chatting to a Detective who was like “I don’t know anyone who does what you do” - and we all often forget, this is a tough industry to get into - there aren’t that many of us that do it. 

This career wasn’t even an option at school. I grew up in rural Nottinghamshire in a village called Cropwell Bishop (yes it’s famous for making the most delicious Stilton…) and went to a typical state comprehensive. Even in media studies, the idea of actually making the shit we were critiquing felt like a world beyond any of our reach. It’s stuff privileged kids in posh London schools go on to do.

After I graduated I decided it would be fun to be an underwater camera operator. With no diving and little filming experience. I spent a year or so pursuing that in Asia and Australia - I worked on the Great Barrier Reef for a bit. Came back to the UK and didn’t really fancy the cold waters so moved to London and worked my way up at a production company.

I started in marketing but hated handing over briefs. I enjoyed coming up with ideas, and wanted to make those ideas so I kind of forced my way into producing through sheer enthusiasm, tenacity and a genuine enjoyment for doing this stuff. And that hasn’t changed.

Now as a company owner and executive creative producer….when I’m knee deep in back-to-back meetings discussing the balance of colours of a unicorns hair for a commercial, or what type of lettuce will look best in a sandwich pack shot, or discussing niche references from 'Not Another Teen Movie' to enhance the comedy of a scene…you kind of have to put what we do in perspective, yeah this shit is fun. 

It’s a perfect environment for makers and appreciators to thrive. Enjoying what you do affects not only the team around you - it creates a healthier work ethic, improves productivity and influences creative output. 

Aspects of production are certainly stressful. You’re spinning a load of plates, managing client demands, directors' mental last minute creative epiphanies and of course dealing with a whole lot of people across the three aforementioned ‘funness’ categories, including those sponges.

And the more we do this stuff, the more you realise that talent doesn’t need to have an ego. We don’t need fun sponges to make amazing work. We have a “don’t be a dickhead” policy at Lobster.

If we work with freelancers, crew, producers, directors, HODs, whoever, that makes a point of sucking the fun and enjoyment out of the work we do, REGARDLESS of their talent…we won’t work with them again. The work might be great but you’ll always remember that horrible, negative experience someone along that journey gives you.

This is a super collaborative industry, it’s not about individuals (whatever some directors/CDs/DPs etc think) it’s a collection of amazing specialists coming together to produce brilliance. If that’s not a positive experience, then what’s the bloody point? 

So, don’t be a fun sponge. The best work comes from people who love what they do. Enjoy it, give a shit and bring joy to the creative process…because that’s where the magic happens.