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Producing Tomorrow’s Producers: Jim Huie Says “Growth Is a Journey, Not a Sprint”

28/01/2025
Creative Prodution Studio
New York, United States
64
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The Alkemy X managing director and executive producer on why production is a team sport and the value of calmness under pressure

Jim Huie is a seasoned executive producer with over two decades of experience in the film and advertising industries. He has produced award-winning content for prominent agencies and brands.

Jim currently serves as managing director and executive producer at Alkemy X, a leading independent global media company. In this role, he oversees the company's strategic production approach and manages the creative talent responsible for live-action projects.

Prior to his role at Alkemy X’s, he served as a director of production, executive producer and line producer at various industry leading production companies. His extensive experience and leadership have established him as a respected figure in the industry, known for delivering high-quality content across various categories of advertising and entertainment.


LBB> What advice would you give to any aspiring producers or content creators hoping to make the jump into production?

Jim> Don’t get ahead of yourself. You don’t need to be an EP tomorrow. It’s tempting to chase titles like executive producer, especially in smaller companies where they might come sooner than expected. But production is an intricate field that demands deep experience. Give yourself the time to learn what you don’t know—and more importantly, what you don’t know you don’t know. Growth in this industry is a journey, not a sprint.


LBB> What skills or emerging areas would you advise aspiring producers to learn about and educate themselves about?

Jim> Technology constantly shapes our industry, with new tools and trends emerging at a rapid pace. It’s essential to discern which innovations have staying power and which are fleeting distractions (I’m lookin’ at you, 3D TVs). Good producers anticipate what’s next while staying grounded in what works today, adapting and evolving with the landscape to remain relevant.


LBB> What was the biggest lesson you learned when you were starting out in production - and why has that stayed with you?

Jim> The most important lesson I learned is that production takes a village. Success isn’t about one person; it’s the result of every team member doing their part to the best of their abilities. It’s a humbling realisation that underscores the collaborative nature of our work.


LBB> When it comes to broadening access to production and improving diversity and inclusion what are your team doing to address this?

Jim> We’re focused on reducing barriers to entry and reaching individuals who might not otherwise get a chance to explore this industry. We collaborate with organisations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Boys & Girls Clubs, which mentor young people transitioning from high school to the workforce. These partnerships help us connect aspiring talent with opportunities, fostering a more inclusive production community.


LBB> And why is it an important issue for the production community to address?

Jim> Because it’s the right thing to do. Our industry should be accessible to everyone, reflecting the diverse audiences we serve. The content we create shapes public opinion, consciously or unconsciously. When our teams mirror the diversity of our audiences, the stories we tell and the messages we convey become more authentic and resonant.


LBB> There are young people getting into production who maybe don’t see the line between professional production and the creator economy, and that may well also be the shape of things to come. What are your thoughts about that? Is there a tension between more formalised production and the ‘creator economy’ or do the two feed into each other?

Jim> It’s an evolving dynamic I think about daily. While the creator economy has disrupted traditional advertising, I see these two worlds as complementary rather than competitive. Creator content often acts as a grassroots touchpoint—much like old-school classified ads or word-of-mouth—while formal production delivers polished narratives that resonate with broader audiences. The two paths feed into one another, enriching the marketing ecosystem rather than replacing one another.


LBB> If you compare your role to the role of the heads of TV/heads of production/executive producers when you first joined the industry, what do you think are the most striking or interesting changes (and what surprising things have stayed the same?)

Jim> Budgets were more robust when I started, and the job came with more predictability. Back then, EPs seemed to operate at a slower, more luxurious pace. Today, we’re in a hyper-competitive environment with tighter budgets and faster turnarounds, which demands a lot more hustle. What’s stayed the same is the core of the job: crafting strategies, sourcing the right teams, and executing a director’s vision. 


LBB> When it comes to educating producers how does your agency like to approach this? (I know we’re always hearing about how much easier it is to educate or train oneself on tech etc, but what areas do you think producers can benefit from more directed or structured training?)

Jim> Young producers today are tech-savvy, resourceful, and efficient, but they often lack experience in interpersonal skills—like exuding confidence, managing client relationships, and handling high-pressure situations with composure. These are learned through real-world practice, not tutorial videos or apps. Repeated exposure to professional settings and mentorship is key to filling this gap. The isolation of working from home doesn’t help.


LBB> It seems that there’s an emphasis on speed and volume when it comes to content - but to where is the space for up and coming producers to learn about (and learn to appreciate) craft?

Jim> Post-mortem reflections are invaluable. Reviewing what worked and what didn’t after a project helps people learn and grow. While the volume of content has increased, the craft is still there.


LBB> On the other side of the equation, what’s the key to retaining expertise and helping people who have been working in production for decades to develop new skills?

Jim> It’s crucial to recognise that experienced producers also need mentorship when adapting to new technologies and processes—myself included. Providing support and fostering collaboration between generations ensures we evolve together.


LBB> Clearly there is so much change, but what are the personality traits and skills that will always be in demand from producers?

Jim> Effective communication, calmness under pressure, confidence, organisational skills, and the ability to multitask. These timeless qualities will always be the foundation of great production work, no matter how much the industry changes.

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