Rita Gagliardi Looks Back on 20 Years in The Industry

With 20 years experience spanning agency, production, and post-production roles, Rita Gagliardi now brings her expertise to editing, VFX, and animation. Rita began her career at Leo Burnett, where she spent 11 years honing her craft before transitioning to the production company Rabbit.

Now executive producer at The Editors in Sydney, Rita has overseen locally and internationally acclaimed work, and continues to ensure top-tier creative execution in post production.

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?

Rita> I’ve always felt a strong pull to production. The excitement of what is possible from script stage to execution has attracted me from the early stages of my career and still 20 years on. 

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?

Rita> My first role in advertising was front of house at the agency, Leo Burnett. Being new to the industry, I wanted to absorb everything I could. 

Within months of being there, I knew immediately my passion lay in production. I worked hard to make sure the head of TV at the time knew this by supporting where I could. Then when chance to be part of that department arose, I seized the opportunity. 

I was fortunate to be at Leo Burnett during an incredible time and working alongside some of the best creative minds in the industry when big ideas truly shaped culture. This gave me an incredible foundation in every aspect of advertising. 

From there, I joined production company, Rabbit, where I deepened my understanding of production— learning how to bring ideas to life. 

Now, as executive producer at The Editors, I draw on everything I’ve learned—from agency, production, and post. 

LBB> How did you learn to be a producer?

Rita> I was fortunate enough to have some incredibly experienced producers who took a chance on me. I look back and I smile when I think of that 20-year-old enthusiastic (and probably annoying) young woman who just wanted a shot to prove herself! I’m definitely lucky, but a lot came with putting in the hard work. I was determined to get there.

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?

Rita> In the early days of agency production, I worked on a Bundaberg Rum campaign that was filmed in LA. It was a huge learning curve, teaching me how to manage larger scale overseas productions with higher budgets.

It was intense, but very rewarding. When I first transitioned into post-production, I was thrown into the deep end working on a Tourism Australia campaign, which was instrumental in expanding my knowledge of VFX and animation. 

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?

Rita> I think it’s beneficial for a producer to have knowledge across various mediums. More importantly, a good producer understands how to assemble the right team based on their expertise and skill. Success in any production comes from strong leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt - regardless of the medium.

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

Rita> As I’ve grown in my career, my focus has shifted from the campaigns themselves to what I can now offer as an EP. It’s no longer just about the work—it’s about the people. Fostering talent and watching careers flourish is what drives and rewards me. The ability to shape, support, and champion the next generation of talent is what makes my role so fulfilling. 

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?

Rita> I can’t say I’ve entirely conquered the ability to ‘switch off’ after hours. With greater titles comes greater responsibilities and I find that you’re always thinking about the next thing. I’m thankful to say, that I am really supported here at The Editors, where balance and wellbeing is very important. 

I will add, that my five-year-old is a good distraction to all of it.

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

Rita> Admittedly, I do love the problem solving side of my job. I think the drive is pushing myself to find the solution, no matter how big the problem may be. It fuels me to test how far I can go to ensure there is a way to get to the best possible outcome for the job.

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

Rita> Never give up! 

Production can be challenging, but problem-solving is at the heart of what makes a great producer. If you have the drive, your intuition will kick in, and you’ll find ways to navigate even the toughest situations. Be proactive, stay curious, and learn from every project.

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

Rita> From my experience a successful production comes down to three key points - preparation, collaboration, and adaptability. 

Surrounding yourself with a strong, reliable team is also essential for any project. Having the right people in place makes all the difference.

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

Rita> I don’t believe there’s a single key approach. For me, it’s about staying true to who I am and fostering open communication with everyone I work with.

I’ve always found that honest, direct conversations and mutual respect build stronger relationships and show a genuine commitment to the work. In saying that, I’m also very fortunate to work and collaborate with some incredibly talented people, which makes the process even more rewarding. 

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

Rita> My goal is to ensure my team, our editors and clients feel they can walk into an environment where they feel supported.

As an EP, it’s about guiding the bigger picture. Balancing the creative and managerial aspects of my role comes down to knowing when to step in, or when to take a more mentoring approach. It’s about giving the team the freedom to thrive, while being there when they need guidance.

Ultimately, if I can offer the same level of support and opportunities that I’ve received throughout my career, then I’ll be satisfied.