Tanya Ramsurrun Joins CANADA for UK Directors Representation

Continuing her career after several years of experience at production companies such as Radical Media, Sonny, MJZ and My Accomplice, Tanya now finds herself at her new illustrious home of CANADA as directors rep/EP.

LBB> What first attracted you to production and advertising? Has it been an industry you’ve always worked in, or did you come to it from another area? 

Tanya> From the age of six, I only ever asked for blank VHSs for my birthday and Christmas to record music videos on BET, THE BOX & MTV and clutter my parents' house with tapes. Love for music videos continued throughout my teens right up to now. Back in the day, I was also a dancer in some videos which will remain nameless… I studied French and Linguistics at university, but always made sure to focus on European cinema modules hence the illogically logical career path to film 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? 

Tanya> My very first roles were running on UK hip-hop videos. Still, after graduating and abandoning a job in publishing I handed my CV into the Radical Media front desk about 11 times, determined I would work there in any capacity. I particularly loved them at the time as they had just put out the amazing JAY Z documentary ‘Fade to Black’. Luckily, they eventually caved, and I was the receptionist for a year and a bit before becoming the MD’s PA and then director’s rep.

LBB> What do you think is the key to being an effective agent or director's rep? 

Tanya> This is it. I like the word agent. If you were an actor’s agent, your approach to getting new work would be about your knowledge and taste of existing roles/scripts, considering the intricacies of your client and the creative progress they want to make vs what steps are needed to achieve those goals and which would/ wouldn’t be a good idea to take on and pursue. These criteria also apply to the analysis of all creative work and the accompanying brands, artists, labels, and agencies which make these happen. 

This is one of the main reasons the word “sales” has always irked me. It suggests a blanket approach to a market where there is a lack of consideration or artistic evaluation for the director as an artist without any knowledge of the landscape, comprehension of the craft, or any taste in film or music. The role of an EP entails liaising with and understanding and protecting the needs of your director and listening very closely to the demands of the client and/or the agency to ensure a successful outcome. Spotting new talent is also important, and understanding varied styles without being limited to your personal taste. 

As mentioned, comprehending what is required for different brands, formats and platforms makes for a good agent and a great production company.

LBB> Why have you chosen to CANADA as your new home? 

Tanya> CANADA has one of the best reputations and track records in this space not just regarding creative excellence but for being a great place to be from a professional perspective. CANADA has amazing taste and such a great brand identity. There is real consideration and quality control across the whole company which is clear.