Lights. Camera. Action
A personal reflection on leadership.
Last year I got to really see my eldest daughter, Rianna, flourish in her chosen career in TV. She worked on four productions including Avenue 5, Sex Education and Killing Eve. Many of our conversations focused on what good leadership looks like. That and the fact she already has a stunning resumé at the age of 23.
In the final series of Killing Eve, her third series working on set, she was promoted to 3rd Assistant Director. A huge confidence boost for her and her career as well as an opportunity to start building that leadership muscle that she has probably heard me talking about ad infinitum.
It was fascinating to watch her navigate what in essence was a brutal filming schedule, manage conflict in such a high performing environment, explore different methods of influence, and learning how she managed the runners and other team members. I also enjoyed hearing how she lead upwards. Holding her points and suggestions with confidence when speaking with senior members of the production team. It was hard not to offer advice unless she asked.
I also got to see her leadership in action, because she managed to wangle me, Madeline and he sister in as extras for one of the final episodes. Not gonna say much more about that you’ll just have to wait and see!
From the outside looking in, a TV set can seem like utter chaos.
I had a brief experience of this when presenting on factual shows, but seeing this for a drama was something else. The lighting. The cameras. Managing the main cast. The extras. Transport logistics. Catering. There were so many things going on, in my head, I was wondering how the hell this was all managed so effectively.
But seeing her navigate her way through this with a firm but compassionate style of communicating over the radio, managing crowds, and my wife and I getting nothing but amazing feedback from her colleagues and cast as to how she shows up and carries herself, was very rewarding.
It’s one thing to coach and facilitate others around how they can be inclusive and present as leaders, and another thing to see your own offspring do it right before your eyes. Even more inspiration for me to continue the work I am doing.
Killing Eve is out on Feb 27, 2022.
Picture Source : Sid Gentle Films
