We all know the stereotypes and cliches surrounding working within the creative industries, crazed directors, evil interfering producers and runners getting the electric chair for producing the wrong shade of coffee. But what if we told you that isn’t always the case and you can create something special in a warm and inclusive environment? If you didn’t already know Valentine’s Day is here and everyone at NERD wants to spread a different kind of love, a love of working together and reminding everyone why we work in the industry in the first place. A celebration of making the craft and sharing stories with the world that hopefully inspire and bring a little joy.
Getting involved in the action is the lovely and super talented, award winning director Shay Hamias who is a champion for supporting NERDs underrepresented and up and coming talent. He makes collaborating feel like a smooth summer breeze. Over the years Milana and Shay have worked together on endless projects, building up a level of trust and creative harmony that would make most married couples blush.
So get those valentines day chocolates out, stick on some smooth jazz and have a read of our latest get together.
Where did it all begin for you both as a creative collaboration?
Shay: I can’t actually remember, as it’s been so long ago but Milana was always my favorite producer to work with so we got paired up quite often while at the production company we both worked at, which is where we first met. We were both instantly in sync with each other, so it made collaborating a breeze.
What’s the most invaluable lesson you’ve learnt from working together?
Shay: A valuable lesson I have learnt from working with Milana is to be patient and her ability to manage client expectation while also providing me with enough creative freedom to do my job is borderline inspiring to witness.
Milana: To be yourself because by doing so you will be able to bring the most to a project and pave the way for others to do the same! When I first started I was heavenly and unfairly judged for being from South London, for not being of privileged background and for simply not being white enough. However, working with Shay and just being in his presence allowed me to be myself and shine with my skills, craft and worry less about my appearance, accent and background. Simply by spending less time focusing on how to present myself etc I could just concentrate more on how to do the best job in my role. It is so liberating! This has since led to much of how NERD treats all our collaborators and talent. Inclusive, nurturing and supportive work space is what we have formed, where people don’t feel judged but simply celebrated for their contribution and skills.
Separate from working together, what are your main icks when it comes to collaborating with people?
Shay: Red flag for me is when boundaries are unclear creatively… in order to be creative,we need some parameters that allow creative problem solving, when some of these are unknown it can generate friction during the process.
Milana: A big ick for me is working with people who are only motivated by their own shellfish goals, cliche but nobody wants to work with someone who isn’t a teamplayer, we work in an industry that is built upon collaboration, from the boom operators to the focus pullers. Everybody plays a role in bringing something together and unfortunately some people who work in the industry often forget this very important element of filmmaking. Empowering and inspiring your crew is endlessly rewarding as they will do their best work!
Historically the relationship between producer & director can be one fraught with friction, how did both avoid those pitfalls?
Shay: We have full honesty and we both want to get the job done in the best possible way, always open dialogue. I know I can call Milana at any time or NERDs other fantastic creative producer Ira and they will support or help solve whatever is needed. They know they can ask me for anything as well as what the project may require and we will mutually try and make it work. We share the responsibility for the culture of the company, the success of the projects and we never fight each other. In fact we have developed a close personal friendships and support even goes beyond the professional bounds as we have full trust in each other.
Milana: Shay put it perfectly, having an open and honest dialogue with each other is key to avoiding frictions. Oftentimes the producer can be seen as the harbinger of bad news or someone who is only there to restrict them. However that simply is not the case, my role is to provide the creatives with support to make each project feel rewarding and comfortable. Naturally it helps that me and Shay have yet to have a bust up or even exchange some sarcastic back and forths.
The creative industries can be known for being very unwelcoming especially for those who come from underrepresented backgrounds, could you tell us a bit more about your work with supporting young talent?
Shay: I like supporting young talent to help them navigate the brief, clients and even their relationship with the producer. Help them focus on the brief, it is a collaborative process and we are making it for a client’s needs. Even I need to ask Milana what she thinks about a brief, so we hone it down correctly. Sometimes when I was young I’d miss out certain details because it can be a lot to process while chatting with the agencies. The other thing is while on production, in the past I’ve helped the new director understand they have the power to negotiate time or support with the producer and not be afraid of the producer because they’re on their side. I also help directors understand and manage client expectations, to be honest with what can be achieved. I’ve learned from my own experiences of sleepless nights that clear communication is key for managing expectations.
What aspect of collaborating with others do you love the most?
Shay: What I love most is working with other people who are all talented in their own way. I know my limitations and strengths, and when working with others they bring in a different design or point of view making the project and experience richer. It can be at the producer level suggesting how to approach a project and the agency to the animator suggesting how the character should move. I see my role as a creative director is to help steer the ship, by facilitating other talents to make the work they enjoy most even better.
How has your working relationship with Shay helped shape NERDs ethos?
Milana: Meeting Shay and the inception of NERD Productions started around the sametime so there’s no surprise my working relationship with him has had a huge influence on the ethos of the company. I wanted to create something that had a true sense of inclusion with a culture of championing voices from all backgrounds. I wanted the talent to feel welcomed and more than just a name on a roster, or someone to tick a box for an agency. Working with Shay was a great reference point for me when looking for new and exciting artists to work and collaborate with.
We all know how demanding the role of producer is, so how do you still find time to love the role?
Milana: I think with any role especially one you’ve done for so long can for some people become stale or repetitive but the joy of producing for me is getting to work with so many different people, be they clients or talent. The creative brief is never the same so the production path of bringing the project to life is always new and fun. Also, for me seeing who we can bring on board to elevate, what new methods or techniques and styles we can mix and play with.. Well possibilities are endless. For example, to know you can help a young director by pushing them and changing the course of their career journey is a privilege and something I want to be remembered for one day. Once again not to sound like a broken record, no two days are the same as a producer and you never know what the day will present to you and there’s a massive, exciting thrill to that. It is all a little bit addictive.
How do you balance the emotional and professional aspects of working closely with people you care about?
Milana: I don’t! I believe in hard work in every relationship in life. Things we care about do require effort if we want to reap the benefits. It’s very simple. I do care about every single person I work with and want to do my best by them. They are in my life and we make wonders together so why not make the most of that situation and environment instead of seeing it as something that needs to be a separate set of relationships.
Of course, if you hate what you do and people you do it with, I can see how ‘balance’ may be much needed. Being able to reach a point in my career where I can choose the talent I work with and clients we craft for is like a slice of heaven and I am aware is a blessing but it is a well deserved one.
We would also like to take this time to share our love with the team and roster at NERD and all the fantastic clients we’ve worked with over the years who have made everything possible.
Our romantic optimism is infectious so do be careful! We look forward to forging more relationships in the future, just make sure to swipe right 😉