Cat's Mother of the Month - Nnena Nwakodo
What’s your current role and what does it involve day-day?
My day to day really does vary every single day! Which is partly why I love it so much. One day I’m meeting with labels and managers to discuss new music releases, the next I’m on a recce on a racing track in Gloucester and the next I’m shooting a music video in the depths of South London (I’m a North London girl…shooting in South still feels like an adventure!). And everything in between!! Looking over budgets and treatments, talking to new directors, reviewing casting calls, attending edits and grades, meeting with the wider team at Pulse to talk about our goals for the music video department - endless tasks!
How did you get to where you are now, what has your career journey been like?
I feel like I mainly got to where I am now through curiosity, keenness and kindness! I’ve always worked really hard, asked questions and tried to be nice to be around. I started as a runner at a post production company, then moved over to production where I was a PA, I soaked up everything I could from the badass OG producers. Still feel very lucky to have had that experience. I went on to working as a producer at BBH for 5 years before joining Pulse Films. And I’ve been at Pulse since May 2021. What a journey!
What advice would you give to a young woman trying to get into this area of the industry?
Again, be curious, be keen, be up for anything and be kind. I think that last one is super important actually. It often feels like as a woman in the workforce you need to be bullish and pig headed to get ahead. Whilst I’m not a retiring wall flower I definitely try to lead with kindness and compassion in everything I do. Being sensitive, a good listener, calm and patience can be strengths!! You don’t have to change who you are to get ahead. And lastly build your community of women…whether that’s in your industry or just a circle of friends. Having other women to discuss pay, promotions, work tactics has been my salvation many times. Me and my girls are constantly gassing each other up - it’s a beautiful thing.
The role of an (Exec) Producer tends to be fast-paced, how do you manage your daily commitments and work?
I actually think my out of work activities are what help me manage everything when work gets busy. I practise breathwork, meditation, go on real long nature walks (and sometimes birdwatch!), exercise, listen to soul soothing music and try to remember…it’s not that deep. Sometimes it feels like we’re saving lives but this job is fun and with more experience you learn that if you let go just a touch then everything feels more manageable.
What are the perks of being an Exec Producer for music videos?
Working with incredible talent. My directors are such brilliant minds it’s such a joy to work with them every day! But also Directors of Photography, stylists, production designers, editors, CGI artists, colourists - they’re all so inspiring it’s a joy to work with them. Oh and getting to hear all the best music before it’s released to the public!!
If you could go back in time and speak to yourself when you were first breaking into the industry, what would you say?
Be patient. I’ve experienced quite a lot of work-based racism and sexism. Something that has been difficult and upsetting throughout my career. I remember working so hard, getting in early, staying late, contributing way above and outside of my paygrade…and still getting promoted around the same time as white men who did the bare minimum. If I would have known at the time that my hard work would get me to Executive Producer role before the age of 30…I would have had an easier time getting through those harder years.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I couldn’t tell you. I’m not much of a future planner. Which could be seen as a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you think! I love what I’m doing and have loads of fun ideas for the future but who knows what it holds! I’d love to continue working closely with directors, working in music videos, building and nurturing young talent. But in what shape or form that is…only the future will tell!