Supplementary Membership is effectively PGGB’s entry-level category, for individuals who have at least one credit within our grades, but less than the three required for full Membership. You can find out more about Supplementary PGGB Membership here.
We spoke to three such Members for this feature: Production Coordinator Sarah Boyks, Natasha Markou of London Production Studios, and Producer Jessie Mangum.
Each of the three credits the determination and drive that comes from simply knowing you want to be in this industry as a key factor in making their first steps in the industry.
“I always wanted to work in the industry. I did every course about working in Production I could afford during the first lockdown… I’m still pinching myself that my first job was on Spencer in the COVID team, but I haven't stopped working since and am still in love with what I do.” Says Sarah.
Jessie similarly knew where she wanted to be, even if her route was different. “I grew up in a regional town in Tasmania Australia with no film industry at all, but, knowing I wanted to find a way into film, I did the closest thing I could which was a Theatre Production degree at university. After a few years there I moved to Sydney and began working in-house with one of Australia’s biggest and most prolific production companies, Goalpost Pictures - it was a brilliant crash course in all things production.”
Education was also the pathway for former Media Production student Natasha, but her career really kicked off with hands-on experience: “Killbird was a pivotal project in my career trajectory. I initially joined the team as an Associate Producer, but as the production progressed, my role expanded significantly. My increasing contributions and responsibilities were recognised, ultimately leading to my promotion to Executive Producer. This experience not only showcased my ability to take on greater challenges but also provided invaluable insights into the various aspects of film production at a higher level.”
Though all three Members are still in the relatively early part of their careers, their trajectories are already highly impressive.
Jessie produced Looted, part of the Film London, BFI and BBC Microwave scheme on a capped budget of £150,000. “We wanted to make a film that could compete with films produced at budget levels ten times that of ours, and we poured our guts into delivering production value on screen” says Jessie. “We punched well above our weight, getting a UK release through Bulldog and then Sky, winning a FIPRESCI award and being nominated for a BIFA.”
She has since gone on to be Associate Producer on The Miracle Club, alongside various production office jobs, from prepping budgets and schedules to creating a feature post-production script.
Natasha singles out A Mouthful of Air, on which she was Associate Producer. “Working on this film was particularly rewarding due to the exceptional talent involved. I had the privilege of collaborating with a remarkable cast, including Amanda Seyfried and Paul Giamatti, as well as outstanding producers like Celine Rattray.”
As the Producer and Company Director of London Production Studios, Natasha also spearheads the in-house development of HETV and feature film scripts, identifying and nurturing new talent and ensuring content aligns with market trends.
Sarah, meanwhile, worked on many productions – including The Crown and The Split – in the Covid department, before working as 2nd Unit Production Coordinator on Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. She has since produced three shorts, and will shortly line produce a low budget indie feature.
“All of these jobs have in common that you are one of the main contacts for every crew member and make sure that they all have what they need to get the job done - in time and on budget” says Sarah. “And ideally without breaking their backs and still smiling!”