In Production: Ross Anderson

Ross Anderson, managing director of Nice&Polite, has been making music videos for more than 10 years and started his own production company three years ago. Below, he tells us about some of his hidden talents – impersonating flamingos and stealing ideas taking inspiration from his children.

How did you get into production and tell us a bit about your current role…

In my previous life I was a commissioner at Universal, most of my time was spent on set and being involved in the production process. Now I’m on the other side, overseeing all the creative, design and production at Nice & Polite. I have many hats from writing the creative and managing the team, to representing and sourcing talent, running the business and making tea. No day is ever the same, which is why it’s fun and exciting.

Tell us about an ad campaign you’ve seen recently that stands out for its production quality and standard…

The new commercial for Marks & Spencer food Adventures in Imagination is just so impressive. It's not often an advert makes me go 'wow’ – but this did, it’s simply superlative food-porn.

Do you feel the role of the producer is becoming more prominent and crucial today than in the past?

I’m not sure if it is more or less prominent but I think it’s absolutely crucial – there’s now more variety in the role due to the different platforms available, the different types of content needed to feed these, whilst engaging fast-changing and demanding audiences.

What’s your most valued production tool (tech or otherwise) and why?

The phone – always good to talk rather than email.

Tell us about a recent risk/investment you’ve made in your career?

The biggest risk was starting Nice&Polite. I’d never run a company or started a business before and it was a baptism of fire – but it's been three years and we're still here, growing rapidly and I’m still enjoying it immensely.

How has the industry changed since you started working in it?

The industry seems to be in a constant state of change. If I look at the business plan I made at the beginning it is hilarious in comparison to the work we ended up doing – every project is different and requires a new way of thinking.

How do you relieve stress during a shoot?

Like a flamingo I can turn off half my brain and half my body goes to sleep, then I switch.

What’s your favourite thing to do away from work?

Spending time with my children is the most fun and they teach me a lot. Otherwise, travel (although if I’m honest it’s mainly with work).

What would you like to see change in the world of production?

I'd like people to make friends more, even if we’re in competition - organisations like the APA promote a really positive and supportive way of producers and production companies collaborating. Working together allows us to effect change quickly, whether that’s pioneering new production techniques, helping newbies get started in the industry or sharing knowledge of industry developments. It’s all for the greater good.

Tell us one way your skills at work transfer to your everyday life…

The skills transfer goes both ways. My kids came up with a concept for an animated series, I like to think I’ve inspired them but they did most (all) of the work – if it goes anywhere I’ll happily take the credit! My tea making skills are as much in demand at home as they are at work.

If you weren’t a producer what would you be doing instead?