In Production: Justin Moore-Lewy

Justin Moore-Lewy started making sports inserts for his local TV station in Dublin but now, 26 years later, he’s running HēLō with offices in LA, New York and London. His aim is to “build a new model for a production company”.

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

I thought the Hennessy Donald Campbell was a work of genius. It’s a beautiful film and deserves all the accolades it’s winning.

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

I think the role has stayed the same but the business is expanding so one has to have a world view I believe.

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

My business partner (Brendan Kiernan).

Tell us about a risk/investment you’ve made in your career or for your business?

We have put everything into our new business and we cannot fail, we have both had many businesses and we have reached a point in our lives where we feel we have finally found what we are good at and how to apply our different skills to the creation of a really different production company model.

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

I think the barrier to entry is lower but the field is so crowded it may be harder.

How do you relieve stress during a shoot?

I play racquetball, work out and make sure I get a minimum of five hours sleep every single night.

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

Ways to shoot more cost effectively.

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

Go to Burning Man (art event in Nevada’s Black Rose Desert).

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

I am a good negotiator.

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

 I would like to be a doctor, something I think I would be pretty good at, but I never worked hard enough in school!