Leanne Hewish – Personal Profile

I am an ambitious and hardworking senior production manager with an eagle eye for detail. I have over 20 years of experience in the TV, film, and events industry across a multitude of platforms and am confident in the end-to-end production process.

My experience covers documentary and studio formats, drama, feature film, animation, graphic design, live stream, OB studios, festivals, and large-scale events.

I also run a small business specialising in post-production script paperwork which has given me exceptional skills in budget & team management. I wear many hats and love the juggle!

Connect with Leanne on Linked IN

Recent Projects and Experience

Nov 2022 – Present               

Senior Production Manager – Technical Comms                Glastonbury Festival

I manage a large technical team overseeing the technical communications for the festival. This role allows me to work for the festival directly as part of their senior management team whilst also working alongside my colleagues at BBC Studios, as the exclusive broadcast partner for the festival. A hybrid role that enables me to use all my production management skills.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Implement a reliable phone and Wi-Fi network across site to production areas, stages, BBC, traders, and bars.
  • Develop a phased plan for buried infrastructure to aid the connectivity demands onsite.
  • Maintain a comprehensive radio communication network, including key offsite locations.
  • Installation and maintenance of 70+ CCTV cameras across the festival site throughout the live show period.
  • Manage all mobile phone network partners, infrastructure, and coverage throughout the show.
  • Oversee the smooth running of the entire comms schedule, budget, and team year on year.

Feb 2023 – Aug 2023           

Production Manager – Rescue 999                  BBC Studios

Managing a brand new blue light series for BBC Studios. Securing access with 10+ rescue organisations across the country, filming with experienced PD crews, and multiple body cam setups.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Managing a newly commissioned series, from start-up.
  • Overseeing greenlight process, access and production agreements, insurance, and core production setup.
  • Developing a working budget and schedule for the series with many moving parts.
  • Sourcing the right kit and crew for filming.
  • Managing internal staff recoveries, contracting PAYE, FTC, and SE freelance team members.
  • Experience in negotiating complex access agreements with rescue organisations.

Jan 2022 – Mar 2023     

Production Manager – Top Gear S32, S33 & 34.           BBC Studios

Working across the entire series and all location shoots. Our schedule was full of challenging and exciting shoots and it was our job within the PM team to make those ideas possible.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Managing a brilliant PM team of Production Co-Ordinators and PMA’s.
  • Oversee all location shoots, both UK and foreign locations.
  • Carnets, movement orders, convoy lists, roadblocks on location.
  • Completing all relevant location permits and paperwork required.
  • Managing all cost managers for each shoot, feeding into the overall programme budget.
  • Thorough understanding of the legal and business affairs requirements
  • Visas and Country-Specific Working Time Regulations.
  • Contracting crew, fixers, and in-country specialist crew members.
  • Responsible for the studio links shoot for Series 33.
  • Budget & Schedule Management. Skilled in BBC budgeting software eCat – forecasting and reconciling.
  • Insurance Paperwork for Multiple High-Value Vehicles

2019 – 2021

Budget & Costs Manager       Glastonbury Festival

Transferring my key skills as a Production Manager, I was responsible for the festival budget costs associated with it. This includes everything from onsite catering, crew camping, security, and emergency services to staging and performance areas.

I also manage the staged areas (West Holts, John Peel, Pyramid & Other Stage) and their individual budgets. This includes building their ‘set’, the staging, dressing rooms, performers & artists.

In 2021 I was part of the production team that created ‘Live at Worthy Farm’. A livestream event filmed at the festival site in partnership with Driift.

2000 – 2018

Earlier Credits as Production Co-ordinator / Manager

  • Technical Comms – Glastonbury Festivals
  • Children in Need, Brit Awards… Multiple Productions – Hello Charlie
  • Itch of the Golden Nit – Aardman Animations
  • Tin Star S3 – Kudos Film and Telvision
  • Dispatches – Focus Productions
  • Ms Dynamite in search of Nanny Maroon – Focus Productions
  • The Real Rainman – Focus Productions
  • Poor Little Rich Girls – Granada TV
  • Britain’s Poshest Nannies – Reybridge Films
  • Tree of Life – Feature Film
  • Deal or No Deal – Endemol
  • Eating with the Enemy – RDF Television
  • Gangsters wives – Icon Films
  • A Recipe for Christmas with Martin Blunos – Reybridge Films
  • Special Babies – Reybridge Films

 

Key Skills & Training

eCat / Budgeting / Forecasting / Scheduling / Production Accounting / Post Production Paperwork / Silvermouse Super User / SAP / Advanced MS Excel User / Transcribing / Location Shoots / Foreign Filming / Call Sheets / Access Agreements / Negotiating Contracts / Advanced H&S Trained / High Risk – Risk Assessments / Large Team Management / Event Management / Event & Mass Gathering Safety