What’s your name, age and job title?

Amber Millington, 29, Head of Music at Agile Films.

Please give us an overview of your average day

Every day starts with me going through my emails; they might be about current projects, potential future projects or new directors’ reels to check out. I then start work on the tasks for the day, which can include putting budgets together for upcoming projects, reading treatments from directors and checking in with clients and directors in regards to current projects. There are often a few meetings thrown in, too – new directors, new business and pre-production meetings, for example.

What’s the most common misconception about your job?

People often assume the job is very glamorous and involves lots of parties – far from it! In reality, it entails a lot of lugging kit around, mucking in and wearing a lot of waterproofs and thermals. It’s really good fun, but certainly not all industry parties.

What’s the hardest thing about your role?

Keeping everyone happy. My main responsibility is to manage a budget, however that needs to be done while making sure directors’ needs are met creatively and that client and artists receive the best video possible. It's also tricky managing my work/social life but, after a while, friends have come to understand my plans may change at the last minute if a job requires it. This can be difficult but I couldn’t do a 9-to-5 so, ultimately, it suits me well.

When did you decide what you wanted to do with your life and how did you set out to achieve it?

I have an art background but knew becoming an artist wasn’t for me. I did know I wanted a career within the creative industry and felt I had strong organisational skills so video production would really suit me. In my early 20s I decided to take a film studies degree, as this was in part related to production but would also allow me time around my course to gain valuable work experience.

What can you do to get a head start?

The best advice I ever received was to gain as much work experience as possible. It’s good to get yourself out there, work for free if necessary and make people think you’re indispensible. When I was a runner on set, I would keep positive and help out with any department I could see needed help. I would always make tea for the crew and that made people remember me.

Could you describe the creative element to your job?

It’s my responsibility to make a director’s idea come to life – within budget. When I read a treatment I need to understand and prioritise the most important aspects and make sure they are met. I need to think creatively about how we can make certain ideas work. The directors also ask my opinion when writing treatments and during the post-production process, which I really appreciate. Hopefully I do a good job with it.

What’s the one thing you wish you'd known at the start of your career that you know now?

I wish I had had more confidence when I was starting out, that's definitely something that grows over time. Something else I have learnt over the years is to trust my own instincts more.

Which organisations, websites or resources do you think would be useful for people entering your industry?

I would recommend getting your CV out there as much as possible and keeping up to date with the latest videos associated to the role you’re looking to pursue a career in. For me that would be Promo News, Video Static and Pitchfork.

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