WHAT WE DO
We are a senior Head of Production/Production Executive consultancy company for the TV, Film and Agency sectors.
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Our speciality genres are: Drama, Childrens, Entertainment, Factual, Docs, Archive, Live and Long-form Branded Content.
We provide production services on a flexible freelance ad-hoc basis, specifically aimed at companies who don't want or can’t necessarily afford from the outset the overhead of paying someone on an on-going full-time basis.
This means that companies have the support and guidance of senior production leads who can help with everything from budgets to all forms of contract negotiations to include talent, team and of course channels.
In a nutshell it is about providing all the structure and support a highly experienced Head of Production would give but on much more flexible and affordable terms.
OUR ETHOS
We enjoy what we do.
We want people to enjoy working with us. We are passionate about the well being of those we work with both on and off screen. We enjoy creating and fostering a culture that is friendly and professional. We have lots of ideas to help create positive working environments and would be thrilled to discuss these with you.
ABOUT US
DEREK DRENNAN
Founder
Derek has worked in TV since 2000, starting off his career in HR and then spent his time climbing the ranks as a freelancer in production management working across most genres including studio entertainment, live, kids, reality, documentary, drama and branded content.
Previously to starting The Nest, he was the Head of Production (non-scripted) for Lime Pictures and Wise Owl Films.
At Lime he looked after the business from a commercial perspective as well as leading a huge team of freelancers, staff & cast and ensuring the smooth running of all productions across the non-scripted slate.
Some of Derek's TV highlights include previously working on Emmerdale, Socceraid, CoachTrip, Eggheads, Celebs Go Dating, Made In Chelsea and most recently via The Nest on a BBC Storyville feature length doc and a brilliant kids drama for C5 'The World According To Grandpa' starring Don Warrington and Sally Lindsay.
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STEW BATT
Partner
Stew joined The Nest in August 2020. He has experience working across a varied slate of Genres including Live Events, Live Broadcasting, Digital, Factual, Features and Reality programming.
Stew most recently worked for Lime Pictures as their Production Executive (Non-scripted). He oversaw a variety of programmes in this position including TOWIE, Celebs Go Dating, Geordie Shore as well budgeting new programmes through the development team.
He has experience in budgeting, negotiating deals with broadcasters, overseeing the smooth running of productions in line with the relevant industry protocols and procedures.
Stew has a passion and interest in assisting smaller companies with their ideas and commissions to enable them to produce the best quality programmes whilst remaining on budget and schedule.
OUR SERVICES
It's all about providing the infrastructure production companies need!
INITIAL START UP ADVICE
The Nest can help new companies start up from scratch.
Whether that be from searching and securing initial investment, writing up business plans or even setting up a new office or bank account. The Nest is there to ensure everything is done efficiently.
BUDGETING AND HELP GETTING PROJECTS OVER THE LINE
The Nest can help you with your new / existing projects, by budgeting projects properly and liaising with the broadcasters directly.
At Nest, we have key contacts with all the major broadcasters which ensures a smooth process as we understand what each of them require. We have a range of preferred suppliers who can supply anything from post production services to kit hire and carnets. We can also ensure that the company and productions are running smoothly from a finance perspective.
PRODUCTIONS
We keep your productions running smoothly.
The Nest ensures that all productions start-up with all the correct policies and procedures in place. For any on-going support us or our partners can give general business, legal affairs and HR advice. We can also directly line manage senior production management staff ensuring that the show is kept on budget and on schedule.
We can assist with securing Visas and rebates, location finding and putting in place key deals such as location access agreements to onscreen talent.
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We are Mental Health First Aiders and are big diversity advocates.
BRANDED CONTENT
What about it?
Whether you are a brand looking to fund a brand funded programme, or a company with an idea that needs funding we can help by liaising with broadcasters, completing budgets and running the production.
CO-PRODUCTION COMPANY
We make it happen.
The Nest can act as a co-production partner providing the facilities you need.. You may have an idea that has interest from the channel but need help to get it from paper to reality.
TESTIMONIALS
The Nest have been an absolute pleasure to work with. They are diligent, proactive and always good humoured! We were faced with a significant production stand down as a result of COVID-19 and they dealt with the challenge both effeciently and sensitively. A great addition to any team!
Dave Hallam, MD, Three Arrows Media
We met The Nest just before Covid-19 struck and it was beyond fortuitous.
We clicked with them instantly!
Soon after, we won a fast turnaround lockdown commission and were so lucky that we had The Nest working with us from the outset helping us with the budget and then with all the pre-production set up. They have been with us every step of the way at a very unusual and often stressful time of remote working.
Danni Davis, MD, Peggy Pictures
Derek is a consummate professional, highly networked and at the top of his game. His intuitive approach to the editorial drives his business brain and I have really valued working with him. It is clear from every meeting we have done together, that he is both incredibly well liked and respected.
Caroline Roberts-Cherry, MD, Saffron Cherry-Productions
The Nest were essential to the smooth running of a very tricky long-form branded content shoot. They have comprehensive knowledge, are adaptable and always a calming influence; They were our rock.
