Hi! I’m Olivia, a 22-year-old film producer navigating the indie filmmaking world. If you know me, you know I've been passionate about film since I was 14, which led me to start my own production company, Dream Hive Films. It all began in my bedroom, fueled by a dream to one day turn zero-budget projects into zero limits. But every dream needs structure, patience, and experience. This is where Sleepwalker Studios comes in—an opportunity to embrace all three in a company that shares my love for thought-provoking and innovative stories.

The Catch-22

Let’s take a step back. Two years after film school, I had spent six years in the indie scene—working as an actor, script supervisor, assistant director - you name it (whatever I could get my hands on!). I had done a bit of everything on set while also managing a full-time job at a film school. Yet, I realised I was missing something crucial: in-house experience. Production companies operate with a unique rhythm, and I realised that to make Dream Hive Films not just survive, but truly thrive, I needed to understand how it works from the inside.

This led to a catch-22: companies wanted candidates with in-house experience, but to gain that experience, I needed the job. I felt like I was stuck in the waiting room of my own career, hoping for the door to open. That’s when I found My First Job in Film, a platform that helps aspiring filmmakers get their foot in the door.  I began applying for the posted placements like my future depended on it—because, in a way, it did.

Sleepwalker Studios

Just when I thought I might be stuck in that waiting room forever, I received the email: I had been accepted for work experience at Sleepwalker Studios. Sleepwalker is a company that nurtures ambitious ideas and unconventional storytelling—founded by producers who have walked a similar path that I have. At last, I felt like I was on the right track.

Sleepwalker Studios is known for producing bold and beautiful work—stories that challenge norms and explore the human experience. It might sound like a cliché, but working here genuinely feels like a playground for ideas that break convention.

What I Do

No two days are the same at Sleepwalker, and each day that reminds me of why I fell in love with film. One day, I’m drafting grant applications for a feature about a Filipino carnival worker. The next, I’m in research mode, finding sales agents who specialise in distributing experimental films.

I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to some really powerful work, including The Memory Boom, an experimental documentary exploring the fragility of memory and ageing, using decaying archive footage to paint a surreal portrait of dementia. The film is set to premiere in Europe soon, and I’ve had the opportunity to support in various ways, from spell-checking subtitles to researching appropriate festivals. Some of the tasks are long and methodical, but my love for all things admin makes the work incredibly rewarding. I’m often reminded of the meticulous detail behind the projects we watch on screen. 

Lessons Learned

What Sleepwalker has taught me, above all, is that production isn’t about just making films - it’s about building them, layer by layer. Producing is like being an architect. You build the foundation, you design the structure, and then you let the world walk through it. Every funding application, every festival submission, every marketing strategy is another piece of the puzzle. On my very first day, I was deep-diving into archive news footage for a new documentary—just one of thousands of building blocks to come.

Throughout this experience, I came to appreciate the juggling act that producers perform daily. The biggest misconception I’ve encountered is the idea that producers aren’t creative. On the contrary, every producer I’ve met is a creative powerhouse. They juggle the triad of budget, schedule, and the director's vision, armed with multiple plans—A, B, and C—ready to adapt without compromising the vision. What could be more creative than that?

Another crucial lesson during my time at Sleepwalker is the importance of resourcefulness in producing. Producers are the ultimate creative problem solvers. “No” is not in their vocabulary. I’ve witnessed firsthand how the producers at Sleepwalker find solutions to the impossible, whether it’s securing funding or acquiring rights to essential IP. Almost every hurdle can be overcome with creativity and hard work.

One of my driving motivators as a producer is to create arthouse films that resonate deeply with audiences, but I’ve also fallen into the trap of believing that these films don’t sell and aren’t commercially viable. Yet at Sleepwalker Studios, I’ve seen there absolutely is an audience for this work and they’re hungry for it; but the real work for the producer is reaching that audience.

The Next Steps

Looking ahead, I’m excited to begin my MA in Producing at the National Film and Television School. From January, I’ll dive even deeper into the world of production, armed with everything I’ve learned at Sleepwalker. Dream Hive Films no longer feels like just a dream; but a real plan to build a self-sustainable company that creates work that challenges and gives voice to those left out of the narrative. I’m grateful for the experience I’ve had at Sleepwalker and for the support from My First Job in Film.

Top Tips

As I continue my placement, I came up with a few tips that might help others starting their work experience journeys:

1. Be Open to Everything: Embrace every task, no matter how small. Each opportunity is a chance to learn and contribute, so approach it with enthusiasm.
2. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to seek clarity. The industry can be filled with jargon and terminology you may not know yet, and most producers are more than willing to help you navigate it.
3. Document Your Journey: Keeping a journal or record of your experiences, insights, and lessons learned can be super helpful. Not only when looking back, but it also serves as a valuable resource for CV’s, interviews, and future opportunities.