Small Talk, Big Dreams:

HR Blog for the Creative Industry

Carl Small Carl Small

HR Without Jet Lag: Supporting Productions Across Borders

Entertainment has never been more international. Productions span cities, countries and time zones – and that’s exciting. But managing people across those borders? That’s where things get complicated. From compliance headaches to cultural nuance, global productions need people support that understands how things work everywhere - not just in the UK. 

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Carl Small Carl Small

Prep to Wrap: How We Support Productions at Every Stage

Every production is a journey - and just like your script has a beginning, middle and end, so does your people support. HR plays a different role at each stage of a production, flexing to meet the needs of the moment. From pre-production to post, we’re right there alongside you - shaping processes, supporting people, and keeping things on track. 

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Carl Small Carl Small

How to Work With Us: A Simple Guide for Producers 

Producers wear many hats. Between keeping the budget in check, schedules on track, and creative teams happy, HR might not always make it to the top of the list. But when it comes to building productive, safe, and collaborative production environments; HR support can be your secret weapon. 

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Carl Small Carl Small

Behind the Hollywood Sign: Learning From the Current LA Trends.

There’s a reason so many production professionals still talk about “going to LA” - even when they’re working out of London, Manchester or Cape Town. Because whether you’re in pre-production for a major streamers new thriller or deep into post on a docuseries, Los Angeles isn’t just a location. 

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Carl Small Carl Small

Why HR are in the Writers’ Room?

You might not know this, but having HR in the writers’ room is actually a thing and no, it’s not about censoring punchlines or dulling anyone’s creative spark. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. 

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Carl Small Carl Small

People People, Behind the Scenes

When we talk about what makes a great TV show or film, most people immediately think of the director, cast, cinematography, or maybe even the soundtrack.

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Carl Small Carl Small

Beyond the Rulebook: HR That Actually Works in Entertainment

Let’s get straight to it. If your idea of good HR is simply “keeping things compliant,” you’re going to struggle in the entertainment world.

Yes, compliance matters. (Obviously.) But when your work lives inside fast-paced, people-heavy, emotionally-charged environments like film, TV, theatre, radio, music and gaming - you need more than a rulebook.

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Carl Small Carl Small

What Clients in Entertainment & Creative Really Need from HR

No two companies in the entertainment-verse (not a word, but a word!) are the same. Whether you’re supporting a fast-paced music tour, a theatre run, a Band 3 film, a game launch or a multi-day TV shoot, every client has their own unique rhythm, pace and people culture.

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Carl Small Carl Small

Rolling with It: The HR Consultant’s Guide to Surviving the Entertainment Industry

Let’s face it - being an HR consultant in the world of film, television and theatre isn’t quite like working in a ‘traditional’ business. You’re not dealing with neat org charts, standardised policies, or quarterly planning cycles. Let’s face it - being an HR consultant in the world of film, television and theatre isn’t quite like working in a ‘traditional’ business.

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Carl Small Carl Small

LOL UK: Teamwork, but Funnier

I’ll be honest - Amazon’s LOL: Last One Laughing UK might just be one of the funniest things I’ve ever watched. It’s ridiculous, chaotic, and completely brilliant. But beyond the giggles and gags, there’s something surprisingly insightful in the show’s structure; particularly in how it brings together an unexpected mix of personalities and manages to make it all... work. Really well, in fact.

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Carl Small Carl Small

Severed from the Past: Modern HR Reshaping the Creative Industries (No Mind Control Required)

I’m always talking about modern HR because these days, workplace culture isn’t just a background extra, it’s the main character.

So, imagine a world where your work self and your real life self are completely separate. Like, actually separate. Code switching on steroids! If you're a fan of the show Severance, you’ll know exactly what I mean (and if you’re not - highly recommend). I've been hooked since last season, and yes, I’m such a fan I even downloaded the Lumon app and, proud to say, I’ve cracked Macrodata refinement.

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Carl Small Carl Small

How Adolescence Nailed Teamwork Under Pressure - One Take, One Team

Making a TV show is so complex and far from a walk in the park, but imagine filming every episode in a single, continuous take. No cuts, no do-overs—just pure, unfiltered performance. The team behind Netflix’s Adolescence pulled off, and it wasn’t just about the cast knowing their lines. It took serious teamwork, relentless rehearsals, and a rock-solid production crew to make it happen.

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Carl Small Carl Small

What Paradise Can Teach Us About Managing Conflict on Set  

So, how do you stop a simple disagreement from turning into a full-blown production meltdown? Let’s take some lessons from Paradise and apply them to real-world conflict resolution strategies. For those that haven’t watched it - Spoiler alert!; and for those of you that have watched it - well done, you’re my people!

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Carl Small Carl Small

And the Award Goes to… HR!

Awards season has wrapped up, leaving us with unforgettable speeches, surprise wins, and enough behind-the-scenes drama to inspire a whole new film.

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