CAREER PROFILE: Philip Dyer, Producer

Philip Dyer in serene mode  

Philip Dyer's inadvertent teenage detour into the theatre sparked the passion for production that still drives him today. It may not draw the pounds of bank management nor the macho cred of footballerdom, but it doesn't sound as if Philip is about to trade the intensity of breakfasting on 80 emails for rolling in the cash vaults any time soon...

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always fancied either a bank manager (naïvely for the money) or a footballer. Once I hit my teens I went right off being anything at all and so applied for a nice ‘easy’ job in a theatre…and that’s when I was introduced into the wonderful world of the arts.

What did you become?

A producer. I work freelance and have my own theatre company - Bunbury Banter.

What's your artistic background/training - how did you end up here?

As I explained, I fell into working in a theatre and really enjoyed the whole atmosphere and creative attitudes. I worked in almost every area before moving to London with my actress girlfriend and embarking on my producing career. I wish I had trained and so now attend all the workshops I can but I mainly learnt while working on the job, so to speak.

How would you describe your work to a complete stranger?

As a producer I come on board a project in the early stages of development. I piece together the production team and start planning and setting in motion, various plans. Depending on the project I often get involved in the marketing and funding side of producing, although I personally prefer working in a more creative capacity. In a nutshell, I am the one who books things and makes the production actually happen.

What's the first thing career related you usually do each day?

Check my emails. I’m sure everyone says this but nowadays 90% of my work is done from my office on a computer and world wide web. I get on average eighty emails a day and so that is usually the first thing to tackle.

Can you describe an "average" working day for you?

It very much depends on the production I‘m working on. Once my emails are dealt with I usually spend the day chasing people and sourcing information. If I’m working on a theatrical project I will usually attend rehearsals or the shows and if it is for my own company then I usually spend the day on the phone!

What's the one thing/piece of equipment, song, book, security blanket that you can’t be creative without?

My notebook, diary and computer…. Can I have three? Okay, my notebook. I write all my thoughts (and any juicy information I hear) down in my notebook. I am usually working on so many different projects it’s the only way I can stay focused!

Who or what in the arts world most inspires you?

I am usually inspired by the people I work with. I find the best working relationship is one where you inspire the other person and both connect in a creative way. I also get totally over-inspired by new writing and out-of-the-box thinking, whether it’s on TV, the radio, the stage or in real life.

What's the toughest challenge you've dealt with on the job?

Fundraising - especially in the current climate. There is never enough money in the arts and so gaining funds for projects has to be a balance between creativity and commercialism. One without the other and you don’t have a successful show and as long as everyone on your team understands that, then selling the show becomes far easier. If your show is selling, then fundraising, in turn, becomes less of an issue and easier to do.

What's the best piece of advice you were ever given for your career?

Always be willing to learn and never be afraid to ask questions.

What are the top three skills you need in your particular role?

Good communication, organization and a calm head.

What's the best thing about your job? The worst?

The best thing is seeing or hearing your projects after all the work has been done. Even better than that, if they turn out to be successful!

The worst thing would be having to sack people - never a nice job!

And if you had to sum up your working life in a word or phrase, what would it be?

Intense.

What’s next for you?

Continuing to work with my company and our radio plays; striving to push them forward, improving their quality and streamlining their production.

I am also in talks about various theatrical projects next year and am always looking to step up to the next rung on the career ladder, and produce a show in the west end.

Having said all this I am making an honest woman of my actress and so am intending to have a quiet start to 2009 so I can concentrate on that.

www.bunbanter.com