Kate Downie Looks Back on 25 Years in Production

Kate Downie, executive producer and founder of Beautiful Pictures, brings over 25 years of global experience in producing high-end advertising films and photography. Since founding the company in 2008, Kate’s relentless work ethic and creative vision has seen her collaborate with some of the world’s leading brands, including Olay, La Mer, Singapore Tourism, McDonald's, Starbucks, Nikon, Google Australia, Woolworths, IKEA, and more, delivering award-winning content across Australasia and the U.S.

Kate’s expertise lies in curating the ideal director, photographer, and/or creative team for each project, ensuring a seamless production process and exceptional results. She thrives on fostering strong relationships with agencies and clients alike, delivering the high production standards and service quality expected at the top level. She is known for her expertise in finding unique, breathtaking locations and providing top-tier facilitation services, making complex productions simple and efficient.

Kate chatted with LBB on the blend of creativity and problem-solving that first attracted her to the world of production, how she built Beautiful Pictures, and learning to trust her instincts

LBB> What first attracted you to production – and has it been an industry you’ve always worked on or did you come to it from another area?

Kate> What first attracted me to production was the blend of creativity and problem-solving. I’ve always loved the challenge of bringing ideas to life and finding the most elegant, efficient way to make them happen in often a fun environment.

I came into production through work experience and the ‘glamour’ of being in the media industry. I was drawn to the energy of sets, the collaboration, and the chance to create something meaningful with talented people.

LBB> What was your first role in the production world and how did this experience influence how you think about production and how you grew your career?

Kate> I started in production as a receptionist at a big production company in the late ’90s. It was an entry-level role, but it gave me exposure to every corner of the business. I learned by watching, listening and absorbing everything – how producers problem-solved, how directors communicated their vision, how crew pulled huge days together with humour and grit.

That early experience really grounded my approach to producing: respect everyone, stay curious, and remember that great work comes from great relationships. It set the tone for how I grew my career and eventually how I built Beautiful Pictures.

LBB> How did you learn to be a producer?

Kate> I was trained from the ground up – through the ranks of production. Learning by doing and gradually working my way through the industry. That experience taught me that producing isn’t just about budgets and schedules – it’s about people, relationships, and being able to see the whole picture because you’ve lived every part of it. That on-the-ground education and experience shaped the way I am now!

LBB> Looking back to the beginning of your career, can you tell us about a production you were involved in where you really had to dig deep and that really helped you to grow as a producer?

Kate> One of the first productions that stretched me was a campaign that required coordinating multiple moving parts – talent, crew, locations, weather contingencies and tough creative – all while keeping clients calm and the creative vision intact. I had to dig deep and step into a leadership role I hadn’t yet grown into, or so I thought! It pushed me to trust my instincts, communicate clearly, and look after the people around me and trust that I had built the right team.

That experience was a turning point; it made me realise I had the resilience and skill set to lead productions with confidence, and it shaped the foundation of how I run Beautiful Pictures today.

LBB> A good producer should be able to produce for any medium, from film to events to digital experience. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? 

Kate> I agree! The medium might shift, but the heart of producing stays the same – clear communication, strong organisation, and the ability to anticipate and solve problems before they happen. If you understand how to manage people, logistics and expectations, those skills translate across film, events, digital or anything else. I love organising a good party!

LBB> What’s your favourite thing about production and why?

Kate> I love that every day is different. There’s always a new challenge, a new story, a new group of people to bring together. It keeps me energised, inspired and constantly learning – which is why I’ve stayed in it for so long.

LBB> How has production changed since you started your career?

Kate> Production has changed enormously since I started. The industry has become digital, faster, more agile and far more tech-driven. Budgets and timelines have tightened, expectations have increased, and clients now want content delivered across multiple platforms, not just one hero film.

LBB> And what has stayed the same?

Kate> What hasn’t changed is the importance of good communication, strong relationships and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

LBB> What do you think is the key to being an effective producer – and is it something that’s innate or something that can be learned?

Kate> Kind of a bit of both in a way but more innate – I think you can’t teach the juggle that we need to do but you can learn the basics!

LBB> Which production project from across your career are you most proud of and why?

Kate> There are a lot -- in Mexico with donkeys and in Iceland with ponies, meeting beautiful families who have benefited from grants in regional Australia to meeting various celebrities. It's been a fun career!

LBB> And in terms of recent work, which projects have you found to be particularly exciting or have presented particularly interesting production challenges?

Kate> Budgets these days are making producing challenging as the expectations haven’t changed.

LBB> Producers always have the best stories. What’s the hairiest / most insane situation you’ve found yourself in and how did you work your way out of it?

Kate> In a situation with a well known celebrity getting glue out of her hair that the art department had put in there. She wasn’t happy!

LBB> What are your personal ambitions or aspirations as a producer?

Kate> To keep producing beautiful work with good people, and to build an industry culture that’s supportive, kind and collaborative. I want to keep growing as a producer, keep learning, and keep creating space for others – especially women and parents – to thrive in this industry.

Producing has given me so much, and I’d like to give back by helping shape a better, more inclusive production community.

LBB> As a producer your brain must have a neverending "to do" list. How do you switch off? What do you do to relax?

Kate> Spend time with my small children and read books!

LBB> Producers are problem solvers. What personally fuels your curiosity and drive?

Kate> Curiosity, people, and the thrill of solving the unsolvable – that’s what keeps me driven.

LBB> What advice would you give to people who are interested in becoming a producer?

Kate> Learn from the ground up!

LBB> From your experience what are the ingredients for a successful production?

Kate> Planning and communication.

LBB> What’s the key to a successful production-client relationship?

Kate> Communication.

LBB> Producers are naturally hands on – they have to be. How do you balance that in the more managerial role of an EP?

Kate> Giving over a little bit of control! It's hard but just trust!