Tatyana Alexandra’s Path to Becoming a Producer and Mentor

Tatyana Alexandra is a senior producer at Trim Editing. Born and raised in East London, she studied interaction and moving image at London College of Communication, where she developed a passion for visual storytelling. During her studies, she independently shot and edited a documentary exploring the Tottenham riots, an experience that deepened her interest in filmmaking and the collaborative creative process.

She joined Trim as a freelance runner in 2014 before becoming a full-time member of the team, gradually progressing through the company to become senior producer. Along the way, she has worked closely with Trim's partners and editors, helping to deliver award-winning commercial, music and branded content.

Over the past decade, she has produced work for clients including Apple, Nike, Netflix, Greenpeace and Channel 4, alongside music videos for artists such as Stormzy, Dave, Kano and Mette. Today, she works closely with editors, production, agencies and clients, supporting projects from the earliest stages of development through to final delivery.

Tatyana sat down with LBB to discuss her background as a videographer, her training and development at Trim, as well as the most satisfying aspects of production.

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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?

Tatyana> I was working part time at 1948 London in Shoreditch and Bape in Carnaby Street to get some money. On the side I was trying to build a portfolio as a videographer. Shooting at events with artists I could get access to, like A$AP Rocky and Odd Future. It was fun but I wasn't sure where I wanted to take it.

One day one of the partners of Trim bought some trainers from me at 1948. I told him I could edit, sent my CV and that was the start. I became a freelance runner and not long after went full time at Trim where I learnt more about offline and the roles within it. I found editing fulfilling but felt myself leaning towards production, specifically offline production. I love being pivotal in making things come together smoothly whilst still having creative input in the edit.

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?

Tatyana> I can’t remember the first job or how I got it… I was endlessly networking. Jobs would pop up and once I got my foot in the door I was offered more work through word of mouth. I have a vivid memory of doing a casting for a Little Mix ft Missy Elliot music video. I loved the satisfaction of coordinating all the extras and seeing that work come to life on set. It always felt exciting and each day was different with new challenges that came from working for different people. Having that foundation and being on set made me more sure I wanted to develop my skills offline.

LBB> How did you learn to be a producer?

Tatyana> I learnt to be a producer by working with and observing producers at all levels in different areas of production. Combining styles I noticed worked well and admired, to do it my way.

Chatting to people taught me so much, having small random conversations can be so meaningful and pivotal, hearing real life experiences. When I stared at Trim I was a runner which allowed me to see all the aspects of the offline first hand.

I soon became a production assistant and in that role I absorbed as much as I could, especially learning from Jemma who was a producer at the time. She was an incredible mentor and is now managing partner at Trim. Being in a nurturing environment helps facilitate meaningful growth. There is something very special about Trim, it has always championed strong mentorship, training and development throughout the company.

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?

Tatyana> Jobs on the whole through covid-19 were a challenge because there seemed to be no boundaries, everyone was remote and at home so supposedly always free… so much more liaising, endless Zooms and calls as we weren’t in the same building. It was literally non stop and relentless. Clients were even more demanding and wanted quick results, so a lot of expectation management was needed. It was the first time I felt like, oh this is a lot.

As a producer you’re trying to hold it all down and keep the stress away from the editors by problem solving, you carry a lot. In hindsight I really rate how we (Trim) got through that period and didn’t break!

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? Why/why not?

Tatyana> There are many skills and characteristics that make each medium niche but a lot of those are transferable. I think you could quickly transition but there will always be new things to learn, depending on the area you are working in.

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

Tatyana> Making things come together, solving problems, seeing an edit evolve and the final film. I love developing the editors, building a relationship and knowing their styles and the kind of work they want to be doing. Whilst being a reliable and consistent support, even when a job can seem chaotic. It’s satisfying!

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

Tatyana> People are more up for working remotely but maybe also starting to revert back to wanting to be in the room and having face to face interactions, which feels good. I’m noticing more AI created work coming in and it is a lot more common to see stock footage jobs. Sadly it feels like there are less music videos with strong backing and lower budgets across the board.

There is a big demand for content edits that can go live on Insta and TikTok etc. It will be interesting to see how it all continues to evolve…

Trim is now global with offices in LA and New York, which is big. It has been an organic process and it has been exciting to be part of the growth and development the new offices bring.

LBB> And what has stayed the same?

Tatyana> The backbone of the production work flow is essentially the same but is always evolving and adapting to each job.

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?

Tatyana> I think it’s a mixture, but being organised, able to juggle, stay calm, be personable and be patient really go a long way. These are all really important for me in the way I produce. Building trust and creating an effective and harmonious working environment helps enable good work to be made.

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

Tatyana> I don’t have a specific project as they are all so varied. What I feel most proud of is being consistent whether it’s a huge commercial or a no/low budget music video/ short film and treating each as equal and giving the same level of attention and support to both.

However, having my name attached to the Nike World Cup 2026 Campaign for example is undeniably a good feeling. On the flip side of that, working on projects like Save the Children always feels really important.

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

Tatyana> To continue developing all the editors and assistants, which I love doing. Finding new talent that’s out there, not yet discovered. Becoming an EP and always pushing myself to grow and do more.

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

Tatyana> Friday’s with my two year old quickly pushes production to the side. So there is no chill! Also the mind is always still lingering in jobs… I love a slow jam Sunday morning while making breakfast. Spending time with the fam and my girls is rejuvenating. An exhibition is always stimulating. I wish I had more time to indulge in TV series and documentaries, it will come!

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

Tatyana> Being able to come up with solutions and overcome tricky situations is rewarding. Building new relationships and working on unique projects. If there is a challenge I feel so much more driven as it pushes you mentally and allows you to grow.

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

Tatyana> Put yourself out there as much as possible and hit people up, don’t shy away. Start by running to get yourself in, whether that be at a production company, post house or agency even if that’s not the exact area you want to be in.

From there you can build relationships and move into a PA role and then work your way up. Don’t get too caught up on the exact area of production you are in as once you are you can move around and you will gain invaluable skills and experiences. Try and find yourself a mentor who is willing to take you under their wing and be a sponge, absorb and observe!

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

Tatyana> Being organised, calm, forward thinking, empathic, passionate and seeing the vision.

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

Tatyana> Being real, open minded, trustworthy and personable.