Remembering Andy Barmer: A Beloved Trailblazer of Post Production

Last week, the industry lost one of its true originals with the sudden passing of Andy Barmer. A producer-turned-MD at The Mill during its formative years, Andy helped shape the culture and creative ambition of one of post production’s most iconic studios. Known for his sharp eye, adventurous spirit and trademark humour, he went on to co-found Beam.TV, lead Absolute alongside Dave Smith, and later pursue directing and photography.

But more than his achievements, Andy is remembered for his generosity, curiosity, and warmth, qualities that made him not just a pioneering figure, but a cherished colleague, mentor and friend to so many.

What follows are some of the many heartfelt memories and tributes shared by friends and colleagues from across the industry who were lucky enough to know and work with him.

Pat Joseph, non-exec director at Untold Studios, former co-founder at The Mill

I first met Andy in 1991 when this amiable Brummie walked through the Mill’s doors on Great Marlborough St and quite literally saved my life. His infectious charm, kindness, unwavering honesty and no-nonsense attitude helped professionalise the slightly chaotic, rapidly growing ‘startup’, stamping his own indelible mark on the future of The Mill.

Starting as a genuinely creative producer, his leadership took him to head of production, facilities director and finally, managing director, helping set the standards The Mill became known for.

A life cut far too short and a devastating loss. My deepest condolences to Beth and all of Andy’s family.

Robin Shenfield, director at Forever Group

Like so many, I’m deeply saddened by the sudden death of Andy Barmer, our first producer and later MD of The Mill, London. Funny, likeable and – thanks to his arts background – blessed with great judgement over what looked good (or otherwise).
After delivering one particularly harrowing and devilishly complex piece of work, he was, for some time, nicknamed Andy 'AOK' Barmer, as the ad was for a German health insurance group with that name. He bore this nickname (and everything else thrown at him) with good grace – a mark of honour really, as he was without parallel the most tenacious producer in our ranks.

Ripon racecourse was the setting for a long, happy night of dancing and drinking to celebrate his wedding to Beth. His ever-present smile was particularly broad and memorable that night.

Derryn Clarke, production director and former facility director at The Mill

I was the fourth person to join The Mill’s production team in 1995. Coming from a live-action background, it wasn’t easy wrapping my head around VFX, and Andy was an incredible help and support. He was so technically competent, and he’d patiently create these beautiful sketches to explain how we were going to pull something off. Andy had a brilliant knack for coming up with “Blue Peter” solutions for missing plates and elements — I recall him and Barnes once creating a very convincing tornado from a bit of cotton wool and a stick.

I worked with Andy for 10 years and loved him like a brother — which of course meant we could have stand-up arguments when we disagreed, but we always came out on the same team. That’s a rare and lovely thing, just like Andy.

Andrew ‘Barnsley’ Wood, executive creative director at Rascal

Andy was the very first person I spoke to when I went for my interview at The Mill in 1992. I had my portfolio and VHS showreel fresh from college, nerves jangling, and there was Andy — running around in that unmistakable way of his, already carrying himself like the busiest producer in the world. His energy was infectious, and his crazy Brummie accent made the whole experience unforgettable.

We went on to work together for many years, and it was always a joy. Andy was an absolute top bloke — generous, funny, and dependable — the kind of colleague and friend you felt lucky to have by your side.

The last time I saw AB (as I called him) was just a couple of years ago at a James gig in Scarborough. He was there with his wife, Beth, and as ever, it was a real pleasure to catch up. He hadn’t changed a bit — still the same warm, engaging Andy I’d first met all those years ago.

David Smith, owner/CEO flame VFX at Absolute Post

Andy Barmer, the unmistakably Brummie, who I had the joy of knowing for over 30 years, first crossing paths at The Mill where he became the very first producer. Sharp and intuitive, he was often the butt of the joke but always had the last laugh — usually with a Sid James crackle.

As MD, he gave me some of the best years of my working life. We thought alike, laughed at the silliest things, and shared a genuine care for people. Andy was a true gentleman, a loyal friend, and one of the good ones. He’ll be deeply missed, gone far too soon, and I’m truly saddened to have lost a genuinely decent bloke you could ever wish to meet.

John Sunter, creative director

Piercing bright blue eyes and a smiley face.

Andy kindly gave me my first break as an animator at The Mill, where I made lots of friends and began my career.

I think it made him happy giving young people a chance. He was a very understanding and funny guy to work for, and we shared many laughs.

If he hadn’t sent me and a colleague to give a conference talk in Copenhagen, I’d never have met my wife — and wouldn’t have my two lovely daughters.

He influenced my life enormously.

Rest in peace, Barmer.

Paul Donnellon, director at VooDooDog

I met Andy in the mid-90s while directing some yoghurt adverts and he went the extra mile to make those clips work, always pushing the tech forward. Andy was full of energy.

Later, while queuing for the Gladiator premiere, I accidentally trod on his foot (he wore sandals a lot, even in winter). After hopping around in pain, for some reason he ended up inviting me to work at his Mill Lab setup. We had great fun there — I met great people, and Andy always pushed for quality but with humour. He wasn’t a corporate animal; he kept his humble character.

After he moved on from the post world, I went to his postgraduate photography show, where he’d made a thoughtful film about the First World War. It was full of emotion. It showed he could direct documentaries too; maybe a missed vocation.

I last saw Andy at a photography exhibition over a year ago and assumed we’d catch up again this autumn on one of his visits to London — but that wasn’t to be. I’ll miss our gallery trips, our chats about art, and his “dirty” laugh.

Vittorio Giannini, director of business development & Strategy at Freefolk

I worked with Andy in those heady production days at The Mill in the late 1990s, and later when he set up the innovative, ahead-of-its-time Mill Lab Studio. Incredible energy, forward-thinking and fearless, Andy was hugely liked among his team. We all have such fond memories of that time — Andy was a big part of that. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Ben Smith, chief executive officer/co-founder at Foo Engine

When I think of Andy, what stands out most is that he was an unwitting mentor to me. His quiet belief and encouragement made a lasting difference, giving me the confidence to go the extra mile and never settle for average — he inspired you to take it right up to 11.

I was lucky to spend time with him at work and on those unforgettable “business trips” in the early Emill and Beam days — hilarious IBCs, Vegas adventures, and countless laughs.

It’s sad we’ll never have that long-promised meet-up, but when the Beam and Mill Lab crew gather, we’ll always keep a space for Andy and raise a glass in his honour.

Liz Browne, director of production & operations at Absolute Post

Shocked and saddened to hear about Andy. He was my first head of production in the early days of The Mill and it’s a cliché but it was an absolute pleasure working with him. He was dedicated, technical, compassionate and just a lovely man. A brilliant laugh and a proper Brummie. Always had time for a chat when you made your way onto the mezzanine (if you know, you know!) after a hard day or just looking for advice. He’d always stop what he was doing to advise and help. I can still hear that little Andy Barmer chuckle. He’ll be fondly remembered by everyone he worked with – taken far too soon.

Michael Elson, producer at The Frank Trading Co

Oh boy! Andy Barmer. What a lovely man.

First met Andy in the early ‘90s when I became The Mills second – and then its least competent – producer, working alongside him. It didn’t take long for us to become firm friends. I have such great memories of sitting next to him in that back office, or fooling around in those early years of digital effects. Andy was one of the really good ones. I learned so much from him and owe him a great debt for helping me navigate this crazy business.

Many happy times spent with him and Beth, my kids and Kate in Bethnal Green. What terribly sad news. All my love to Beth.

Miles Stormer, producer at Mission Digital, former head of MCR at the Mill

I had the great pleasure of working with Andy at The Mill. I remember him being a top notch producer and then MD. As a proud Brummie, he was cheerful and quick-witted and always on his game. He had time for everyone and was a friend to all. I will miss Andy – the industry has lost another true gentleman!

James Stone, designer

I’m ashamed to say it’s been 17 years since I last saw Andy and Beth, at mine and Cassie’s wedding. Yet through their travels shared online, it often felt like riding pillion on their moped. Their joy in exploring the world together was never showy or boastful — just a generous sharing with friends. Their photos often featured feral cats, dogs, and children, all briefly swept into their warmth and kindness as they passed through another port.

My time working with Andy at The Mill (Lab) was brief, but unforgettable. During a sudden and brutal layoff, he went out of his way to give me a safety net, let me take projects with me, and kept putting my name forward even after he’d left The Mill. That generosity left a lasting mark — one I’m still benefiting from over 20 years later.

They’d also stay in touch at Christmas. When the card wasn’t booby-trapped with glitter, it came with a warm round-up of their year’s adventures.

I often felt Andy would have loved to be more hands-on with the creative side of the work if he hadn’t been so busy holding the fort. He absorbed everything like a sponge, often quizzing you about a project — not just to prepare for clients, but because he was genuinely curious and always learning.

I like to think he found that same creative outlet with Beth, through their travels and his photography. Thanks for your kindness and friendship, Andy, however far away. Safe travels. xx

Daniel Hearn, founder at Treacle7

I was fortunate to spend over a decade at The Mill, and during that time had the privilege of working alongside Andy. In early 2000, we launched Beam TV, while at the same time Andy brought together a team to create The Mill Interactive Lab — both the first of their kind in the industry. I can still remember the buzz of that shared office, the sense that we were on the brink of something pioneering. The Mill was always at the forefront of technology, and to have been part of that journey with Andy and the rest of the team remains something I’m very proud of.

What set Andy apart wasn’t just his professional foresight, but the way he treated people. He never led with ego; instead, he led with encouragement, respect, and genuine kindness. You always felt he wanted you to succeed, and that belief gave so many of us the confidence to push ourselves further.

Andy was a true legend of the industry. He leaves behind not only a legacy of groundbreaking work, but also the deep respect, admiration, and affection of everyone fortunate enough to have worked with him.

Tory Wire, head of people at Union VFX

‘Andy B’. What a truly lovely man he was. I have so many fond memories of our times up on ‘the Mezz’ behind Robin and Pat’s glass office, overlooking reception at The Mill on Great Marlborough St. Me, Sam and the Personnel gang (as we were known then), Paula and Beth, all worked closely with Andy as he skillfully navigated the many demands of being the MD of The Mill at the top of its game.

He was such an integral part of The Mill and was much loved by his colleagues and clients alike, many of whom had grown up there with him. Funny, charming, warm, with a great sense of humour and a mischievous streak, he really had a twinkle in his eye. Mill events were always great fun with Andy B in the mix. We shared countless laughs, more than you’d expect at work, even through tougher times, as we balanced business demands with looking after our people. He was always generous with his time, calm, positive, and guided by a strong sense of right and wrong. His care for us all never wavered.

Andy and his much-loved wife Beth loved to travel – Greece was an absolute favourite – and he would regale us with hilarious tales of their adventures and the stray cats they’d ‘adopted’ wherever they stayed. There were also stories of the legendary annual scarecrow competition in his countryside village, with creative and fantastical decorations and a fierce but good-natured rivalry among neighbours. We loved receiving his email updates and always looked forward to the next installment.
Andy B. really was a properly decent human being and we were all so very lucky to have him in our lives. Sending lots of love to Beth and both their families and friends – he will be so very missed.

Sam O’Brien, freelance communications consultant, former EA to Andy

Andy “AB” Barmer and I shared a desk outside Robin and Pat’s glass office on the mezzanine in 2004. It was an incredible vantage point from which to take in the full scale of The Mill’s genius and chaos, as I duly attempted to support the exec team through the unpredictable highs and lows of Mill life.

The Mill’s culture back then is rightly legendary, but it counterbalanced what could be a stressful and exhausting business. Not least for Andy as MD, dealing with a constant queue of Mill folk shuffling towards his desk with a spectacular variety of issues. And no relief behind us, either, as Tory, Beth, and Paula (The Mill’s stellar Personnel team) tried to care for the rabble of Great Marlborough Street, or at least avoid any arrests.
Andy was very much part of what made The Mill tick. Warm, smart, funny, incredibly down-to-earth, and with absolutely none of the ego common in the creative world. He loved the simple things most and was happiest planning his next adventure in Greece with his lovely wife Beth, and showing us back in the office, photos of the truly woeful collection of stray cats they cared for during their travels.

Andy, you’ve gone too soon, but many of us will hold you in our hearts for the long haul. Thank you for all the many good times. x

Dan Bennett, managing director at Harbor Picture Company

Andy was both a mentor and a friend, someone who believed in me before I believed in myself. I’ll always be grateful for the chance he gave me and the guidance he shared. Beyond work, Andy was simply a lovely bloke – cheerful, full of humour, and the kind of person who made time with him feel lighter. His devotion to Beth was clear to everyone, and it was a joy to see the two of them exploring the world together in recent years, embracing life and adventure. He will be deeply missed, but always warmly remembered.

Andrew Swepson, founder/managing director at Menagerie PR

These are words I never thought I’d have to write. It’s hard to wrap my head around the impact Andy had – not just on me at the start of my career, but on so many people in post production.

When I joined The Mill in 1996 with absolutely no experience in the world of post, Andy was one of the first big characters I met. And what a character he was. In those early days, he somehow managed to be both an excellent teacher and mentor – and, frankly, a little scary too. But once you got to know him, his knowledge and experience were unmatched. He was always fair, but firm. And because of that, his approval was something you really wanted to earn.

Later, when our paths crossed again at Absolute, Andy and I developed a habit of having… let's call them spirited debates. Legendary clashes, really – much to the despair of poor Dave Smith. Sorry, Dave! But as quickly as we butted heads, it all blew over, and we’d be back to laughing together, usually with Andy mocking some of my more questionable life choices. I’ll miss that as much as anything else.

I’ll miss that old rascal, and I’ll always be grateful for the huge role he played in my life. He’ll be missed by so many. Mr. Barmer – the greatest producer I ever had the privilege of working with.

Roy Trosh, former head of technology at The Mill

Andy was extremely influential in the early days of The Mill. He was well known for performing the impossible task of simultaneously keeping the client, the artist and the chairman happy. He was smart enough to see how the industry was changing and was instrumental in the formation of Beam.TV which spawned so many imitators.

I can remember my family and I spending time with Andy and Beth and how my son James and Andy “hit it off” with their mutual love of all things tech.

Even though we lost touch in the latter years, my overriding memories of Andy is of a genuinely lovely guy who we will always remember.

Matt Cooper, CEO/founder at Little Black Book

Working with Andy was amazing. He always had a great eye for what was coming next and how to think about change in business and revenues. He was a complete sponge for information and a great listener, never claiming to know it all, but quietly taking things in and turning thoughts and ideas into a plan. He loved change, and with his knowledge of production, he knew how to implement it and make it happen across a business.

I got lucky and travelled with him lots –from my first Cannes Lions to countless other places. I loved those times, meeting new people with him. He was so good at that – such a lovely, funny guy. I’m sure there are books to be written about Andy. He loved life, knew lots, had an opinion on everything — and the most amazing marriage and wife. Andy lived as one should, and we will all miss him.