Written by Murray Ashton on Jul 11, 2012. Posted in Interviews

Filming on location with international Producer Nigel Foster

Nigel started in advertising in the 70s as a runner. He worked up through the ranks to become an Account Executive and then in 1978 became a Producer. He’s now been producing commercials for more than 30 years.

He was at J Walter Thompson (JWT) in London as Head of TV Production (Broadcast) from 1988 to 2007, at which point he set up Shaw Independent Producers working directly with various advertising agencies and clients.

Where have you filmed abroad or out-of-state in the past few years?

I have just finished a very complicated car shoot for Kia Motors in Madrid. Previously I have shot all over the world - USA, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Egypt, Kenya and most European countries.

Is there anything you would recommend or insight that you would pass on to anyone shooting in these locations?

I would have liked to have known more about local crew and talent rates, hours and local taxes. Also, making sure you and all your crew have the right weather gear and sun protection, and making sure your accommodation can provide breakfast, however early the call-time is.

Ensuring the quality of local crew drivers to ensure they are responsible, good and speak your language. They should have been thoroughly checked by the local service company. This simple area can turn into a nightmare if not controlled properly, especially when you have top talent and senior executives on the shoot.

Are there any particular production service companies you would like to give a special mention?

I have always found the local service companies extremely professional and helpful wherever I have been shooting. Recently I worked with Goodgate Productions in Barcelona and can highly recommend Gordon Mackinnon and his team.

The US is my favourite place to shoot due to their attitude to filming, permissions and access to equipment. There’s also a wide range of locations and talent.

What has been your biggest on-location challenge to date?

Trying to shoot on a mountain outside Queenstown in New Zealand. Access to the location for crew and talent was only by helicopter, so every morning at first light I would go up in the chopper as the weather conditions were dictating whether we could access the location. This particular mountain was covered in cloud for five days before we were able to shoot.

Do you have a favourite filming location?

The US is my favourite place to shoot due to their attitude to filming, permissions and access to equipment. There’s also a wide range of locations and talent.

Where in your international filming experience do you consider you got the best production value?

New Zealand, the US and South Africa.

What do you do to relax after a full-on location shoot?

I would always try and stay on at the location or go to the nearest beach resort to chill out for a couple of days before returning home.

Thank you

To contact Nigel click here.