Media Parents

A Storyteller’s Journey Through Uncharted Waters

Before the industry’s recent turbulence, I was no stranger to navigating uncertain waters, writes Producer Donna Harry. With a passion for adventure, I often found solace in travelling to exotic locales during short bouts of downtime. These experiences not only broadened my horizons but also instilled in me a resilience that proved invaluable during times of professional uncertainty. However, as the industry landscape shifted and I faced the reality of unemployment, I found myself grappling with basic needs rather than the pursuit of adventure. Without a partner or parents there is no safety net and it’s scary to think  my career could be over before I’ve really achieved my ambitions.

Donna Harry, 4th from left on ScreenSkills' Edit Producer for Future SPs Scheme

When the tides turned and industry prospects dimmed, I doubled down on my craft. Through ScreenSkills’ Edit Producer for Future SPs scheme led by Jo Woolf, I’ve secured a work shadowing placement on The Apprentice. Lecturing at the National Film and Television School fueled my passion for nurturing the next generation. These endeavours kept me positive and focused on the long game – because even in the darkest moments, I trust brighter days are ahead.

But let’s be real – even in the darkest moments, hope can feel like a distant beacon. So, I embraced a Plan B – a 3-month marketing bootcamp to potentially pivot if the landscape remains uncertain. After all, versatility is key, and these new skills will only add another string to my bow.  However, pursuing this pivot comes at an emotional cost – potentially sidelining a hard-fought career I’ve poured my soul into.

Nothing has come easy on my journey. As a woman of colour from working-class roots, the odds felt perpetually stacked. Yet I’ve consistently risen above setbacks through sheer grit and an unwavering vision, carving out a space to work on programmes I’m truly proud of. Walking away from that hard-won path to start anew is a daunting prospect. But I’ve never shied away from a challenge.

Amidst chaos, my passion for authentic storytelling remained constant. Grounded in 15+ years uplifting diverse narratives, I’ve embraced multifaceted roles – producer, casting producer, welfare producer, editor producer – whatever the project required to bring incredible human experiences to the forefront. Whether unearthing extraordinary tales for the BAFTA-winning McCullin, discovering imaginative artists on The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge, giving a voice to disparate realities on Rich House Poor House, or forward planning on brand new build format Stacey Solomon’s Renovation Rescue,  my mission has been uncovering the extraordinary in the ordinary.

As a welfare producer, creating an ethical space where people feel safe and empowered to share their truths is paramount. On the casting side, I have a knack for identifying singular talent and pitching them in a way that lets their authenticity shine through nuanced protocols and evocative tapes. Securing institutional access is also key.

As a producer my versatility spans a range of genres – from the high-wire logistics of Stacey’s renovation series to uplifting character-driven narratives like The Farmers’ Country Showdown through edit producing.

I’m ready to chart a course through these turbulent waters. Brighter days may be on the horizon, but until then, I’ll navigate with resilience and creativity, determined to leave my mark as an enduring storyteller.

In an ideal world my dream scenario is for my TV career to keep evolving. Over the next few years, I’d love to really hone my storytelling skills by spending some dedicated time Edit producing. Bringing  character-driven narratives to life – that’s the kind of work that truly fulfils me. And  if I can avoid getting pigeonholed along the way, even better! Branching out into fresh formats like renovation shows, food programs, maybe even dipping into true crime…that freelancer versatility would be amazing for satisfying all my creative cravings.

But at the end of the day, what really drives me is that bigger picture goal of eventually levelling up to Series producing, nurturing the next generation of diverse filmmaking voices. Guiding them to craft their authentic perspectives and visions…that’s the dream.

To book Donna Harry click here.

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