Getting to know Stacia Akaba - Producer

We're delighted to welcome Stacia Akaba to the Rushes production team. And by way of an introduction, we thought we'd ask her a few questions to get to know her a little better.

How did you first get started in the industry?
Originally I wanted to become a TV Presenter, so after studying Film & Broadcast production at London Metropolitan University I got a job as a runner in a small post house in the heart of Soho. My intention was to be in and out after 6 months having shot and edited a fantastic showreel ready to propel me into TV stardom(!) But after a few months my reel was forgotten about as I was grasped by the wonders of all things VFX. I was a keen 21-year-old eager to explore and navigate my way through the levels of Post-Production. Within six months I was made Production Assistant and it is here my journey through post really began.

What is the most important skills you need to succeed?
Being able to understand and meet a client’s needs. Translating them to the artists that are tasked with the duty of bringing these ideas to life. Having a “Make it happen” attitude is also a key skill. There are plenty of hurdles, loops and jumps to be faced with when working on a project. But thinking outside of the box and making the most of the resources available to you helps to achieve the end goal.

What excites you about VFX right now?
It's ever changing! That is what honestly blows me away about VFX. There’s always something new to learn which propels our capabilities into unexplored realms, all at the hands of ever growing technology. VR and other forms of immersive content appear as though they may become real game changers.

What tools do you find indispensable for your work?
My iPhone, Macbook & the internet - being without these for any period of time would give me the jitters. Having said that a notebook and pen are truly indispensable!

What has been your favourite project you’ve worked on?
Last year I worked on the post heavy TransPennine “Where next?” TVC, managing a 10-man VFX team developing the concept and treatment alongside Director, exploring design ideas and watching them all unfold and come together in CG, creating a wonderful piece. From initial treatment, to pre-vis in 3D, shoot and then post, which all happened over the duration of three months. Watching the finished 60” film on air provoked a great feeling!

If you could work on any project, what would it be and why?
Hypothetically, I would have loved to have worked on a Michael Jackson music video. “Thriller” & “Smooth Criminal” really opened my eyes to promos as a creative form of film-making. An incredible combination of a great musician, track, a touch of horror, special effects, makeup and even zombies!

What did your 10-year-old self think you’d be doing right now?
I wanted to become a Vet. Hard to believe now as I have developed an equal amount of love/fear of anything with more than two legs!

What’s your approach to balancing work and life?
Follow your passion and your love for your craft. Explore it, master it and accept there is always more to learn, more growth and development.  But most importantly, try to make time for everything. “A time to relax and a time to be busy, a time to frolic and a time to labour, a time to receive and a time to give, a time to begin and a time to finish” - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Do you have any advice for people just entering the industry?
Work hard. Nothing beats a hard worker to truly understand their role and the roles of others around them. Learn from your peers/colleagues and use their knowledge, experience and understanding to grow yourself.

What’s your all-time favourite ad?
All-time favourite is a big ask, but amongst those at the top has to be Fallons Cadbury Dairy Milk “Gorilla” . No product placement, no consumer message, just Phil Collins and an animatronic Gorilla suit!

And do you have a favourite film?
One of my all-time favourites has to be “Léon” directed by Luke Besson. But my guilty pleasure film has to be “Face/Off”!

What’s your favourite quote?
“The truth is a bully we all pretend to like”. - Shantaram (Gregory David Roberts)