Thea Slevin Joins FAMILIA as our new Executive Producer / Head of New Business

Thea speaks on the unique qualities that drew her to the company and her plans to stay ahead of the curve.

By LBB Online
  • Thea Slevin is an experienced producer having worked with the likes of The&Partnership, Mother and Ogilvy over the years. Most recently, she joins next-generation production house FAMILIA as head of new business where she is committed to taking its directors to new heights. 
     
    In this interview with LBB, Thea reflects over her incredible career, shares her insight into the biggest changes the industry is seeing this year, and divulges the comedic genius who she would most like to take to lunch!
  • LBB> You have years of experience across production and new business. Tell us about what first drew you to this industry and what you love about what you do.

  • Thea> I was first drawn to the industry by a ridiculous passion, bordering on obsession, for watching television 24/7. I have always enjoyed the production process, but the part that has always interested me most has been the art of matching directors with the right project. I feel so lucky to have found myself in the position to be the one showcasing FAMILIA’s directors across the industry.

  • LBB> If you had to pick just three things, what would you select as your three proudest moments in your career so far?

  • Thea> Creating an animatronic goblin puppet for a Sprite campaign with The Jim Henson Company, shooting in Argentina for TalkTalk with 100 trained choreographed dancers shot from cranes above the streets of Buenos Aires, and working with Michael Madsen (who had a very long rider!) on a Daily Telegraph commercial, for The&Partnership.

  • LBB> Most recently, you joined FAMILIA as head of new business. What is it about FAMILIA that stood out to you and aligned with your values/work?

  • Thea> The craft, versatility and diversity of their directors and photographers. Their next-generation creative approach to production, in particular their data-driven strategy. Their passion and commitment to creativity. FAMILIA has been on my radar for many years and when Ciaran Bennett, who I worked with at The&Partnership, joined FAMILIA as an EP that sealed the deal.

  • LBB> What are you most excited about achieving this year at FAMILIA?

  • Thea> FAMILIA have recently signed seven incredible new directors to a global, and diverse roster that was already fantastic. I can’t wait to continue to take their work out there and further show everybody what they can do. FAMILIA is on a mission to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to curating next-level, stand-out creative. What an exciting time to join the FAM!

  • LBB> How have you seen client needs changing in the last few years? What new challenges are they facing?

  • Thea> Agencies are ever-evolving as are production companies and I think it’s important we all work together in a collaborative way to create the best, most creative work, with everyone’s interests and needs in mind.

  • LBB> If you could go back in time and give your past self one piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be and why?

  • Thea> Perhaps I would have bought a flat and not spent all my money at Harvey Nics on unnecessary lip glosses.
  • LBB> What motivates you?

  • Thea> Good people. Great work and lots of it.

  • LBB> What marketing trend or advertising campaign have you liked recently?

  • Thea> I have always liked the work that Mother has done over the years for IKEA. IKEA, as a brand is ever-evolving, their Buyback and Resell incentive is a perfect example of this.

  • LBB> Tell us something about you that we don’t know.

  • Thea> If I could eat toast for every meal, I would be very happy indeed.

  • LBB> What are some of the biggest changes to the advertising industry right now?

  • Thea> The biggest changes come from the way people now consume content. We as filmmakers have a responsibility to make engaging pieces of work that can be viewed, enjoyed and resonate across all platforms.

  • LBB> Who in the world would you most like to take to lunch and why?

  • Thea> I would like to have a very long lunch with the talent that is Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I reckon we would have a proper good laugh.