In Production: Laura Gregory

Laura Gregory has worked in production for her whole career and launched Great Guns in 1996. Just over two decades later, the company has offices in London, the US and Asia, a host of awards under its belt and a division called Young Guns which supports new talent.

Below, Gregory tells shots about her favourite production tools and ability to order super-fast in restaurants.

Tell us about an ad campaign you’ve seen recently that stands out for its production quality and standard.

The Big Leap for Lacoste. Each time I see the shot of him leaping off the building and careering through space I think about my life and how many times I’ve taken that leap. Seeing films like that make me understand why I love what I do.

Do you feel the role of the producer is becoming more prominent and crucial today than in the past?

The producer role has always been prominent and crucial. More recently, as trust becomes more of an issue, with risk averse client’s and agency partners, that has become even more relevant.

What’s your most valued production tool (tech or otherwise) and why?

My phone, it connects me to the world 24/7.

How has the industry changed since you started working in it?

Everyone with an iPhone is a director.

Tell us about a recent risk/investment you’ve made in your career or for your business?

We invested in Stuart Gillies’ new short film Heaven or Whatever written by poet Shane Koyczan which opened the Vancouver Film Festival two weeks ago to rave reviews – and look out for The Leap, an insanely ambitious short film by our new director Karel Van Bellingen. A true reminder that there is nothing you can’t do if you believe in yourself.

How do you relieve stress during a shoot?

I won’t answer that one.

What’s your favourite thing to do away from work?

Sleep.