In conversation with Amelia Price
Amelia Price
1. Introduce yourself
Amelia Price
2. What is your job title?
Sustainability Consultant
3. Who looks after the kids when you are working?
My 5 year old is at school, and my 18 month old is in full time nursery.
4. How long did you take off work after having your baby?
I had 6 months off with each of them.
5. Would you say that you have a good work/life balance?
Hmmm depends what day you ask me! Sometimes it feels like its working really well, other days, I feel like I get nothing done! The 3:20 pick up when my daughter started school was quite a shock, she’s a regular with the after school club!
6. Are you job sharing or working flexibly?
I have been working flexibly as a location coordinator for the past 5 years. I’ve had my fair share of bad experiences (losing out on a job because the UPM wanted a location coordinator in the office after 5pm, and not having a 6th day approved because I “leave at 4:30 every day”!), but I’ve also had some amazing experiences with some brilliant, really supportive bosses. Thankfully, this has now become the norm, rather than the negatives. My general flexible working set up was for me to start at 7am, and work in the office until 5ish (depending on how close I am to home!) then I’d pick the kids up and then do an hour or so in the evening depending on what I’d missed out on. I’ve found, I’ve become far more efficient as the longer I’ve been doing this, so don’t need to do as much in the evenings anymore.
Now my youngest is out of the baby phase, I’ve taken the decision to take my career in a whole new direction, I’ve had a passion for saving the planet for many years and thought it was time to see if I could make a difference in the film industry. I’ve always felt that people assume you lose your drive and ambition at the point you have kids, I think the opposite happens, the stakes to make a difference with what you do, just become that much higher. I’d been getting frustrated with not having the same career progression as my colleagues because I was also asking for flexible working, so I’ve taken matters into my own hands, and I’m having a re-brand! I’m working with production companies and suppliers to improve their sustainability and the sustainability of feature films and TV generally. It feels great to be doing something I’m so passionate about, and because I’m working on either a daily, or hourly basis, I can be totally in charge of my hours and fit them in around the kids.
7. What do you think is the hardest part of being a working in media/film/tv industry and being a parent?
I felt like I was the only one doing it for a long time, there seemed to be very few people with kids, I had quite a few male colleagues with children, but most of them were very much supported by their wives so that their careers could continue uninterrupted, but I didn’t have that luxury, giving birth kinda causes a break in your career!
8. What are your tips for any other women out there wanting to have kids and keep a career in film?
It is possible! Although a lot of what I’ve said probably sounds very negative, things are changing, and people are finally realising that we need to support parents and carers in the film industry, otherwise we’re losing a whole wealth of talented crew because they can’t find a way to make it work. Leavesden’s new nursery is such an exciting addition, and it really will make a huge difference to a number of film families.
I’ve learnt so much since having kids in the film industry, I’m far more efficient than I used to be, and when I’m working, I really make sure that the job has 100% of my attention, they just might not have my attention for as many hours in the day, although I think the whole industry would see the benefit if we could curb our culture of long hours.
9. Any advice for anyone about to return to work after maternity?
Stay positive, and surround yourself with people who are supportive and give you constructive criticism, not just negative feedback. There will be some things that don’t work when you’re asking for flexible hours or to do a job share, but a lot will, and it's a case of being open and honest with people about what’s manageable for you and what they expect you to achieve.
10. What advice did you wish someone had given you?
Don’t doubt yourself, you’re not suddenly rubbish at your job just because you need to do some of your working day from home. Have faith in yourself, and your abilities.