The Lola Limelight – Emma Askew

EMMA ASKEW: PRODUCER

Where are you from? 

Born and bred in Essex, specifically by Romford. 

How long have you worked at Lola?   

4 fabulous years. It’s honestly flown by. 

How did you get into VFX?  

A friend who worked in accounts within a VFX company helped me get my foot in the door. Previously I had run on set a few times, but with that being freelance, there was not much security there. She thankfully got me an interview but wasn’t lucky the first time. I had another interview a few months later and landed a running gig in the film department. I had no idea what VFX was back then, but immediately fell in love with it and so was driven to work within it ever since.  

What’s the best part of your job?  

Well the team’s really amazing and from it, I’ve made some fantastic lifelong friends, but the best part for me would have to be seeing a shot / project grow from the ground up, from nothing to everything!  

Biggest career highlight(s)?  

Getting my first credit for the BBC’s Universe series is probably top of the list.  

Advice to anyone starting out in the industry?    

You’re not expected to know everything, so ask those questions, big or small! I always find that if I’ve got a question in my head and am too afraid to ask it, someone else will usually ask the same question. Plus, depending on where you are / what you do, show you’re one step ahead by completing the pre-empted tasks without being asked. It’s a little thing but it goes a long way.  

What are you learning at the moment?   
I’m trying to learn more about producing, growing my experience on scheduling, bidding and project management.  Aside from that, I’m learning Spanish on Duolingo. I don’t want to brag but I’ve just exceeded my 700-day streak….Si, me encanta apprender. 

What’s your most prized possession on your desk at work? 

It’s not on my desk, but on the wall by me hangs this “Hungry hump day” review chart circa 2020, where every Wednesday someone in our team would bring in an unusual treat in for us to eat and critique.   

Favourite spot in Soho? 

You can’t beat Carnaby Street / Kingly Court for an after work pub session.  

Hobbies outside of work?

I’m in a book club, where we met up monthly, down a few beers and praise / slag off the book for hours. It’s heavenly!