Fractional comms & PR — indie production companies
Your Story Told Properly.
For more than 10 years I’ve led communications for the Passion Pictures group, across animation, live action and unscripted factual. I’m passionate about great work getting the recognition it deserves.
I bring senior communications expertise on a flexible, fractional basis.
Where I've built trusted relationships
Annecy Festival
Channel 4
CNN
CPH:DOX
Keo Films
Manchester Animation Festival
Sheffield DocFest
Tribeca Festival
Passion Pictures
Strange BeastAnnecy FestivalChannel 4CNNCPH:DOXKeo FilmsManchester Animation FestivalSheffield DocFestTribeca FestivalPassion PicturesStrange Beast
Who I am
I’m a senior communications leader with over a decade of experience across one of the UK’s most highly regarded independent production groups.
I lead communications end to end: strategy, messaging, reputation management and day-to-day executive counsel on one side; global media relations, press office management and talent positioning across UK and international markets on the other.
In short — strategy, storytelling, media, internal alignment, reputation: whatever shape the problem takes, come and speak to me.
I continue to work with Passion Pictures on a retained basis, while keeping capacity for a small number of additional clients each week.
What I Do
Communications Strategy
The overall plan. Annual strategy, messaging and positioning, and the narrative that ties every other activity together.
Corporate Communications
Comms aimed inward. Executive counsel, internal and change communications, investor and stakeholder updates, corporate announcements.
Media Relations & PR
Earning you coverage. Press strategy and pitching, press office management, embargoes and exclusives, media training.
Brand & Content
What you publish yourselves. Bylines and thought-leadership pieces, website and social content, newsletters.
Industry Positioning
Presence within your industry. Festival and awards strategy, live speaking slots, partnerships and network-building.
Leadership
Running the function. Managing agencies and freelancers, budgets, governance and reporting.
How I Can Work With You
Retainer Basis
Ongoing strategic counsel serving as your fractional head of comms. Perfect for sustained PR management and leadership advisory.
Project Basis
Dedicated bursts of momentum for festival campaigns, specific award seasons, or high-priority corporate announcements.
Low Level / Growth
Targeted brand building and capability development for studios scaling their footprint and establishing industry presence.
Where you've seen my work
Here are some of the top level placements I’ve secured.
Case Study
McCartney: The Hunt for the Lost Bass
The Challenge
Maximising the broadcast, theatrical, key talent and internal opportunities around the film — organically and mutually, so no single stakeholder's interests came at the expense of another's.
The Strategy
Built an integrated social and PR plan designed to work seamlessly for all partners, ensuring objectives aligned across the board while amplifying the central message.
The Result
Delivered millions of social views, secured major tentpole press coverage globally, and drove a sold-out Mayfair premiere, hosted by Pete Paphides.
What People Say
Working with Sam at Passion over the last three years has been a gamechanger. He works tirelessly to break the mould of how our shows and creative talent are positioned in the press and always pushes for the best exposure. In a world where it would be easy for documentaries to be ignored, I love the way he thinks dynamically about how to promote each film for its own merits and never lets an opportunity slide. It’s been wonderful to have our films premiere with Sam at the helm and receive the recognition they deserve.
Sam is an extraordinarily versatile and creative publicist and strategist — and continues to maximise the impact of Passion documentaries and the company in general across a vast range of realms; from film festivals to news media to short form, socials and events, all over the world. I don't know of anyone as dynamic, sure footed and well networked in our fast changing global landscape, and it's all powered by a genuine connection and commitment to the projects he represents. I cannot recommend him enough.