Mill Paris | Meet our Executive Producer Claire Garraud

Can you describe your job ?

Claire: The first role of an Executive Producer is to receive projects proposals from our multitude of clients. We will then begin to estimate a budget and establish a schedule in collaboration with one or more studio supervisors depending on the type and complexity of the project. Our role will then be to provide our client with the best possible support on all financial, organisational and artistic points. When we win the project, I call in a VFX producer or a post producer who will then take charge of the organisation and production of the film. In short, EP’s job is to link all the essential parts of a project and to ensure that it is carried out correctly from start to finish.

How did you get into this job?

Claire: I’ve always wanted to work in the audiovisual industry, I’ve been a big film fan since I was a little girl. To be honest, post production and special effects were science fiction to me! I didn’t even know the industry existed… When I was 20 years old, I started by working at the Mikros reception desk in order to finance my film studies and very quickly I was offered to continue within the company on a work-study basis with a BTS in audiovisual production. After graduating in 2006, Mikros, now The Mill Paris, hired me as a commercial production assistant., I then became a VFX producer and then an Executive Producer after about 5 years.

What projects are you working on or have you worked on? What is your favourite one ? 

Claire: I’ve worked on a lot of different projects, furry animal films, car films, luxury films, music videos etc. The films that made the biggest impression on me were probably the projects where I was able to work with great directors such as Jean-Baptiste Mondino, Matthijs Van Heijningen, François Rousselet or Johan Renck. It’s hard to say which one is my favourite, but I would say that one of the last experiences that made the huge impression on me was probably the latest Chanel N°5 with Marion Cotillard, which took place during the entire confinement. Despite the enormous constraints we all really enjoyed working together and ended up with an incredible result.

What do you like best about your job?

Claire: What I like best about this job is the collaborative work we can all do together. Communication between all parties is essential and it’s very interesting from a human point of view. We are all part of the same team and we give our best to achieve the best result. It’s quite a galvanising feeling.

What advice can you give to juniors about doing this job?

Claire: Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek advice, this is an industry where you learn a lot on the job. There will always be someone to answer and help. Personally, I still learn things every day. Above all, even if it’s easy to say, put things in perspective when you’re stressed. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by pressure, because it’s always in these moments that you make mistakes. A client will always understand if you tell him that you need time to do things properly.

If you are interested in a career at The Mill visit here. You can also get in touch with our VFX team via our contact page.