I was Head of Production at award winning drama 'Hollyoaks' for two and a half years.

This involved delivering 260 episodes per year of primetime tv, creating and being responsible for the annual budget, working closely with the Executive Producer in both the management and pastoral care of the cast. In addition to this I was in charge of the line management of all production crews and worked with the script and story team to ensure the successful execution of both current and future episodes. I advised on the feasiblity and cost efficiency of planned stunts - most recently the house explosion stunt and train derailment which was one of the most talked about soap moments of 2014.

In conjunction with the production managers and the Health and Safety manager, I ensured that all health and safety rules and regulations were complied with.

I discussed and worked on proposed storylines to co-ordinate and strategise across future blocks to ensure that the programme is made within budget and to its fullest potential.

Alongside our Post Production team I worked with our technical areas to ensure the timely delivery of the highest spec of episodes possible.

I had a phenomenal time at Hollyoaks and during my tenure we picked up 9 Soap Awards including Best Soap (which was the first time in the show's history), oversaw a council house explosion, a train crash, a bus crash and a car plummet from a car park roof. I welcomed Hollyoaks into adulthood as it turned 18 and the introduction of new families including the Roscoes, Lomaxes, Blakes and a fair few new McQueens. Since my joining Hollyoaks there have been 22 deaths, 13 marriages and 10 births. We were also nominated for a BAFTA this year which was the first time in 13 years.

I am currently working as a freelance consultant and trainer but may be available for freelance production managing, line producing or short term cover as Head of Production. Just get in touch! 

1. Step up to 1st AD in high-end TV and film

   Addie Orfila and Alison Surtees · Aug 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

2. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

   ScreenSkills · May 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

3. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

   ScreenSkills · Mar 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

4. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

   ScreenSkills · Jun 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

5. Step up to 1st AD in high-end TV and film

   Addie Orfila and Alison Surtees · Jun 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

6. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

   ScreenSkills · Feb 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

7. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

   ScreenSkills · Sep 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

8. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

   ScreenSkills · Jun 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

9. High-end TV encouraging good working: in practice

   Addie Orfila and Alison Surtees · Nov 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

10. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

    ScreenSkills · Mar 2023

    ScreenSkills Funded

11. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

    ScreenSkills · Apr 2023

    ScreenSkills Funded

12. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

    ScreenSkills · Jan 2023

    ScreenSkills Funded

13. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

    ScreenSkills · Aug 2023

    ScreenSkills Funded

14. High-end TV encouraging good working: in practice

    Addie Orfila and Alison Surtees · Nov 2023

    ScreenSkills Funded

15. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

    ScreenSkills · Feb 2023

    ScreenSkills Funded

16. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

    ScreenSkills · Jan 2023

    ScreenSkills Funded

17. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

    ScreenSkills · Sep 2023

    ScreenSkills Funded

18. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

    ScreenSkills · Aug 2023

    ScreenSkills Funded

19. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

    ScreenSkills · Dec 2022

    ScreenSkills Funded

20. (Training) High-end TV and film resilience workshops for craft and tech HODs or managers

    ScreenSkills · Dec 2022

    ScreenSkills Funded

21. Tackling harassment and bullying at work

    ScreenSkills Learning · May 2021

    ScreenSkills Funded

• High-end TV encouraging good working: in practice

  Screenskills Training Course · Addie Orfila and Alison Surtees
  Issued 30 Nov 2023

• High-end TV encouraging good working: in practice

  Screenskills Training Course · Addie Orfila and Alison Surtees
  Issued 20 Nov 2023

• Tackling harassment and bullying at work

  Screenskills Learning
  Issued 31 May 2021