Small Talk, Big Dreams:

HR Blog for the Creative Industry

Carl Small Carl Small

What Clients in Entertainment & Creative Really Need from HR

No two companies in the entertainment-verse (not a word, but a word!) are the same. Whether you’re supporting a fast-paced music tour, a theatre run, a Band 3 film, a game launch or a multi-day TV shoot, every client has their own unique rhythm, pace and people culture.

A one-size-fits-all HR approach? Absolutely not.

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Carl Small Carl Small

Rolling with It: The HR Consultant’s Guide to Surviving the Entertainment Industry

Let’s face it - being an HR consultant in the world of film, television and theatre isn’t quite like working in a ‘traditional’ business. You’re not dealing with neat org charts, standardised policies, or quarterly planning cycles. Let’s face it - being an HR consultant in the world of film, television and theatre isn’t quite like working in a ‘traditional’ business.

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Carl Small Carl Small

LOL UK: Teamwork, but Funnier

I’ll be honest - Amazon’s LOL: Last One Laughing UK might just be one of the funniest things I’ve ever watched. It’s ridiculous, chaotic, and completely brilliant. But beyond the giggles and gags, there’s something surprisingly insightful in the show’s structure; particularly in how it brings together an unexpected mix of personalities and manages to make it all... work. Really well, in fact.

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Carl Small Carl Small

Severed from the Past: Modern HR Reshaping the Creative Industries (No Mind Control Required)

I’m always talking about modern HR because these days, workplace culture isn’t just a background extra, it’s the main character.

So, imagine a world where your work self and your real life self are completely separate. Like, actually separate. Code switching on steroids! If you're a fan of the show Severance, you’ll know exactly what I mean (and if you’re not - highly recommend). I've been hooked since last season, and yes, I’m such a fan I even downloaded the Lumon app and, proud to say, I’ve cracked Macrodata refinement.

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Carl Small Carl Small

How Adolescence Nailed Teamwork Under Pressure - One Take, One Team

Making a TV show is so complex and far from a walk in the park, but imagine filming every episode in a single, continuous take. No cuts, no do-overs—just pure, unfiltered performance. The team behind Netflix’s Adolescence pulled off, and it wasn’t just about the cast knowing their lines. It took serious teamwork, relentless rehearsals, and a rock-solid production crew to make it happen.

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Carl Small Carl Small

What Paradise Can Teach Us About Managing Conflict on Set  

So, how do you stop a simple disagreement from turning into a full-blown production meltdown? Let’s take some lessons from Paradise and apply them to real-world conflict resolution strategies. For those that haven’t watched it - Spoiler alert!; and for those of you that have watched it - well done, you’re my people!

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Carl Small Carl Small

And the Award Goes to… HR!

Awards season has wrapped up, leaving us with unforgettable speeches, surprise wins, and enough behind-the-scenes drama to inspire a whole new film.

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