Sam Lee
Executive Producer at TOMBOY
The background check will report that I was once a teacher, but I have now been a producer for almost two decades.
For the first decade and a half, I also represented and managed a roster of artists while producing stills and motion campaigns.
In 2023 I started Tomboy, where we aim to elevate the production process within the advertising industry.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
Production can be a misunderstood process, categorised as simply ‘being organised’ – but as producers we do so much more. It always bothered me that a producer or production company would be invited to collaborate at the end – after all the creative had been presented to client, without a single thought to the financial viability of the idea. I wanted to elevate the role of the producer within the creative process, and encourage clients to integrate a producer in the initial stages of their concepts.
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?
I graduated with a Bachelors Degree of Early Childhood Education however it never really inspired me. A spontaneous job search in the advertising industry, I landed a role as a marketing manager for a production company. But for the longest time I would look over my shoulder at the producers, always feeling like I should be doing that role. So I made it my mission to become a producer.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
- Company of One – Paul Jarvis
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- Process the Podcast
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Compassion
- Trust
- Transparency
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My partner runs a studio and gear rental company in the industry, and I have never met anyone more ambitious and kind. Not for the clout or profit, but to genuinely improve and promote the industry in Australia and worldwide. Everything he does for his business, he does it to improve the industry. His tenacity really taught me how to be selfless in my own small business.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
Education has always been a strong part of my background, and being able to pass on knowledge from years of experience to someone who genuinely wants to be the best at what they do, feels very powerful.
What are the top 3-5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Direct and honest
- Empathic
- Sees potential in others
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.