Meet The Team
Super Yachts, Saudi & Standout Strategies: Jen’s Journey to Head of Media
What sparked your passion for videography and how did you get into the industry?
When I took my A-Levels I initially took Law, Psychology, Maths and Chemistry, then decided after a week that it was not for me and realised that it’s not illegal to study something you actually have a passion in and enjoy.
For me, that was Film and Media – something that I have enjoyed all my life and never thought of it as a career path because it’s something I loved.
I had full support from my parents in pursuing anything I wanted to do, so went to Sunderland University to study Film Production and went on to be nominated for a RTS Award for my dissertation project.
Your breakthrough role came at Sunderland AFC, as a Sunderland fan how was it working for the club you loved growing up?
Out of 200 applicants for a 6-week placement, 12 of us were lucky enough to get it, after those 6 weeks I was the only person to be offered a part-time job at the club after the placement had finished. I worked there for 2 years while I finished uni and for a few months after whilst I was looking for something more full-time.
It was very emotional for me and my dad as I have grown up a Sunderland fan and it meant a lot to see how proud I made him.
On my first day, I was taken for a look around and we were in the dressing room at the stadium while they were doing interviews about the Euros and John O’Shea made me a cup of tea – I felt right at home straight away.
My best memory was when we beat Everton 3-0 to stay in the Premier League, we had a party in Quinn’s Bar after!
You joined The Social Co back in 2019 – how would you summarise your journey to becoming Head of Media?
I started as a Videographer and have seen the agency grow from being a team of 13 to what we have now being a team of 32. To have been a part of that growth is really fulfilling.
Becoming Head of Media was a great step in my career that I am very grateful for, it has allowed me to do more of what I enjoy, managing a team and helping them all become better every day.
The past few years have seen Social Media become more video-led with the emergence of Reels and TikTok – how has this resonated in your work with clients?
The industry has changed very quickly and is always a challenge to keep up with, but at the same time has allowed us all to progress our portfolios and show how we are all growing and keeping up with the demand for all the different types of content needed.
Things used to be all landscape promos for things like Facebook banners and now it is all short Reels with trending music. Trends change all the time so keeps us on our toes but also allows us to become more knowledgeable and informative for clients.
Every day brings someone new at The Social Co working across a wide range of genres. How do you adapt your style to meet each individual client’s needs?
From house builders to gyms to restaurants to makeup, the template as to what makes great content is the same, it just needs adapting slightly to where their content is going and who the audience is.
The process is the same across the board and I take pride in how we have managed to come up with that successful formula.
Every day is different, getting to travel not just the country but the world, meeting different people, learning about new businesses, it keeps it different everyday, meaning we always have a new stream of ideas.
You’ve worked across numerous campaigns, which ones would you say have been your highlights?
Working with NUFC has been really enjoyable, as it has allowed me to go back to my roots in football from my years at SAFC.
I love working with the house builders and creating content for their showhomes – it’s a great feeling seeing their website come to life with my content.
Doll Smash Cosmetics is also really fun to shoot and seeing that content be used abroad on their campaigns for the world to see is very rewarding.
In addition to that, you’ve also travelled to various destinations across the planet – which ones have been your favourite?
My first ever shoot with SOCO was to Nice in the south of France filming super yachts – I remember being sat on the top deck with the captain after the shoot having a glass of champagne thinking “Yeah I think I made the right decision coming here”.
Other than it would have to be filming with Newcastle United in Saudi Arabia – what an experience! We travelled with the team and got to see our work on the club’s organic socials, the only downside was having to wear a Newcastle kit being a Sunderland fan, but I managed!
Outside of work, you’re incredibly sporty. What do you do to relax and unwind outside of content shoots?
I used to play rugby, but I’ve broken too many bones so I’ve switched to cricket! I now play for Castle Eden Ladies and we won the treble last season, so I’d say it’s going well.
I’ve also got into Padel lately which is a great place for a double date. Aside from sport, I really enjoy going to the cinema – it’s the best place to just turn your phone off and escape.
You recently featured as a guest speaker at Teesside University – what would your advice be to aspiring videographers?
Say yes to shoots! No shoot will be boring or not exciting with the right attitude.
A shoot is what you make of it, if the subject or topic isn’t exciting, make it exciting, if you have a passion for what you’re doing – other people can feel that through your video.
Lastly, if someone is thinking about coming on broad to shoot content with The Social Co, what would your message be?
Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries and give us creative freedom to get the best content.
We are the experts so listen to our advice – we want to create exciting content for you!
Written by
Matthew Crichton
