Sam Downs
Mona Vale
Summary
Dynamic Managing Director with a proven track record at RMK Crew, driving over $5 million in revenue through strategic business development and streamlined operations. Expert in contract negotiation and people management, fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork while enhancing workplace safety and mentoring talent for sustained growth.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
RMK Crew
07.2010 - Current
- Responsible for establishing RMK Crew and building the business into Australia's leading agency for freelance production and post production crew around Australia.
- Interviewed and recruited over 300 crew who are currently represented by our agency.
- The business now manages over 50 contracts a week and invoices in excess of $5 million.
- Used in depth knowledge of production and post production to cast thousands of crew for various roles with Australia's leading networks, production companies and ad agencies.
- Increased company performance by streamlining operations and helping introduce new booking and invoicing system in 2023.
- Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
- Enhanced workplace safety protocols proactively addressing potential hazards before they became critical incidents.
- Cultivated a strong organisational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
- Fostered an inclusive work environment by championing diversity initiatives and empowering employees at all levels.
Creative Services Manager
SBS
08.2008 - 07.2010
- Hired, developed and managed a creative services team of over twenty employees and contractors.
- Worked with various stakeholders to produce engaging content across television, radio, print and digital campaigns to increase audience share and drive revenue.
- Mentored staff members, fostering an environment that encouraged professional growth and development.
- Spearheaded SBS rebranding process, successfully modernizing the company's image and increasing brand recognition.
- Worked with our advertising agency to manage budgets and creative output for multiple marquee programming events (Tour De France, FIFA World Cup), ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining high-quality advertising outcomes.
Senior Producer
Fremantle Media
05.2007 - 06.2008
- Overall responsibility for production of The Movie Show including managing a team of six staff and two presenters who worked on the production.
- Worked with the presenters to help write scripts for various movie reviews.
- Directed various shoots on locations.
- Oversaw post production of the program.
- Managed key stakeholders from the broadcaster, responding to any editorial concerns and then through to final delivery.
- Interviewed key talent from films including +40 interviews on location at the Berlinale in 2007.
- Championed innovation within the organisation, embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive success in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Key to this was the development of the digital platform for the show.
- Coordinated resources, managing schedules and budgets effectively to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Mentored junior producers, fostering professional growth and contributing to a strong organizational talent pipeline.
Senior Producer
Foxtel
06.2000 - 05.2007
- Developed creative concepts, driving innovative marketing campaigns that increased brand visibility and engagement.
- Responsible for scripting, directing, editing and producing on air promotion campaigns across various channels including, The History Channel, Crime & Investigation, The Biography Channel, Foxtel Box Office, Fox Kids, and the broader Foxtel brand.
- Won numerous awards (in Australia and internationally) for my work.
- Coordinated big budget shoots utilising +30 crew.
Freelance Writer, Producer, Director
Self-employeed
01.2004 - 09.2005
- Worked across television production and advertising writing, directing, producing and editing content and campaigns for various channels and production companies.
- Collaborated with on screen talent, voice over artists, production and post production crew ensuring interesting and engaging content consistent with the tone and style of the various brands.
- Highly successful and in demand often working multiple jobs simultaneously.
Writer, Director
Crackerjack Productions
02.2004 - 04.2005
- Wrote and Directed TV show So Fresh broadcast on Channel 9.
- Worked with various stakeholders at the production company, music labels and broadcaster to deliver a 90 minute weekly show.
- Collaborated with presenters and crew to develop interesting script and shoot ideas.
- In addition worked with the directors of the company to develop new formats for TV shows and write and direct TVC campaigns for various clients.
Copywriter
Wave FM
01.1998 - 02.1999
- Responsible for creative content for various clients of the radio station.
- Implemented a creative-led sales approach - embedded with the sales team to pitch scripts and ideas direct to clients to help win business.
- Was instrumental in launching the radio station and achieving sales targets.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications (Media)
University of Canberra
Canberra, ACTHigh School Diploma -
St Aloysius College
Sydney, NSWAward School
Skills
- People Management
- Business Strategy
- Contract Negotiation
- Budget Management
- Staff Development
- Client Relationships
- Mentoring and Training
- New business launch
- Detailed Production Knowledge
- Writer, Producer, Director, Premiere Pro Editor
Timeline
Managing Director
RMK Crew
07.2010 - Current
Creative Services Manager
SBS
08.2008 - 07.2010
Senior Producer
Fremantle Media
05.2007 - 06.2008
Writer, Director
Crackerjack Productions
02.2004 - 04.2005
Freelance Writer, Producer, Director
Self-employeed
01.2004 - 09.2005
Senior Producer
Foxtel
06.2000 - 05.2007
Copywriter
Wave FM
01.1998 - 02.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Communications (Media)
University of Canberra
High School Diploma -
St Aloysius College
Award School
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