Susanna Boccaccio of Brilliant Trees Media
Screen Manchester (SM): Tell us about your organisation and your role there.
Susanna Boccaccio (SB): I’m the Managing Director of Brilliant Trees Media, a Manchester-based TV and video production company I founded nearly 19 years ago. We produce factual documentaries, scripted content and branded video for broadcasters and commercial clients. Alongside broadcast work, we support corporate clients with internal and external communications, marketing content and social media video. We’re currently producing a series of audiobooks while continuing to develop new scripted and factual ideas, as well as delivering projects for brands and broadcasters.
SM: How did you make a start in the screen industry?
SB: I started my career as a regional newsreader for ITV. From there I moved into promo producing, before progressing to producing and directing regional programmes for the network. That experience gave me a strong foundation in storytelling, production and broadcast workflows, which eventually led me to set up Brilliant Trees Media.
SM: What are some of the key productions you/your organisation have worked on (in the local region or otherwise)?
SB: We’ve produced factual documentaries for broadcasters including the BBC and ITV. One of our recent highlights is the RTS award-winning scripted comedy series Dodge’s Pup School for CBeebies.
SM: What drew you to apply for Into the Lead?
SB: Having recently moved further into scripted production with our CBeebies series, I wanted to deepen my understanding of that side of the industry. I was really interested in learning more about how scripted development and commissioning works, the opportunities available, and the barriers independent companies can face.The programme also seemed like a great opportunity to connect with others exploring similar transitions and to hear directly from industry experts.
SM: What do you hope to achieve during your time in the programme?
SB: From joining the programme I hope to gain greater insight into the current scripted landscape and how it is evolving. Id also like to build stronger industry relationships and networks with other producers in the region, commissioners and creatives.With this we hope to continue to develop the knowledge and confidence to grow our scripted slate and take more ambitious projects to market while continuing our factual and commercial work.
SM: What do you think makes Manchester so popular for productions?
SB: Manchester has such a thriving creative ecosystem, with major broadcasters, studios and production companies based in the region. The city itself offers fantastic crew talent, facilities and locations, making it very production-friendly. There really is strong regional support for the screen industries, which hopefully encourages companies to base themselves here. Manchester also brings such distinctive voices and stories from outside London, which broadcasters and platforms increasingly want to showcase.We are also such a really supportive bunch up here, we really do help each other, open our doors and welcome collaboration. I think we have all realised there are only a few of us here and we are definitely stronger together, which this programme has proved!
