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Libby started working for Warp Films in 2005 as a Production Assistant on This Is England and from this went on to be Assistant to the MD of Warp, Mark Herbert. In 2006, she produced a succession of short films as part of the BBC New Music Shorts. In 2009, Libby Production Managed All Tomorrow’s Parties, a film based on the festival of the same name held at Butlins Holiday Camps. Libby’s next music film was Inni for Sigur Ros, which she produced in 2011. Libby began working with Shane Meadows on This Is England in 2006 and has worked with him ever since, Associate Producing Le Donk in 2009 and more recently co-producing This is England 86 in 2010 and This is England 88 in 2011. In 2013 Libby Co-Produced The Stone Roses: Made of Stone, a documentary directed by Shane Meadows. She recently produced Traders, directed by Peter Murphy and Rachael Moriarty, and funded by The Irish Film Board.
Until the end of 2014 Libby has worked as a freelance development producer with a first look deal for Warp Films. In 2015 she started Film and TV venture Duck Soup Films with Bekki Wray Rogers (This Is England, Utopia) and Jess Holyland (This Is England, True North Productions). Libby Durdy was named as a Screen international Future Leader in 2013 in their shortlist of upcoming producers from around the world.
We asked Libby some questions about her work at Duck Soup and her experience on Inside Pictures…
What attracted you to the Inside Pictures programme?
I have only ever heard fantastic stories about Inside Pictures and how invaluable it has been to peoples careers. Not only do we have the opportunity to meet with leading figures in the industry who are extremely generous in sharing their experiences but there is also a fantastic group of peers who I have gained a lot from and I am sure we will support and maybe work with each other throughout our careers. Due to recently setting up a TV and Film production company with fellow producer Bekki Wray Rogers (This Is England, Utopia) and Line Producer Jess Holyland, it felt like the ideal time to partake in Inside Pictures.
What has been the highlight of the programme so far?
It has all been extremely insightful, LA was a highlight in terms of opening up many new doors and opportunities for potential future collaborations. In module 3 we focussed on creating and growing your own business. Listening to a variety of companies’ experiences, both the successes and failures and how they have adapted as the market changes has been of great value to Duck Soup in these early stages of business planning and growth.
Can you describe what your mission is with Duck Soup?
From the offset our aim is to build a home for incredible talent to accomplish their vision with ease and integrity. We aim to produce great drama with high production values across a variety of formats embracing the crossover between Film, TV and Digital. We are seeking out new strategies to access previously underserved audiences both in the UK and internationally and innovative means to finance our content.
What are the most important lessons you’ve learnt from your years of experience in UK production?
Persevere and get stuck in! I was very fortunate to be working at Warp from it’s early days and being given many opportunities to test and broaden my skills and work with great talent. The freedom to explore ideas and collaborate is extremely important. Be prepared to throw yourself into situations that you may fear and be open to all advice.
What are you working on at the moment?
Our eclectic slate includes feature films, TV Drama Series and Digital projects all with International range. We are currently working with some of the very best established names, but are also committed to nurturing innovative projects from emerging talent. 2016 looks set to be an exciting year!