In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer Podcast, Darren sits down with Jack Leigh, a filmmaker who has worked on acclaimed projects like Peaky Blinders and now runs his own creative agency, Eight Engines.
This engaging conversation delves into Jack’s journey through the film industry, his experiences on Peaky Blinders, and the lessons he learned along the way.
As the podcast begins, Darren sets the tone by reflecting on his own background in film and how he always thinks about sound bites when recording interviews. This leads to a humorous start as Jack quips, “I’m conning people out of money,” which Darren acknowledges as a fantastic opening for a clip. The conversation quickly moves into more serious territory, with Darren asking Jack about his experience working in high-stress environments.
Jack explains that before founding Eight Engines, he worked as an assistant director on projects like Peaky Blinders and Fast & Furious. “It was something I’d always wanted to do,” Jack says, but he found the experience to be incredibly stressful and eventually burning out.
“There was very much a lack of a support system in place,” he adds, describing how the freelance nature of the industry contributed to his decision to leave after about four or five years.
Seeking a change, Jack secured a contract to make hostile environment films for training charities, which took him to a military base in Kenya. This environment, though hectic, was not as dangerous as one might expect. “We were escorted by armed guards a lot, but I can’t say my life was ever at risk,” he notes. Jack describes the unique nature of the interactive videos he created there, reminiscent of “Choose Your Own Adventure” novels, where viewers had to make quick decisions in simulated hostile scenarios.
Despite the intensity of this work, Jack found it less stressful than his previous roles in film production. He reflects on the differences between the two experiences, noting how the lack of a rigid support system in the film industry made it particularly challenging. “I was just sort of adjacent to creativity,” he says, expressing frustration at not being able to fully engage in the creative process himself.
Darren and Jack then discuss the early days of Jack’s career. Jack recalls his aspirations of working on big TV shows like Peaky Blinders, which he achieved, but he quickly realised the reality was far from his dream. “Everyone thinks video and film are really creative things, and they are at the top levels, but if you’re working in a crew of 150 people, you’re starting out making cups of tea,” he says. Jack elaborates on the logistical nature of his role as an assistant director, likening it to project management. Despite the skills he gained, Jack felt a growing dissatisfaction.
“It’s not like any other job where you have a clear career path.”
He notes his uncertainty of ever becoming a director, coupled with the lack of creative fulfilment, led Jack to explore other opportunities.
The conversation then shifts to Jack’s time at university, where he studied film. Jack describes his positive experience, crediting it to the supportive environment and the opportunity to make “really bad stuff” without judgment. “Filmmaking is about the people you surround yourself with,” he says, emphasising the importance of collaboration. This theme of teamwork and support is a recurring one throughout the interview.
After university, Jack got involved in various projects, including a crowdfunded Star Wars film and an extra role in Northern Soul, which inadvertently led him to a runner position due to his lack of dance skills. This role opened doors to more opportunities, and Jack worked on several TV shows and films, including Last Tango in Halifax and Utopia.
However, the demanding nature of these roles took its toll.
“16-hour days, six days a week… it’s very tricky.”
He describes the isolation and stress of being constantly on the move. By the age of 25, Jack decided he needed a change, leading him to take on more documentary work and eventually founding Eight Engines.
Jack talks about the transition from working in film to running his own business. “I don’t know if I ever thought ‘I want to run a business,’ or if I thought, ‘Well, we’re running a business, and this is how you run a business,'” he says. Despite the challenges, Jack finds joy in building a team and fostering a collaborative environment. “It’s very nice to have a consistent team of very close friends,” he notes, highlighting the importance of teamwork in his creative process.
One of the biggest challenges Jack faced was in sales and believing in the value of his work. “It took a long time to be like, ‘Oh no, actually, we’re making films that are worth what they are,'” he says. Jack shares an anecdote about a client who credited a video made by Eight Engines for securing a significant contract, which helped him realise the true value of his work.
The conversation also touches on the importance of networking and how joining BNI (Business Network International) helped Jack build a network and gain business insights. “I personally had no network – like, zero network,” he admits, but BNI provided the support and structure he needed to grow his business.
As the discussion wraps up, Darren asks Jack about his future plans. Jack expresses excitement about upcoming projects, including a TV show set in Victorian Canada and various video marketing initiatives. “We’re going out next week to Vegas to shoot something with a load of guys from UFC,” he casually mentions, showcasing the diverse range of projects his team handles.
In conclusion, Jack emphasises the importance of quality and creativity in video production.
“Quality matters, creativity matters.”
He reflects on how the industry has evolved, and remains optimistic about the future of Eight Engines and the creative possibilities that lie ahead.
For anyone interested in working with Jack and his team, he encourages them to visit the Eight Engines website or connect with him on LinkedIn. As the podcast episode ends, Darren and Jack share a moment of mutual appreciation, having thoroughly enjoyed their conversation about the highs and lows of the film industry.
This episode of The Engaging Marketeer Podcast provides a candid look into the world of filmmaking through Jack Leigh’s experiences. From the glamour of working on Peaky Blinders to the realities of running a creative agency, Jack’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of collaboration.
Connect with Jack:
Website: https://www.eightengines.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackleigh/
Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eightengines/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eightengines/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightengines/
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/
Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com
Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk
