Keith Bradley Brings Global Production Insight to Banjoman

Renowned Irish production company, Banjoman, has recently announced Keith Bradley as the latest addition to its team. 

Keith actually studied Economics at university – which he absolutely hated. But when he was accepted into a masters in Broadcast Production, he knew that’s what he should’ve been doing all along. He went on to work in radio where he produced various talk shows for local and national radio stations, as well as in television for large-scale live talent shows. His amalgamated experience would later land him a job in a production company in Australia, producing advertising spots – “That’s where my love for commercial production began,” says Keith.

Since then he’s been busy – producing for projects with beefy budgets, as well as for those on a shoestring. A board member of the Institute of Creative Advertising & Design, and president of public speaking organisation, toastmasters, Keith finds creative inspiration everywhere he looks.

LBB’s Tará McKerr sat down with Keith to find out more about his journey to date and his ambitions for Banjoman. 

LBB> What key moments in your career would you say have shaped you as a producer? 

Keith> I would say it’s key people rather than moments. I have worked with some amazing producers over the years. Mentors like that are really important for a budding producer and I think I understood how brilliant producers worked and borrowed those skills. 

A couple of the radio producers I worked with are some of the most brilliantly reactive people I have ever met and taught me how to make important decisions in a split second. Working in Australia gave me a fresh perspective on the industry and production trends while in Ireland, working in Red Rage with the likes of Gary Moore and Paul Holmes and in Motherland with Ross Killeen and Margaret Levingstone shaped how I approach production.

My background working as a runner, to production assistant, to production coordinator before producing has influenced the way I work. I understand the intricacies of all the production roles and what needs to happen, and when.

LBB> What has been your most memorable project to date? What’s one you’re most proud of and why? 

Keith> Most memorable is Nike ‘Ripple’ with Steve Rogers directing though Biscuit Filmworks and Wieden+Kennedy. It was one of my first projects after moving back to Ireland. I learned so much on that production, soaking up the details on how to produce a worldwide commercial spot with the high expectations of influential talent and a global agency and production company.

I’m most proud of our film for The Soar Foundation, directed by P.O.B. through Motherland. We produced it on a shoestring, pulling in favours from everyone we knew and it won a string of awards. I am proud to have been a part of the team that made that happen and I think the passion behind those types of projects always comes across on camera.

LBB> What excites you about joining the team at Banjoman? What appealed to you? 

Keith> Their work, their ambition, their drive. I have always loved Banjoman’s work. Dermot and Matt's passion is infectious – their ambition for the future is truly exciting and something I am thrilled to be a part of. 

The guys from Big Red Button also told me that it’s their understanding that they will be paying in actual banjos which is very different and appealing.

LBB> What do you hope to bring to the table in your new role? 

Keith> Fresh perspective, an abundance of production knowledge, and of course the ability to juggle.

LBB> You’ve been an advocate for creativity and excellence in Irish advertising. How do you think the Irish creative scene has evolved in recent years? Why is creativity so important? 

Keith> There is a wealth of truly talented Irish creatives and crew and it's of the utmost importance that we continue to push the boundaries creatively in advertising craft. I am on the board of management at ICAD (Institute of Creative Advertising & Design) and I have seen first hand the amazing talent we are lucky to have. On the production side, we now create with some of the best crews on the planet who are constantly working on world class productions which only adds to our creative ambition and ability.

LBB> What personal or professional values tend to guide your decision making when working on creative projects? 

Keith> Authenticity, connection and engaging content. I think Banjoman’s work has that in abundance.

LBB> What kinds of projects or collaborations are you particularly looking forward to exploring? 

Keith> The roster is amazing and expanding with world class directing talent all of whom I can’t wait to work with. Banjoman’s creative progression and evolution is really exciting and their motivation by great work is really aligned with my production values.

LBB> How do you stay creatively inspired and ahead of industry trends? Are there any personal hobbies or passions that tend to influence your work? 

Keith> I listen to podcasts and read a lot about the industry through publications. The ICAD board is made up of some amazing minds in the Irish industry from whom I am constantly learning. I’m president of toastmasters public speaking organisation which is also a fantastic way to learn from other industries. My other personal hobbies have changed slightly due to our active and adventurous (and loveable) one and a half year old son.