Meet Nicole Welch | Production Manager & Owner of Sighs From Production Management, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Welch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is bold, scary, uncomfortable, and life-changing. Without taking risks I would not be where I am today. I’d likely be back home in Michigan, but I’ve always wanted more for my life and career. I knew God wanted more for me, and I’ve continued to follow the journey I believe was written for me. Risk took me to New York with about $800 in my pocket (My rent was $400), not knowing a soul, and sleeping on the peeling faux leather couch of one of my brother’s friends for a year while I worked an unpaid network TV internship and retail jobs to make ends meet. Risk and faith told me to stop working jobs that were crutches and trust that working in the entertainment industry would work out for me, so I quit working at the Gap Outlet in Brooklyn with no job prospects. A couple of weeks later I got a call for a job that would start the career of my dreams. 3 years later risk told me to move to Los Angeles and figure out how to maneuver this city in the same industry I was tapped into in NYC and I haven’t looked back. As a freelance Production Manager, risk plays a big role in my life and career, going from project to project, but my faith is strong and I know I’ll only be uncomfortable for a moment. Don’t stay stuck, be bold, declare what’s for you is for you, take the risk, and go get it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
From Production Assistant to Production Manager, my experience ranges from documentary and morning talk show format to pre-viz and unscripted programming. Working in production management I have had the pleasure of being the liaison between a vast variety of departments to bring creative projects to life from development to delivery. I’ve had doors open and close for me but remained persistent in my journey because I know there’s more out there for me. At no point has it just been “easy” working in an industry with hundreds of people who do the same job as you, and feeling like there are not enough projects for everyone to keep maintaining consistent work. I believe what makes me stand out is my attitude, approach, and communication with everyone I encounter, and the variety of projects that have under my belt that help me when it’s time to think outside of the box. I take pride in how far I’ve come as someone who barely graduated high school, and applied to one college (Central Michigan University) to get my parents off my back. Diving into the world of radio, TV, and Film saved my life, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. My brand/work ethic is focused on taking care of those in need of help, relieving the sighs brought on by angst, confusion, and miscommunication, and working together to achieve one common goal, project completion as eased as possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love it when friends come to visit to give them a glimpse into the places LA and LA adjacent cities have to offer. I tend to be more of a homebody, so it forces me to go out, lol. For soul food, we’d go to the Serving Spoon, Fixin’s, Tev’s Kitchen, and The Court Cafe. For delicious tacos, catch us at Taco Nazo, Ave 26, Papi’s Churros & Tacos, Garden’s of Taxco, and Escuela Taqueria. My favorite pizza spots are Steel Pan Pizza and Lucifers. My favorite high-end restaurant is Crustaceans, the garlic noodles are everything! We’d hang out at events like Auntie Jamz, Blvk Ocean, Black on the Block, and Black Market Flea. When Kene.o, Rose Gawd, or Brian Henry are throwing a party, I want to be in the building! I can’t leave out a stop or two to the Soho Warehouse for rooftop poolside views, drinks, and consistently great music. And because I love music so much, I’d want to check out a show at the Novo, the Forum, the Intuit Dome, Youtube theater, or Sofi Stadium. Lastly, we’d check out some of the awesome amusement parks, beautiful trails and beaches that SoCal has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to give thanks to God. My journey has been a roller coaster, but my faith stayed consistent and kept me going. Secondly, I would love to shout out my family and chosen family who have been my biggest cheerleaders encouraging me to keep going, even when times got tough, and for being my biggest supporters when I needed it most. Lastly, my production village consisting of every crew member (Executive, Producer, Director, Coordinator, Camera operator, Audio mixer, AC, Grip, Gaffer, Production Assistant, etc), who has assisted me or even opened a door for me project after project. The people you meet along the way can truly make a big impact on your confidence and career, and I have been fortunate to encounter many amazingly talented and supportive individuals throughout my career. I don’t know where I would be without the constant love and encouragement from everyone I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Thank you all!

Website: https://www.sighsfromproductionmanagement.com

Instagram: nicciroo

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemwelch/

Image Credits
Nicole, Dario Griffin, Paul Niccolls, Ben Selkow