18 Years of The Crewing Company
As we celebrate 18 years of The Crewing Company (TCC), it’s a moment to reflect on our journey, our milestones, and the incredible people who have been part of our story so far. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone in the media, TV, and film production industries, our story is one of passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The Humble Beginnings
Our journey began on a houseboat named ‘The Quarry’, where Stephanie Asplin, our Founder & Chairman, set up the first TCC office. From there, we moved to Ealing Broadway and eventually to the iconic Pinewood Studios, each move marking a significant step in our growth and ambition.
First Client and Early Success
Cactus TV was our first client, a partnership that started while Stephanie was still working as a Production Co-ordinator. Booking editors for Cactus TV on shows like Richard and Judy was the foundation upon which we built our reputation for reliability and quality.
Milestones and Memories
In 2008, we celebrated a major milestone – our first £1 million turnover! The celebration was a memorable one, with bucks fizz for breakfast at our Ealing office. This achievement was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.
A Star-Studded Chapter at Pinewood Studios
Our time at Pinewood Studios was particularly special. We were in the midst of cinematic history, with movies like James Bond, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and The Wolfman being filmed around us. This period underscored our connection to the heart of the film industry.
Growth and Leadership
In 2012, just before the London Olympics, we moved our current offices in the creative hub, Hackney Wick. This move proved to be successful and marked another chapter in our expansion. It was this year too that Laura Davis, our current Managing Director, started her journey with TCC as a Bookings Assistant.
The company has been led by some incredible leaders over the years, each adding to its quality, professionalism and growth. Laura became the MD in 2022, taking the lead of an already well-established company, well known for its skill in connecting freelancers and clients in the media industry. Laura’s journey within TCC is related with transforming the company into more than just a recruitment agency, as well as maintaining its strong reputation in the industry. She is passionate about not only finding highly skilled freelancers but also actively contributes to shaping the industry by organising talks, mentorship programmes, and speaking at universities, among other initiatives.
Global Presence
Our ambition took us beyond the UK back in 2016, and we opened an office in Abu Dhabi for two years at TwoFour54. While the office has since closed, we maintain a significant network in the region, highlighting our global reach and influence.
Fun Facts and Fond Memories
Originally, TCC was going to be called MINT! Over the years, we have also received clothes returns meant for ‘The Crew Company’ and CVs from people wanting to work on ships – quirky moments all adding to our unique history.
Commitment to Our People
We are proud to have many of our original freelancers still on our books since being founded in 2006. Their loyalty and the longevity of our relationships are a testament to the supportive and collaborative environment we’ve cultivated.
Innovation and Sustainability
Our accounts department became entirely paperless by early 2020, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and innovation. We’re now looking into how we can make our business more sustainable, and environmentally friendly, and are committed to improving on our environmental impact wherever possible.
Supporting Emerging Talent
In 2022, we launched the Rising Talent programme to support emerging talent in the industry, and entering into our 3rd cohort of this this month, so we’re excited to see how we can develop their careers this time around! We also started TCC/Media Talks to foster discussions related to the media industry and its challenges, reinforcing our commitment to continuous learning and community engagement.
Expanding our Clients base
From having just one client back in 2006, we now work with hundreds of clients ranging in anything from broadcast, production, post production, branded content, social content and corporate. We love establishing new client relationships, and collaborating with prestigious clients to help them create innovative and impactful work.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this 18-year milestone, we are filled with gratitude for our clients, freelancers, and team members who have been part of our journey. Together, we have forged lasting partnerships and helped in creating remarkable content. Looking forward, we are excited to continue providing exceptional service, connecting top talent with outstanding opportunities, and furthering our impact in the media industry.
Here’s to many more years of success, innovation, and meaningful connections!