In conversation with Adam Norris

1. Introduce yourself

My name is Adam Norris and I’m a content creative that came into film through TV news production (a long time ago). I was an agency employee for 23 years but four years ago I decided to change it up - I left a great job, left the country and went freelance all at the same time.

2.     What is your job title?

I’m a freelance Creative DIrector and Executive Producer. Prior to this, for 12 years, I was Head of Film at Jack Morton Worldwide.

3.     Who looks after the kids when you are working?

I am separated so I don’t have my kids all the time. They are 10 and 13 and more independent now. I work remotely most of the time, so I can pick them up from school myself. School holidays are much more of a problem, like they are for everyone!

4.     How long did you take off work after having your baby?

I took the usual 2 weeks paternity leave, but I also asked to go down to a 4 day week as soon as my first son was born and never went back to a 5 day week.

5.     Would you say that you have a good work/life balance?

I think I’ve been very lucky with work/life balance and very grateful for it. I could often do with more work though!

6.     Are you job sharing or working flexibly?

I work flexibly and remotely. At the moment there are not that many agencies that are ok with this, but I’m hoping one good thing that will come from the pandemic is that remote working will become much more acceptable. The pandemic has made it feel so ridiculous to make people traipse in on public transport every day of the week to sit in a crowded office. Remote working really can work and agencies have had to embrace it during Lockdown. It’s the future (hopefully).

7.     What do you think is the hardest part of being a working in media/film/tv industry and being a parent?

When you’re in the middle of a project you have to give it your complete attention. It is very, very hard to keep any kind of regular hours that let you switch off and be with your family. You invariably put work first for that period of time and it has really bad consequences for your family if it goes on too long or happens too often. Well done to Cinemamas for opening up the conversation about it and helping people to find a better way of working.

8.     What are your tips for any other men out there wanting to have kids and keep a career in film?

I would definitely consider going down to a 4 day week. It may be less money but you get so much back from that extra day with your family.

9.     Any advice for anyone about to return to work after paternity leave?

Don’t be afraid to stick to your regular office hours when you can. So many companies have a culture of long working hours and it can feel weird leaving before the rest of the office, but don’t give it a second thought, just go home!!!

10.  What advice did you wish someone had given you?

I wish I had travelled and lived somewhere else with my kids sooner. At every stage of their schooling and socialisation I thought we couldn’t do it then because they were starting school/nursery, or they were doing SATS or they were doing really well at that time. With hindsight it was all nonsense, kids are so adaptable and they will learn to read, write and be numerate. The crunch time, when you need to get them settled, comes much later than you think. Hopefully, that world of being able to travel and live elsewhere will return soon.