In conversation with Elizabeth Bonell

1.     Introduce yourself

My name is Ella. 35 years old. I am originally from Germany but moved to London three years ago. I live in Richmond with my partner and my three-year-old son.
2.     What is your job title?

I work as a Production Coordinator. I also did some department coordination, but mainly worked as a POC. 

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

I am not working at the moment, so my son is home with me.

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

I took one year off. My son started going to a childminder 4 days a week. I thought I would find a part-time job pretty quickly, but I was wrong. I got lucky and worked remotely for two German productions, but I haven’t been fully back to work ever since having my son. 
5.     Would you say that you have a good work/life balance?

Right now, it’s more life than work, actually :), but I am nervous about how life will be when I do go back to work full-time. Because we all know it’s not just 9-5 Monday to Friday.
6.     Are you job-sharing or working flexibly?

My plan is to job share. Through Michelle Reynolds from ReelTimeMedia, I met Maria Salcher, who is a POC and a mum herself. We are looking for job opportunities as a pair.
7.     What do you think is the hardest part of being a working/industry parent?

That you can’t have it all. You cannot be there for your child 100% and you cannot be at work (like you used to) 100% but you kind of have to. And the guilt that comes with it.
8.     What are your tips for any other women out there wanting to have kids and keep a career in film?

Know your worth. Don’t think your past experience is worth less just because you took “a break”. 

Ask for help!! And find your peers (mum networks, Facebook/WhatsApp groups, etc.).

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

Do it on your own time and terms. If it doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, don’t feel pressured to do it just because you thought “you would be back at work by now”.
10.  What advice did you wish someone had given you?

See the above :)