Meet the London mentors
Shion Hayasaka
Executive Producer at Anonymous Content
Shion Hayasaka is an Executive Producer at Anonymous Content’s UK office, collaborating with the company’s roster of talent including Edgar Wright, Patrick Daughters and thirtytwo, as well as breakout visual artists Frances O’Sullivan and The Reids. Shion comes with over 15 years’ experience in the industry, having worked as a freelance production manager and producer before joining Anonymous as Head of Production in 2021 and moving to an EP position in 2023. She has a passion for narrative filmmaking, she is in post on two short films that will be entering the festival circuit, and is working on growing a small slate of features to develop and produce.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
I have wanted to find a mentoring programme for ages
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?
I started at Rogue Films, learned the ropes and left after 6 years as a PM. I went to Holmes production where I worked for a year as an in house PM, working on some very high profile fashion campaigns. I then freelanced as a PM for many years at both Rogue and Holmes as well as many other production companies. I then took a contract as a Brand Producer at Adidas for 1 year in 2017, I stayed 1 year and learned the client side of things and decided it wasnt for me! It did however give me the confidence to start producing and then went back into the freelance market with commercials, fashion and client side under my belt. I did that for a further 3 years, working mostly at Somesuch as a producer where I met Tor Fitzwilliams. She asked me to start AC UK with her in January 2021 and I haven’t looked back since.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
I’m not a mega fan of non fiction books. I’d recommend looking at photography or art books for creative inspiration! The work of Jamie Hawkesworth, Martin Parr, Juergen Teller, Nadia Lee Cohen, and William Eggleston are particular favourites of mine if I’m feeling in need of inspiration.
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
Podcasts I listen to regularly are “The Rest is Entertainment” for insights into how different elements of the creative industries are made, “Script Apart” which interviews writers to dissect the evolution from first draft to finished product, and “Team Deakins” which is the best cinematography podcast I have found as it is hosted by one of the best in living history!
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
Integrity, Respect, Teamwork
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Professionally, the female producers I worked for at Rogue will forever be my north stars. Kate Hitchings and Maddy Easton particularly are two exemplary women in our industry. They produce with kindness and integrity and, most importantly, dont forget to have a laugh.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
The landscape is harder than ever for people to enter the industry so I want to help. I have met young people who have taken part who can speak with more confidence and knowledge of the industry, and I’d like to give someone the same tools to go ahead and find an exciting path forward.
What are the top skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
Passionate, Patient, Present and focused, Respectful
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.