THE SPECIAL AWARD: NICKY SARGENT & VIKKI DUNN

British post-production powerhouse The Farm is one of the UK’s great film and television success stories. Not only is it a globally recognised, multi awardwinning company but it’s also a hotbed for some of the nation’s brightest upcoming craft practitioners. This is all down to the two guiding principles instilled by cofounders (and joint recipients of this year’s Special Award) Nicky Sargent and Vikki Dunn: nurture talent and keep promises.

WORDS BY RICH MATTHEWS | PORTRAIT AND IMAGES COURTESY OF THE FARM

When asking Nicky Sargent and Vikki Dunn, joint founders of UK post-production powerhouse The Farm Group, how they feel about winning a BAFTA Special Award, Sargent’s eyes widen with incredulity: “We literally can’t actually do anything – ask anyone!” Dunn laughs before getting back on script: “We feel really humbled and touched by it.”

This initial exchange sets the tone for a lively conversation with the entrepreneurial pair that’s as candid, charming and no-nonsense as their approach to business. “We see this as an award to the sector,” says Sargent. “We hope we’re proof that you can run a good, professional company, treat people well and be loyal.”

Sargent studied English at university before segueing from a publishing career into television. Dunn, meanwhile, started out in the business at satellite service BSB’s music channel The Power Station. They were thrown together at Soho post-production stalwart Molinare in the mid-90s.

“When I first met Nicky I had long white hair extensions, ripped jeans and a liberal amount of false tan,” grins Dunn. “We were chalk and cheese. When was that?”

“A hundred years ago,” deadpans Sargent, triggering another bout of shared laughter.

The duo famously broke the ice over a bottle of wine – “Wine isn’t a lifestyle; it’s for life” says Sargent sagely – and their bond became so strong that when years of working for others finally took its toll and they left Molinare to set up their own venture, The Farm, in 1998, investors and colleagues went with them.

“We’ll never forget the people who put their houses and futures on the line to join us,” says Sargent. “Aidan Farrell, Nigel Edwards and Tim Ellison – they’re still the top guys at what they do. Great friends who showed tremendous bravery and loyalty. And we were doubly lucky to have such clients as Shameless and Skins producer Helen Flint, a role model in how to gets things done.”

Over the span of 20-plus years, The Farm went from 12 people to 350-plus. BAFTAs, Emmys and Royal Television Society awards followed, not to mention offices in Soho, Bristol and Manchester, as well as running the BBC’s post-production in Media City. This success is down to their two guiding principles: nurturing talent and keeping promises.

“You can’t go wrong if you strive to deliver what you promise,” says Sargent, “whether that’s a long-term career employee or the best job for a producer. If you find young and talented people, trust, nurture and encourage them... That’s where really good businesses are made.”

“If you’re talented you will progress,” adds Dunn. “There’s no hierarchy; we’ve always had an open door policy. We see The Farm as a platform for our team. They can see all sides of production and post-production, which helps them realise what they want to do.”

As prolific sponsors of industry initiatives and events that promote equality and inclusion, the duo are typically matter-of-fact about their championing of diversity. “We have always chosen the right person for the job,” shrugs Dunn. “We’ve never thought about whether we need to have more women or more diversity.” “We have always seen past that,” adds Sargent. “It should be normal. We think it is normal.”

Having sold The Farm last year to LA-based Picture Shop, Sargent and Dunn are still heavily involved in the company but have begun to look towards the future with fresh eyes, albeit tight lips. “It’s an exciting time for us personally,” Sargent smiles. “Watch this space!” •