Amanda Curtis Isn’t Loud. She’s Effective. And That’s Why the Industry Keeps Calling – Film Daily

In an industry often defined by urgency, ego, and noise, Amanda Curtis has built a 25-year career on something far rarer: calm execution. Based in Toronto, Curtis is a film and commercial producer whose reputation travels faster than her résumé. Agencies trust her under pressure. Directors ask for her by name. Crews know that if she’s producing, the set will run smoothly, fairly, and with purpose.

Curtis didn’t arrive through shortcuts, branding strategies, or sudden breaks. She learned production from the inside out—department by department, budget by budget—until producing became not a title, but a way of thinking. Her work spans music videos, large-scale commercials, award-winning campaigns, and independent passion projects. In 2024, a commercial she produced for PracticePanther—Hoffman, Hoffman, Hoffman and Hoffman, starring Rick Hoffman—won a Bronze Clio Award, one of the advertising industry’s most respected honors.

But accolades, in Curtis’s world, are not the goal. They’re a byproduct.

Trust shapes a fulfilled life

“Success is enjoying what you do and living a fulfilled, happy life.”

What defines her career isn’t spectacle. It’s trust.

Learning the industry from the inside

Curtis entered the film and commercial production industry the way many long-lasting producers do: by showing up and saying yes. Early on, she knew people working in film and began volunteering, absorbing the rhythm of set life before ever holding authority.

That openness led to an in-house role as a producer’s assistant at a music video production company, where she gained hands-on experience across every facet of production. Music videos, particularly at that time, demanded versatility. Budgets were tight, timelines were compressed, and everyone wore multiple hats.

“Music videos taught me at a rapid pace.”

Crossing departments shapes smarter storytelling

She worked across logistics, wardrobe, locations, editing—seeing storytelling not as a single discipline, but as a chain of interdependent decisions. That cross-departmental exposure shaped how she would later produce: with respect for every role and an understanding of how easily one weak link can compromise the whole.

From music videos to commercials: a natural evolution

As the music video industry shifted—government grants shrinking, dedicated channels fading—Curtis adapted. Commercial production wasn’t a departure so much as an evolution. A sister company attached to her music video house made the transition fluid, and the processes felt familiar.

“Commercials were the natural transition.”

Where music videos had taught her speed and adaptability, commercials demanded precision, diplomacy, and accountability. Clients, agencies, and brands brought new layers of expectation—but the core challenge remained the same: deliver something creatively strong within real-world constraints.

The value of seeing every department

Working across departments early on left Curtis with one unshakable belief: no role on set is disposable.

“Each individual is just as important as the next—from getting coffee to building sets.”

That philosophy informs everything she does as a producer. She understands the pressure points of each department because she’s stood in those roles herself. When problems arise—and they always do—she approaches them with empathy rather than hierarchy.

Crews stay for fairness and respect

This is why crews repeatedly choose to work with her. They know they’ll be treated fairly, heard, and respected.

Stepping into producing—by doing it

There was no singular moment when Curtis felt “ready” to produce on her own. Instead, confidence accumulated through experience.

“Nothing really prepares you but jumping in and doing it.”

She assisted many producers with radically different styles, absorbing what worked and what didn’t. When she finally made the leap, she started small—then scaled deliberately. Each challenge built confidence for the next.

Never stop learning and stay adaptable

“I don’t think you’re ever done learning.”

That mindset has kept her adaptable across decades of industry change.

A producing style built on calm

Ask Curtis to describe her producing style in one sentence, and she doesn’t hesitate:

“Strong attention to detail with a calm, positive, and friendly attitude.”

On set, that calm is not passive. It’s active leadership. When pressure mounts—as it inevitably does—Curtis slows the room down just enough to think clearly.

Breathe first then prioritize and act

“I always take a breath and review what needs to be done.”

She prioritizes ruthlessly: what’s urgent, what’s flexible, what can wait. The result is a production environment where problems are addressed without panic—and solutions arrive faster because no one is wasting energy on chaos.

What a “good set” really means

For Curtis, a good set isn’t defined by gear or prestige. It’s defined by people.

“Happy crews, clients, and production.”

She believes filmmaking should be enjoyable—not in a naïve sense, but in a sustainable one. People who feel respected work better. Days run smoother. Creativity survives stress.

Fair scheduling and pay protect crews

That belief extends to fairness in practical terms: proper scheduling, fair pay, reasonable expectations.

“No one should be taken advantage of.”

Loving the hardest problems

Curtis is most energized by the logistical puzzles that make or break productions.

“How to get what is creatively best within budget and time.”

She thrives in the space between ambition and reality—where solutions require teamwork rather than sacrifice. Budgets don’t kill ideas; inflexibility does. Curtis’s approach is transparency and options.

Honest pivots keep teams strong

“Honesty is the best way to let everyone know what we’re working with.”

If something can’t be done as initially imagined, she restructures—adjusting builds, reallocating resources, rethinking execution—without eroding morale or fairness.

Scheduling as leadership

If there’s one area Curtis identifies as consistently difficult, it’s scheduling.

“Scheduling is the hardest part most of the time.”

Aligning people, timelines, and availability requires patience and creativity. Video calls have helped, but flexibility remains essential. For Curtis, leadership means adapting rather than forcing.

Creative scheduling sparks smooth productions

“A good leader is creative with scheduling.”

Organization, clarity, and empathy keep productions moving even when plans shift.

Building trust through respect

Curtis builds trust the old-fashioned way: by listening.

“Treat everyone with respect and be open and honest.”

She takes the time to understand how directors and agencies work, what they need to feel supported, and how best to collaborate. That attentiveness creates partnerships rather than transactions.

Unlock better results through shared vision

“Collaboration is key.”

Why hands-on production still matters

In an era increasingly fascinated by automation and AI, Curtis remains deeply committed to practical filmmaking.

“Film is a human craft.”

She believes removing people from the process strips storytelling of its emotional core. Technology can support filmmaking, but it cannot replace the collective intelligence and care of a committed crew.

Keep the human touch in creativity

“If we leave it to AI, we lose the personal creative aspect.”

Curating the right team

One of Curtis’s most valued skills is team curation. After decades of freelancing, she knows which crews excel in which environments.

Some teams thrive on set builds. Others specialize in costumes, LED volumes, or complex outdoor shoots. Budget and creative intent guide every decision.

“Once you have the budget and creative, you can decide who is best suited.”

Directing with matched personalities and skills

She also considers the director’s working style—pairing personalities as thoughtfully as skill sets.

What the Clio Award represented

Winning a Bronze Clio Award for the PracticePanther commercial wasn’t just a professional milestone. It was affirmation.

“It validates that the hard work is worth it.”

Recognition matters not as ego fuel, but as confirmation—especially in an industry that demands constant output.

Freelancing for 25+ years

Curtis’s long freelance career has given her a realistic understanding of the industry’s rhythms.

“There are very busy months and quieter ones.”

She plans accordingly—knowing when to push, when to rest, and when to step away. That perspective allows longevity rather than burnout.

Savor downtime to spark stronger work

“To be okay with downtime.”

Producing Shred Central Podcast

Alongside commercial work, Curtis is Executive Producer and Producer of the Shred Central Podcast, a passion project rooted in Toronto’s skateboarding community. Built with her partner, the show grew organically from an indoor skate park he once owned.

“I helped execute it from the ground up.”

The project reflects her values: hands-on production, real communities, and growth driven by care rather than scale.

Defining success beyond awards

For Curtis, success is not defined by trophies.

“Success is enjoying what you do.”

Staying relevant as a freelancer, maintaining long-term relationships, and working from reputation matter more than constant recognition.

Industry concerns—and adaptability

Curtis is realistic about the challenges facing filmmaking today. Economic shifts, changing viewing habits, and the rise of AI all impact how and where stories are made.

“Everything is more accessible.”

Rather than resisting change, she focuses on growing with it—while advocating for fairness and respect.

Advocating for fair wages

Curtis doesn’t avoid difficult conversations.

“I stand up for myself and my crews.”

Communication, for her, is non-negotiable. Problems addressed early don’t become crises.

What excites her about the future

Despite decades in the industry, Curtis remains energized by discovery.

“There is always a new story and a new way of telling it.”

New gear, new techniques, new collaborators—all of it keeps the work alive.

After twenty five years nothing repeats

“Even after 25 years, it’s never the same twice.”

Stories she wants to produce next

Curtis is drawn to projects that help people, spread positive messaging, or simply make audiences laugh.

“I love a good challenge.”

If a project offers something new to learn, she’s interested.

Advice to emerging producers

Her advice is grounded and practical:

“Be patient and collaborative.”

Relationships take time. Confidence comes from experience. Calmness is a skill worth cultivating.

What she hopes people feel afterward

At the end of a project, Curtis wants one thing:

“That they had a positive and pleasant experience.”

Because pride in the work matters—but so does how it was made.

Quiet leadership, lasting impact

Amanda Curtis doesn’t dominate rooms. She stabilizes them. In an industry that often rewards noise, she has built a career on clarity, fairness, and human connection. Her productions succeed not because she demands attention—but because she earns trust.

Film, to Curtis, remains a collective act. A human one. And as long as stories need people to make them together, producers like Amanda Curtis will remain indispensable.

How did you first enter the film and commercial production industry?

I knew some people working in film and started volunteering and quickly became in house working as an producers assistant for a music video production company where I gain lots of hands-on experience.

What early experiences shaped how you approach producing today?

From music videos to commercial mastery

Music videos taught me at a rapid pace as we all did multiple positions back then and worked in all areas of the film’s storytelling from logistics to wardrobe and locations to editing. Being able to see it from all sides gave me the insight and skills to use once I became a commercial producer.

Why did you transition from music videos to commercial production?

The music video industry slowly declined, government funded grants dwindled and as did music video channels. Commercials were the natural transition as the sister company was attached to the music video production house and it was a fluid and similar process.

Curiosity plus collaboration fuels growth

What skills did you learn by working across different departments early on?

I learned the value of each and everyone’s position to make the film come together. I understood the importance of every skill and expertise in each area to make something great. It taught me that each individual is just as important as the next from getting coffee, building sets to art of creative storytelling.

What moment made you feel confident stepping into producing on your own?

From learning to leading cinematic productions

I gained many years of experience before I fully made the switch to producer. Nothing really prepares you but jumping in and doing it, that was the only way to learn and get experience. I don’t think you are ever done learning as it is always changing but each challenge give you more confidence to do the next.

How would you describe your producing style in one sentence?

I have a strong attention to detail with a calm, positive and friendly attitude.

A set that values every voice

What does a “good set” mean to you as a producer?

Happy crews, clients and production. I want to create a positive experience for everyone invoiced to enjoy what they do and what we all create together.

How do you maintain calm under high-pressure production environments?

Remaining calm is a skill that is key to creating a positive and productive environment to work in. When there are times that it all feels to pile on top I always take a breath and review what needs to be done and what is the most to least important and time sensitive.

What types of problems do you most enjoy solving on set?

Balancing big ideas within real budgets

How to get what is creatively best within budget and time i love the logistics of it all and working as a team to find solutions.

How do you balance creative ambition with real-world budgets?

Honesty is the best way to let everyone know what we are working with and what we want to fight for or eliminate to make it happen. Finding solutions to get what everyone wants with what is the realistic realm we are living in.

Flex scheduling unlocks leadership and trust

What lessons has scheduling taught you about leadership and flexibility?

Scheduling is the hardest part most of the time. It is very important to be flexible with time and find alternative ways to bring everyone together. Video calling has made it easier in some ways. A good leader is creative with scheduling and organization is key to having a production run smoothly.

How do you build trust with directors, agencies, and crews?

Treat everyone with respect and be open and honest. Listening to what they want and how they like to get it. Understanding what their process is and working together. Building a solid partnership where we all feel heard. Collaboration is key

What does fairness look like in practical filmmaking?When crew feel respected, treated well, scheduled properly and paid fair. Everyone must be happy and no one is taken advantage of. When you have a pleasant crew and client the day runs smoot

Why is hands-on, practical production important to you?I believe in the art of film making and there is no other way of doing it than with people who care about the process and want to make something beautiful. If we leave it to AI we are losing the personal creative aspect.

How do you curate the right team for each project?Knowing what teams work best in different situations help create the best crews for each project.

Some teams are good with set builds, or with sewing and creating costumes, others have experience shooting on LED walls or outdoor backlots. Once you have the budget and creative you can decide who is best suited for each film. Its important to know how your director likes to work and who would be a good fit to work closely with them.

Clio win fuels your career journey

What did winning a Clio Award represent in your career journey?Not only did we have fun shooting this spot but knowing it was recognized by the industry validates the hard work you are doing is worth it. It gives a boost for when you work so hard to keep it up as a positive affirmation.

How has freelancing for over 25 years shaped your perspective on the industry?Having been freelance for 25+ years I understand the ebb and flow of the industry. I know that there are very busy months and quieter ones. This helps me decide what projects to take on when and how to work when it is a busier time. It helps me with know when to get my crews holding and when to take a vacation. To be ok with down time and to know when its going to ne very busy

What drew you to producing the Shred Central Podcast?This is a passion project with my partner, it was his idea and stems from an indoor skateboarding park he used to own called Shred Central. I have helped him execute it from the ground up.

How do you define success outside of awards and recognition?Success is enjoying what you do and living a fulfilled happy life. Keeping relevant as a freelancer, staying busy and working from reputation and strong relationships that stay for years.

What challenges in the industry concern you most right now?The ever changing economy is always a concern and how people watch television which dictates how and where commercials/tv/movies are seen. It is always changing and we grow with it but right now with AI and social media everything is more accessible to everyone which is making the bigger films less and less.

How do you advocate for fair wages and respectful work environments?I stand up for myself and crews and always voice concerns not letting anyone be taken advantage of. Communication is key and not ignoring problems that arise.

What excites you about the future of filmmaking?I love that there is always a new story and a new way of telling it. I enjoy learning and exploring the always changing ways of being creative. Finding new gear and equipment to use and new techniques to create a visual story all of this excites me and I love working with directors that I can collaborate with to make this come to life. Even after 25 years there it is always different even if the process is the same the story and the way we tell it is new and its enver the same twice

What kinds of stories are you most drawn to producing next?I love a story that helps people and sends positive messaging. I also love to make people laugh and if we can find a creative way to bring an ad to life in a fun and joyous way. I love a good challenge as well so if there is something I have yet to do and get to learn from I’m up for it.

What advice would you give to emerging producers entering the industry?Be patient and collaborative. It’s not always easy and it can be hard to find your working relationships but with time and experience you will learn what works for each person and yourself. Stay calm and positive and work one step at a time. Find a good team to work with and get help where you need.

What do you hope people feel after working with you on a project?

That they had a positive and pleasant experience and created something to be proud of.

We have to enjoy what we do as well as who we work with

How did you first enter the film and commercial production industry?

What early experiences shaped how you approach producing today?

Why did you transition from music videos to commercial production?

Discover the path to confident producing

What skills did you learn by working across different departments early on?

What moment made you feel confident stepping into producing on your own?

How would you describe your producing style in one sentence?

Your best set starts with you

What does a “good set” mean to you as a producer?

How do you maintain calm under high-pressure production environments?

What types of problems do you most enjoy solving on set?

Mastering budgets while chasing bold visions

How do you balance creative ambition with real-world budgets?

What lessons has scheduling taught you about leadership and flexibility?

How do you build trust with directors, agencies, and crews?

Craft momentum before cameras roll

What does fairness look like in practical filmmaking?

Why is hands-on, practical production important to you?

How do you curate the right team for each project?

Uncover the drive behind lasting craft

What did winning a Clio Award represent in your career journey?

How has freelancing for over 25 years shaped your perspective on the industry?

What drew you to producing the Shred Central Podcast?

Define success beyond awards and recognition

How do you define success outside of awards and recognition?

What challenges in the industry concern you most right now?

How do you advocate for fair wages and respectful work environments?

Which stories will you produce next

What excites you about the future of filmmaking?

What kinds of stories are you most drawn to producing next?

What advice would you give to emerging producers entering the industry?

Leave people inspired after every project

What do you hope people feel after working with you on a project?

Amanda Curtis Isn’t Loud. She’s Effective. And That’s Why People Keep Calling Her

Amanda Curtis has spent more than 25 years inside the machinery of commercial and film production, quietly building a reputation that agencies, directors, and executive producers trust under pressure. Based in Toronto, Curtis didn’t arrive through shortcuts or branding exercises—she learned the business from the inside out.

In 2024, a PracticePanther commercial she produced—Hoffman, Hoffman, Hoffman and Hoffman, starring Suits actor Rick Hoffman—won a Bronze Clio Award. The recognition landed naturally, as most things in Curtis’s career do, as a byproduct of execution rather than ambition. It’s one accolade among many campaigns that have circulated widely within the advertising industry, earning press, credibility, and repeat calls.

Steady hands steer busy shoots

Curtis began in music videos as an assistant producer, absorbing every department, budget tier, and workflow she could. She tested herself across sets large and small, learning not just how productions run, but how they break—and how to hold them together. After shifting into commercials, she assisted a range of producers with radically different styles, gradually synthesizing her own approach: calm, adaptive, practical.

When she started producing independently, she scaled deliberately—small jobs first, then larger budgets, then complex commercial productions requiring precision, diplomacy, and speed. Today, she’s requested directly by agencies and directors who value her ability to curate the right teams for each project and keep sets functional without friction.

Curtis’s strength isn’t spectacle. It’s stability. She’s known for managing high-speed production environments with an even temperament, solving problems without theatrics. Locations fall through. Weather turns. Schedules collapse. Budgets strain. Curtis pivots—quietly—keeping productions moving while protecting crews, timelines, and intent.

Transparent leadership guides productions through constraints

She’s particularly respected for navigating the hardest constraints in production: scheduling people and money. Her method is transparency and options. If a vision can’t survive the budget intact, she restructures—adjusting gear, rethinking builds, reallocating funds—without eroding morale or fairness. Crews are paid properly. Ideas remain intact. No one is sacrificed to optics.

Alongside commercial work, Curtis serves as Executive Producer and Producer of Shred Central Podcast, an independent YouTube show embedded in Toronto’s local skateboard scene. The project reflects her broader philosophy: hands-on production, real communities, and organic growth over manufactured scale.

Curtis is not interested in abstract “thought leadership.” Her influence is practical. People enjoy working with her. They trust her judgment. They know she won’t panic when things go sideways—and that matters more than slogans.

Crafting human stories with shared purpose

Her guiding principles are simple: fairness, respect, collaboration. No hierarchy overrides the fact that filmmaking is collective labor. Magic only happens when everyone is treated as essential.

Looking forward, Curtis wants to expand into long-form storytelling—films and television—while continuing to produce large-scale commercials. She’s focused on directors with strong voices and stories that justify the work required to tell them. She’s equally committed to preserving practical, hands-on filmmaking in an industry increasingly tempted to replace process with shortcuts.

Her message is consistent: film is a human craft. Digital tools don’t replace it. Speed doesn’t excuse exploitation. Storytelling survives because people make it together.

Amanda curtis stands out on set

In an industry that often confuses volume with value, Amanda Curtis remains something rarer: a producer people want beside them when it counts.

Name of Person Submitting This Form

Amanda Curtis

Name of Person This Article Is For

Amanda Curtis

Title: Do you have a preferred title (e.g. filmmaker, artist, entrepreneur, doctor, etc.)?

Film Producer

Highlights: What are some notable highlights in your life (e.g. accomplishments, awards, recognitions, etc.)? *Highlights don’t have to be limited to ‘awards.’ Feel free to detail anything exceptional that merits recognition.

“In 2024 a commercial I produced for PracticePanther “”Hoffman, Hoffman, Hoffman and Hoffman”” staring Suits actor Rick Hoffman won a Bronze Clio Award.

I’ve also worked on many other campaigns and commercials that have gained press and accolades with in the advertising industry.

I’ve been freelance in the commercial and film industry for over 25 years in Toronto Canada.

Skateboard podcast producer fuels fearless stories

I also Executive Producer and Producer a independent podcast show on YouTube called Shred Central Podcast that has gained a following in the local skateboard scene. “

Story: What is your personal story? How did you begin and where are you now? What makes you stand out and why should others read about it?

I started in the music video world as a assistant producer. From there I learnt the business testing my skills in all departments and budgets working with artists, experienced Executives and production teams. I shifted to the commercial side a few years after gaining experience and started assisting many producers who taught me many different styles and ways to be the best producer I could be. Once I felt confident i jumped in and started producing small jobs and growing to bigger ones after that to where I am today producing large budget spots.

I get requested and have tremendous respect from executive producers, directors and ad agencies.

I work with and curate the best teams for each project.

Calm sunny sets create joyful shoots

I have a calm and sunny disposition and create a very enjoyable set to be on.

Inspiration: What inspired you to start your business or become involved in this industry?

I love entertainment and the art of film making and have always wanted to be involved in it in any capacity. I love learning the skills of the trade and all the techniques used to make it come to life, the process, equipment and all the creative people.

I enjoy collaborating with them to make some magic on screen.

Once I fell in to it I knew my skills as a producer was where I could thrive and be a part of it.

Are you considered a thought leader in your space? If so, why? What problems do you solve?

I handle stress and the speed at which things need to happen with calmness and smiles. People enjoying working with me and my even demeanor. I have great problem solving skills and always learning new ways to get what is required for the project. Whether its finding a location, cast, solving weather dilemmas, and the hardest most time, scheduling time and people, I can pivot with ease and speed all with sticking in a given budget.

Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges that you have had to overcome and how did it get past them?

Scheduling is one of the hardest part of producing, getting teams together and timelines met it takes skill, patience and lots of flexibility to organize. The often big challenge is budgets, getting what everyone wants and within budget can be difficult but leading with openness and creating options is the best way to find alternatives to idea and meeting them with solutions like finding cameras and gear that fit the moves or building set and props that fit within our scope take time collaborations and willingness to move funding from one place to another to make everyone happy as well as being fair to the hard working crews that make this all come to life.

Lessons: What are some of the lessons you learned along your journey? What words of advice do you have to share with others?

Always be fair and treat everyone with respect it takes a team to make anything happen and no one is above anyone else. Working together is the best way to create magic.

Future: Where do you see yourself in the future (e.g. dreams, aspirations, goals, etc.

I’d love to work with directors I admire and storylines that excite me as well as long format movies/tv series. I want to continue to learn about new ways to make it all come to life as well as continue working on big commercials.

PR Goals: What are your primary goals for public relations?

I want to stay positive as the world is changing and advocate for a hands on practical shooting process. This is an art form that can not be lost in a digital world.

Message: What is the main message or theme you want in your PR campaigns?

Positive and fair working environments for all.

I want to continue making films that matter and not lose the art form.

Human creation is a necessity and human storytelling is and always will be important.

Tone: Are there any specific tone or style guidelines that you want the writer to follow? (if yes, please provide details)

Happy and positive future of filmmaking

SEO: Are there any specific SEO keywords or phrases that you want to focus on in your PR campaigns?

storytelling, respect, positive, future, fair wages, organic, creative

Target Audience: Describe your target audience, including age, gender, location, interests, and other relevant demographics.

the world, all ages and ethnicities

Core Messages: What key messages or themes would you like to convey through PR campaigns?

love and respect for the art of film making and creating stories that are enjoyed by all.

Potential Story Ideas: Do you have any specific story ideas or topics you’d like to explore in PR campaigns?

fair wages, practical filmmaking hands on with real people, continuing the creative process of the art form

Links: Please provide links to any social media accounts or websites that you want to be included in your PR campaign

NA

Comments and Notes: Provide any additional information or specific preferences relevant to your PR objectives.

NA

Special Requests: Include any specific requests or considerations.

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☐ Profile Article (Promotional. Includes name, profile / bio, call-to-action / invitation. Article or interview style)

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