Corporate Vision Issue 4

6 CORPORATE VISION / Issue 4 2018 , DaniaSalhaQuagliostartedhercareer fromthebottomof theproductionladder, andworkedherway uptobecome theMost InstrumentalWomaninMediaProduction2018 -Dubai.Currentlyworkingat JoyFilms,whichover timehasbecomeoneof the leadingProductionhouses intheMiddleEast,Dania providesusaninsight intothesuccessof thecompany, aswell asherownaccomplishments. A Leader Who Ensures You Keep on Smiling Dania Salha Quaglio gives us an insight into the success of Joy Films, as she features in Corporate Vision as the Most Instrumental Woman in Media Production 2018 – Dubai. Joy Films has become one of the leading Production houses in the Middle East, with connections to different clients from the local and international markets. “Firstly, I feel really proud to have seen Joy Films evolving into what it has become today. Secondly, it has been a hub for many talented producers, directors and craftsmen, and it is always great to collaborate with the best craftsmen in the local and international markets. All the awards we have won and the acclaim we have received, is a tribute to their dedication as well.” Discussing her role as executive producer, Dania has had to deal with a lot of people, meaning she must be aware of how personalities gel together to create the best result. Dania elaborates on what challenges she has faced since taking the position. “As an executive producer, you deal with a lot of people and you need to be aware of how personalities gel together for the favour of our work. One of the main challenges was to find the right people to create a team that cares, and keeps the standards of our work at a very high level. It is crucial to find the right people you can delegate to because in my case, I sometimes find myself having to be in two different film sets in the same time.” When undertaking a new project, Dania is keen to emphasise how important long-term relationships with clients are to the firm. Being honest with clients and letting them know exactly what is going on is something the team strongly believe in. “Importantly, when approaching a new project, I always stress on being honest with clients. As I have mentioned before, transparency is key as it allows a way for trust. In this industry, clients and production houses spend most of their days corresponding, so it is important to have a good communication level and build that from a very early stage. As much as the client is demanding on us, I also feel I have to be demanding for them to ensure that they are not side-tracked away from the best product possible.” Providing us with an overview of the industry in the Middle East currently, Dania mentions that the region is a wonderful location to film in, and is quickly emerging as the place to be in regard to filming. “The Middle East in general is a great location to film in. As you are aware, many big films were shot in the Middle East throughout history whether international or local films. This region has become a major hub for filmmaking and with the emerging talent, great locations, professional crews and up to date equipment and approaches - there is no reason for great work not to come out of this region.” In her time as executive producer, Dania has been able to develop her leadership skills, and she alludes to her leadership style, describing how she works hard to get the best out of her clients. “Leadership is something that is earned and not given. For 1803CV25 me personally, there are years of hard work and dedication which has gone into my craft. Leading by example is what gained me my team’s trust to keep improving, which in return helps me to carry out my responsibilities as an executive producer. “My responsibilities vary from dealing with clients, suppliers and ensuring project consistency to managing my team. Not to mention, all the financial aspects which are connected to this job. “As a leader, I believe I need to know how to do everything from photocopying to budgeting, in order to be able to explain clearly to employees everything from organisational goals to specific tasks.” Allowing employees to have their say and giving them the freedom to be innovative and creative, serves the production company well. Dania explains how she pushes her clients to the limit, but the reward is justified as they excel and maximise their potential in their roles. “Essentially, regarding my staff, I listen to them, to their thoughts, and I learn from them and they