Grew too quick - Toxic Atmosphere - Assistant Producer Wildstar Films Employee Review

2.0
12 Jul 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Free fruit. Some nice middle management.

Cons

Pay that hasn't scaled with inflation since the company began. One lieu day per weekend worked. Counter to current industry standard and very hard to justify. A tendency to promote yes-people into senior management positions. No transparency with regards to employment or contract extension. Promises not kept. Unapproachable senior management, you will only see them when they are patting themselves on the back at company meetings. Apathy towards anyone lower down in the company. Runners are only given menial jobs and people are promoted based on who is liked, rather than on talent or experience. Interviewers don't read CVs ahead of interviews because they already know who they're hiring. You will only progress at this company if Mark and Vanessa know you, but they're busy, so you won't ever meet them. The same people remain firm favourites. Zero diversity. White and public schooled/privileged majority. Questionable values: - makes a series called 'Queens'... then gets rid of anyone who will need maternity pay, and only provides statutory mat pay. - Won't have nutella in the kitchen... but happy to make commercial videos for a chocolate company that is one of the largest palm oil users... they make a famous chocolate hazelnut flavoured spread. ;-)

avatar
Wildstar Films Response
1y
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. At Wildstar Films, we strive to create a positive work environment and value all feedback as it helps us continue to improve. Whilst we do not recognise some of the concerns raised, we are keen to discuss your experience further. Our HR Manager is available to ensure that any concerns are addressed, and we encourage all employees to utilise our anonymous suggestions box or speak with their line manager. We appreciate your input and remain committed to making Wildstar Films a great place to work.

Explore other reviews about Wildstar Films

5.0
1 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I've loved working at Wildstar for nearly 4 years. As part of the senior team I have some insight into how hard the owners, execs and HR try to make it a good place to work. They want the best people, they want people to have opportunities to advance and they want to retain the best people as much as they can. Unfortunately, it can't always be perfect. I see reviews about unfairness and toxicity and it's frustrating. I've worked in television since the late 90s, this company isn't close to even starting to be toxic. It's just not possible to please everyone and the entitlement shown by some people astounds me. No, it isn't possible to make sure all systems run perfectly all the time and yes, sometimes decisions can feel unfair. There are always people to talk to and anyone can give feedback. It doesn't just get ignored, I've been part of senior team meetings where feedback has been discussed in order to resolve or improve issues people have raised. However, that doesn't automatically mean the response or outcome is going to be what an individual wants it to be. It's a business and there are a thousand considerations in the day to day running of it that the majority of people are unaware of. Of course people will have their own perspective and experience. Mine has only ever been positive and over my time here and I've certainly used the training, policies and systems in place to improve my managerial techniques. Wildstar also make some brilliant programming!

Cons

It isn't a con for the company, it's just a reality of television. During periods or uncertainty in the industry and a lack of new commissions, talent retention isn't always been possible.

1
2.0
30 May 2026
Anonymous contractor
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Higher pay than most production companies

Cons

Cliquey environment, uncomfortable toxicity and a disinterested HR

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All