Anna Swainson


Freelance Creative Project Manager / Producer


About

Creative project manager / producer bridging creative vision and delivery for world-class brands & broadcasters


Gladiators
Series 1 & 2

The 90’s classic reimagined


Squid Game: The Challenge
Series 1 & 2

The biggest unscripted show made to date


ABOUT

Bringing ideas to life through expert project management and creative production across TV, live events, and digital media. I work across broadcast graphics, VFX, immersive tech, and experiential activations, ensuring seamless project execution from concept to final delivery.Key Responsibilities:
Project Planning & Execution: Managing multiple high-profile creative projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and quality expectations are met.
Creative Operations: Coordinating teams of designers, animators, and technicians to deliver world-class creative work.
Client & Stakeholder Management: Acting as a key point of contact for clients, creative teams, and external suppliers to drive successful outcomes.
Live Production & Events: Overseeing on-site production for TV shows, brand activations, and live experiences, handling last-minute challenges with confidence.
Budgeting & Resourcing: Creating detailed budgets, sourcing top-tier freelancers, and optimising production workflows.
Recent Projects Include:
Graphics & VFX: Strictly Come Dancing, Gladiators, The Masked Singer, Squid Game: The Challenge
Live & Experiential: MAC Cosmetics VM Activation, Who Cares Wins Awards, Celebrity Ascent: Residency Show
I thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where creative vision and production logistics meet. If you’re looking for a resourceful problem-solver and hands-on production lead, get in touch!

Gladiators
Series 1 & 2

Challenge:
While classic challenges like The Eliminator and Duel remained, the show introduced new games and enthusiastic new Gladiators. My objective was to refresh the graphics while preserving the nostalgic essence of the beloved 90’s classic.
My Role:
- Partnered with Paul Noddings & KPX, who created 2D elements & brand identity which we then took forwards
- Worked with Hungry Bear and directed Electric Robin for an extensive green screen shoot
Game-Specific Graphics:
- Managed a design team creating unique visuals for each game, projected around the imposing Utilita Arena in Sheffield
- Ensured each game had its distinct identity, aligning with the show’s overall branding and reflecting the nature of the challenges
Gladiator Character Design:
- Developed custom looks for the new cast of Gladiators, incorporating their names, personalities, and strengths
- Managed post-production graphics for the title sequence, stat cards, and epic walkout moments
- Coordinated a green screen shoot prior to filming to bring these designs to life
Outcome:
Through this collaboration, my team successfully brought a fresh, modern look to the show while honouring its classic roots, engaging both new viewers and long-time fans.
The premiere episode attracted an average of 6 million viewers, peaking at 6.4 million, marking the BBC's biggest entertainment launch in seven years.

“What we did want to say, is thanks so much for everything you've done for the production. We couldn't be more grateful. You've catapulted Gladiators into 2024 with your unbelievable designs and been so lovely to deal with along the way. Nothing was ever too much effort and your passion shone through! The show really wouldn't be the spectacle it is now, without your involvement and hard work.”James Pratt, Senior Producer

SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE series 1 & 2

Challenge:
The production team aimed to push the boundaries of reality TV, not just in terms of scale but also in complexity, which extended to the screen graphics.
My Role:
- I was tasked with overseeing the creation of a dynamic graphics system that could react to the fast-paced nature of the show, providing contestants with a sense of true immersion.
Project Planning and Coordination:
- Developed a detailed project plan, outlining timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation
- Coordinated with Unreal Engine 5 developers, graphic designers, and technical operators to ensure the smooth development and implementation of the graphics system
Graphics System Development:
- Oversaw the development of a customisable motion graphics system capable of displaying multiple graphics across multiple screens & sets simultaneously
- Ensured the system's flexibility to allow for custom messages and sudden gameplay changes to be displayed quickly, maintaining a visual style that matched the drama
Operator Interface and Management:
- Supervised the design of an adjustable and controllable operator UI
- Managed a team of operators who manned the system day and night for two and a half weeks, ensuring smooth operation and timely updates
Custom Gameplay Hardware:
- Directed the development of wireless control units for a keypad and a voting podium
- Coordinated with the art department to discreetly fit these units and with the lighting team to send MIDI triggers with each button press
Outcome:
Under my management, the project successfully delivered a dynamic and immersive graphics system that met the show's high demands. The system's seamless integration and real-time responsiveness enhanced the contestants’ experience and contributed to the show's success.

"Everyone has brought their A-Game to the Squid Game and it has been an exciting journey and expression of all of our creativity! The subject of this email is the Korean formal way of saying thank you - and we whole-heartedly mean it from everyone at Studio Lambert and The Garden. This is a team that has been exemplary, professional and will all be able to say they were part of the team that created the biggest unscripted show ever made. Thank you so much. You have all done it!”Tim Harcourt, Creative Director