Helping creative companies and TV professionals take advantage of tech disruption and achieve their ambitions

Business strategy, leadership and change for creative organisations

Technology and the internet are upending the creative industries, and for many business leaders, they don’t have the time or mental space to be able to draw up ambitious yet achievable plans to not only survive but thrive in today’s market.

This is where I come in.

Who I work with…

Production companies

I work with TV, film and digital content production companies (as well as individual talent) to help them plan for the future, either directly or through initiatives such as Channel 4’s Emerging Indie Fund.

Organisations

Organisations - broadcasters, arts, publishers, charities - (as well as individuals) hire me to evaluate their online activities and then draw up an ambitious yet realistic plan to reach new global audiences and make money.

TV Trends Newsletter

Over 1,000 industry professionals get my weekly Substack newsletter called ‘Business of TV’, which covers everything I think TV, film and content people need to know to plan for the future.

Jen Topping

About me

I’ve been a consultant for over a decade, and fortunate enough to work with brands across TV, film, digital, the arts and publishing sectors. Previously, I was at Microsoft working for the studio making interactive TV for Xbox; Channel 4 working across multiplatform TV shows, channel4.com and 4oD; and I started my career as a news journalist for the BBC.

I usually work with two types of clients. Firstly, those that are looking to develop a plan for how they can crack the internet. And secondly, the owners of TV & film production companies, who are seeking help in developing and implementing strategies to grow their businesses.

How I can help you

Business strategy

Whatever your size or the stage of your business, I can help you define a realistic plan to take advantage of your strengths so you can achieve your ambitions.

Online strategies

New technologies offer creative and commercial opportunities but can disrupt an existing operation. I am well versed at helping creative companies make the transition to new ways of working.

Building D2C businesses

If you want to build a direct to consumer brand - a YouTube channel, podcast, social or subscriptions business - I can help you understand your opportunities as well as the pitfalls to create an achievable plan.

New commissioners & funders

There are a lot of networks and platforms out there looking for content, with ever changing wants and needs. There are a myriad of ways to make money and get projects financed. I can help you identify the realistic opportunities, ensuring you maximise your return and aren’t wasting valuable time.

Growth planning

You need the right financial tools and metrics to grow your business. I can review your existing approach and create simple-to-use models to tell you if your strategy is working.

Managing change

Delivering a new strategy is daunting and impacts all parts of a business. I can help transform your operation to deliver lasting change while also motivating your team to come with you on the journey.

What people say…

  • “Jen is an excellent consultant with a rare ability to see straight to the crux of any issue, and provide structured and effective solutions.”

    Rebecca Thompson, FOCUS, Filmcity Futures

  • “The depth of her experience and knowledge along with strong communication and analytical skills allowed her to have an immediately positive impact in a very short space of time.”

    Jane Mote, interim change manager for DMA, STV News

  • “Jen was incredibly insightful and helped us explore our business and long term strategy in a way that was useful and impactful.”

    Producer, Channel 4’s Emerging Indie Fund

  • “Jen was a very insightful and encouraging professional. She offered real honest feedback and steer.”

    Producer, Channel 4’s Emerging Indie Fund

  • “Best and most useful part of the whole course for me. Doing the business plan and really thinking about strategy and tactics - the stuff you don't get to in the day to day - was invaluable. I was able to share comfortably with her where we are on our journey and she gave really valuable insight and advice. I'd like to continue working with her.”

    Producer, Channel 4’s Emerging Indie Fund

  • “Jen was really helpful in getting us to address our specific needs. Her thoughts and advice felt bespoke and personal to us, our position and future growth. She made the space really open so we felt we could share things and ask any question, however stupid it might sound. Her added resources that she shared with us (e.g. Business Plan templates) have been invaluable.”

    Producer, Channel 4’s Emerging Indie Fund

  • “It was invaluable. Felt slightly like therapy at times! Jen is great at getting to the nub of an issue and talking in clear, straightforward language. She was also fantastic at offering smart, practical help and challenges you to keep the big picture in mind at all times. It's really informed and reinforced the approach we're trying to take. I hear her voice in my head a lot! She's brilliant.”

    Andrew Snowball, Creative Director, Flabbergast

  • “I think Jen is straight to the point and knows her stuff. You feel you are in very capable hands when speaking with her.”

    Nagana Modhwadia, CEO, SLNda