Sponsor Spotlight: Facilities by ADF

In this Sponsor Spotlight, we’re chatting with new Chief Executive Officer, Facilities by ADF, Nicola Pearcey.

SAW: Thank you so much, Nicola, for chatting with us! Nicola, can you tell us a little bit about your role at Facilities at ADF?

Nicola: I’m delighted to have onboarded as the new CEO of the family of companies at Facilities by ADF plc.  Having spent majority of my career across film and TV I’m incredibly passionate about content creation in the same way the producing clients of ADF are also.  

What attracted me to the business is its brilliant reputation, strong foundations and the significant opportunity ahead.  

Throughout my career I have operated across the full spectrum of business environments — from founder-led family run businesses, independent producing through to expanding major studios (including Lionsgate, Disney and MGM).  I’ve also spent many years supporting producers in building out their films and TV series, supporting optimal deal making and international sales and distribution.   Because of this, the origins of ADF family of companies, where the group is today and the scope for growth felt like a natural fit for me.  

I’m proud of the fact that Facilities by ADF really demonstrates best in class in the physical production facilities and services space across the film and TV industry, including expert on-location hire services from Location One and portable roadway solutions across the country from Autotrak.  

We are trusted by global content players and independent producers alike, having delivered services for major globally viewed productions in the past year including Black Doves, Ted Lasso, The Witcher, The Gentlemen, Rivals, Young Sherlock, Marvel’s Vision Quest and many more.

Across the group we operate a modern, premium fleet of around 800 vehicles — make-up, costume and artiste trailers, production offices and technical vehicles.  And our ‘world class’ Net Promotor Score of 89% reinforces our customer facing operational excellence.   Delivery of the best service possible for our producing partners is paramount for us, including the sustainability support to ensure we are impacting where it matters most. 

S: We’re very excited to have you on board with such a fantastic company! What makes you excited about the future of ADF?

N: What excites me most is that ADF is perfectly positioned for what’s coming. The UK is one of the most sought-after production destinations in the world, and we are proud to be a key part of the servicing infrastructure that makes that possible.

We’re a driving force in sustainability – it’s important to support our producing partners in ensuring we have the which is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a deal-breaker for productions. We’re ahead of the curve on that. And frankly — I’m excited because there’s real growth to unlock – we’re just getting started

S: The drive for sustainability within ADF has been very inspiring, and we look forward to what you have in store! How did your journey in this industry start?

N: I was very fortunate to find my first job work with the amazing team at MGM on the James Bond franchise amongst other releases and never looked back.  It was an incredibly exciting yet terrifying time as I was nervous at the start.  

From there I moved to Disney, and once again as per all my roles in the industry, was incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a brilliant team of people with an amazing infrastructure, working across some incredible franchises, feature films and series.   Later I spent nearly 15 years at Lionsgate, my last role was as President for UK & Europe across film and TV.  It was an amazing journey to be part of as the company grew to the brilliant studio that it is. Most recently, I was CEO and founder of Picnik Entertainment. a production and distribution consultancy and advisory, before taking on the CEO role at ADF. It’s been a journey from marketing and selling, developing, acquiring, exec producing and distributing TV series and movies to now running the infrastructure that makes them — but honestly, the thread running through all of it is a deep love of this industry and the people in it.

S: If you were to give advice for anyone starting out in this industry, what would it be?

N: Back yourself. This industry is full of brilliant people – it’s easy to think that you need to keep waiting until you feel ready. You won’t ever feel completely ready. Say yes, show up, and figure it out as you go.  Don’t be afraid of making decisions.  And don’t hesitate to ask questions.  Listen well, learn well and strive for the best. And enjoy the job you’re doing! 

S: Great advice! You’ve had an amazing career. What would you say is the highlight so far?

N: Honestly, there have been so many — but if I had to pick one today, it’s being one of the very few female CEOs on the London Stock Exchange. Taking on the role at ADF felt like a real milestone — not just for me personally, but in terms of what it represents for women in leadership in this industry.  It’s really important for me to see more women in great roles, whatever stage of their careers, on and off screen.  To help be a leading light and mentor for people across the industry is a key responsibility but one I strive to deliver on every day.   

And then on the creative and commercial side — the James Bond years will always hold a special place. Starting your career on those films, working with people like Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson leaves a mark.  The first Hunger Games, La La Land, and all those other gems are hard to forget, and I’ve been so lucky to have played my part.”

S: It’s amazing to see women paving the way in this industry and the next.  What are 3 things in your role that you can’t live without?

N: 1) My family. It’s all for them. 

2) A brilliant team around me and great communication – both internally and client side.  This is who you’re working with day in, day out.    You’re striving for the best for your clients and can only do it with the right team who show up.  I’m so proud of the ADF family even after such a short space of time.  Our world class NPS score demonstrates that excellence in delivery because of our team’s passion to deliver the best service possible.

3) Good snacks

S: If you could have any superpower to help in your role, what would it be?

N: To be in multiple places at once.

S: That would come in handy!  If you had to work on any film/TV series, past or present, what would it be? 

N: Let’s just say I’ve had my fair share of incredible content to work on.   Long may that continue – with friends of old and new ones alike.  Independent film, Madfabulous, shot in North Wales and directed by Welsh legend Celyn Jones was an absolute joy to work on and is releasing in cinemas in June.  I cannot wait to see how it performs.  The Mad As Birds team are just one example of an amazing production team to work with, and I’m proud to have executive-produced alongside Sean Marley and the brilliant Nadia Jaynes. 

S: Agreed! It looks FAB! ADF has been a part of the SAW family from the beginning. Why did ADF decide to sponsor SAW? 

N: As a company, ADF’s story began in Bridgend as a small, family-owned operation and has grown into a nationwide business with bases across the UK. A key foundation for that growth is the talent, commitment, and skill of our brilliant team in Wales.

Our relationship with Screen Alliance Wales reflects something we value deeply: the long-term strength of our industry depends on access, opportunity, and development at every stage. SAW plays a vital role in opening doors, developing talent from all backgrounds, and ensuring Wales remains a competitive and inclusive hub for the wonderful film and TV productions that are filmed here — many of which we’ve been fortunate to support over the years.

Sponsoring SAW is important to us because it reflects our commitment to their brilliant organisation, and to investing in the long-term future of an industry we all love working in and are proud to be part of.

S: Thank you so much for speaking with us, Nicola, and we look forward to the future of ADF and its family companies!