Head of Video and Motion

Wardour is a communications and marketing agency founded in 1996 by former Financial Times journalists. The agency specialises in helping serious brands tell their stories more effectively to build trust, reputation, and engagement. Wardour combines strategic thinking with creative execution to turn complex subjects into compelling, accessible narratives. A strong curiosity about the world and clients’ audiences drives the agency’s approach, resulting in memorable and impactful strategies, content and campaigns. Team members collaborate closely with clients who value thoughtful content and long-term relationships.LOCATION Holborn, London. Hybrid role - minimum 3 days in the office per weekDESCRIPTION OF ROLEThe Head of Video and Motion leads Wardour’s video, film, animation and motion output, guiding projects from the creative brief through to final delivery.Reporting into the Executive Creative Director and working closely with the wider creative team, this role helps shape the best creative and production approach for every project. From developing ideas and treatments to directing shoots, overseeing post-production and ensuring exceptional quality throughout, they play a key role in bringing stories to life through moving image.This is a strategic and hands-on position, suited to someone who enjoys being involved at every stage of the process. One day might involve contributing to a pitch or advising on the most effective format for a brief; the next could be spent developing storyboards, directing a shoot, creating motion graphics, reviewing edits, or supporting production planning and budgets.Collaboration is at the heart of the role. The Head of Video and Motion works closely with colleagues across creative, content and client services, as well as with a pool of freelance talent and production partners (both in the UK and globally) building strong relationships to deliver outstanding work for our clients.ROLE RESPONSIBILITIESLead the creative development and delivery of video, film, motion graphics and animation projects across Wardour.Work with the wider creative team to develop concepts, treatments and creative routes that respond to the story, audience and client objective.Review briefs and assess production requirements, resource, timings and feasibility.Support the Wardour team with production budgeting on a project-by-project basis, including external crew, equipment, travel, locations and other production costs.Advise on the most effective formats and production approach for a brief, including video (documentary, interview-led and hybrid formats), animation and motion graphics. Lead projects across the full production process, including briefing, pre-production, filming, post-production, client review and final delivery.Develop and oversee treatments, mood boards, storyboards and shot lists for both video and animation.Direct video shoots.Create and produce motion graphics and animations (working with in-house and external talent).Run the full post-production for all video and motion-led projects, ensuring all content is fit for purpose across relevant platforms and channels, including formats, aspect ratios, resolution, audio and captions/subtitles.Source, brief and manage freelance crew, editors, animators, production partners and international crews where required.Present and explain creative approaches, treatments, storyboards and production recommendations to internal teams and clients. Contribute to new business opportunities and pitches where video, animation or motion expertise is relevant.Develop Wardour’s video and motion capability, including production approaches, supplier relationships, workflows and best practice, and identify opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of moving-image production.SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE7+ years’ professional experience across video production, filmmaking and motion design, ideally within an agency or creative environment.Proven experience leading video projects from concept through to final delivery.Strong creative judgement and the ability to develop ideas as well as execute them.Experience directing shoots, including interviews and documentary-style content.Strong practical understanding of professional camera systems, lighting and audio.Advanced editing skills and strong knowledge of post-production workflows.Strong hands-on motion graphics and animation capability, with experience creating animated content as well as directing and reviewing the work of others.Extensive experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Premiere Pro and After Effects, with strong working knowledge of Illustrator and other relevant Creative Cloud applications.Experience creating treatments, mood boards, storyboards and shot lists.Strong understanding of digital and social video formats and how content should adapt across platforms.Experience working with freelancers, production partners and external crews.Strong understanding of production planning, resourcing, schedules and budgeting.Confident presenting creative ideas and production recommendations to clients.Strong awareness of emerging creative technologies and AI tools.PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICSCreative, collaborative and passionate about storytelling through moving image.Comfortable moving between high-level creative thinking and hands-on production.Confident making decisions and providing clear creative direction.Calm under pressure and able to manage multiple projects and priorities.Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and production standards.Comfortable constructively challenging a brief where there is a better approach.Curious about new formats, tools and production techniques.To apply please email your CV and covering letter to employme@wardour.co.uk.