At this year’s Creativepool Annual Awards, POD LDN LTD has been recognised not only for its exceptional creative work, but for redefining how a modern post-production studio operates. Awarded People’s Choice Post Production Company of the Year, the studio stands out for its flexible hybrid model, global network of over 1,400 artists, and unwavering commitment to building authentic relationships over transactions.
In this exclusive Q&A, Founder Adrienn Major shares how POD LDN balances scalability with creativity, embraces technology without losing its human touch, and cultivates trust through transparency and collaboration. From AI-assisted workflows to a people-first culture, Adrienn reveals how the team at POD LDN continues to push boundaries, stay adaptable, and deliver world-class post-production work that resonates with clients and audiences alike.
Congratulations on your win! How does it feel to have earned the People’s Choice Post Production Company of the Year award?
It’s incredibly exciting - honestly, it still feels a bit surreal. POD LDN is still a relatively young company; we’ve only been going for six years, so awards and nominations are still very new and special to us. Every bit of recognition feels fresh, and we never take it for granted. I’m genuinely so happy for my team and proud of the work they’ve put in - being recognised by our peers means a lot to all of us.
What made you decide to enter into The Annual?
Not only was it such a straightforward and accessible process, the category itself also made perfect sense for us - entering as Company of the Year showcases what we do as a whole, rather than being judged on a single project. That felt much more representative of who we are and how we operate. It was really a no-brainer.
What role do you think awards play in motivating creativity and innovation within the industry?
Your hybrid model (20 core + 80 in-house artists + 1,400+ global freelance network) is built for flexibility and scale. How do you manage cohesion, quality standards and communication across that distributed network?
For us, cohesion is built into the process. Our client service and project management teams work incredibly closely, hand in hand - they’re really the glue that holds everything together. Our client service team supports clients every step of the way, and our PMs work directly with artists, whether they’re in-house or remote. That constant collaboration keeps everything aligned, and ensures quality is consistent no matter where in the world the work is happening.
Projects can require fast turnarounds, deep VFX, compositing and heavy scope. How do you accurately scope and price for uncertainty while protecting margins?
It really comes down to experience. Having skilled artists and strong team leads means we can assess complexity quickly and accurately. We also involve clients closely - we ask for references, creative direction, and as much context as possible upfront. That helps us define scope clearly from the start.
When things evolve mid-project (as they sometimes do), it becomes a conversation. Our client service team is in constant contact with clients, so if something unexpected comes up, we explain the implications, present options, and agree on the best way forward. That transparency allows us to protect both timelines and margins, while maintaining trust.
You position “relationships not transactions.” What are your practices that transform a client into a long-term partner?
I often say our clients work with us because they want to, not because they’re locked into retainers. That mindset changes everything. From the start, we treat every client relationship like a partnership - we go through an onboarding process to understand who they are, what they’re trying to achieve, and what challenges they face internally.
Whether they’re struggling with capacity, budgets, or turnaround times, we adapt our model to fit their reality. Transparency is key - our pricing and processes are fully open, so clients always know what they’re paying for and what to expect. That honesty builds trust, and trust builds long-term relationships.
How does your internal core vs extended network decide who works on what?
It all depends on the brief. We match every project to the right skill set - not the other way around. For instance, if a client needs a specific animation or illustration style, we’ll source the right artist from our wider network rather than force-fit it to someone in-house. It’s about delivering the best result for the brief, even if that means working beyond our internal team.
What is your approach to tooling, pipeline and automation when scaling across geographies and time zones?
Our approach is simple: automate what doesn’t require creative input. We use technology to remove bottlenecks in admin-heavy areas like forms, briefs, and project documentation - things that don’t add creative value but can slow people down. By streamlining the repetitive stuff, our teams can focus their time and energy where it really matters - on the creative output itself.
Given evolving tech (AI tools for compositing, colour, motion, etc.), how are you integrating or resisting automation in post?
We’re always open to new tools, but we’re very deliberate about how we use them. We automate where it makes sense - the repetitive, time-consuming tasks - but we guard the creative process fiercely.
AI can be an incredible enabler, but it still needs creative people with vision to guide it. Just because someone can prompt an image doesn’t mean they can craft a campaign or visual identity. For us, AI complements the artist; it doesn’t replace them.
When scope creeps or clients request extra tweaks, how do you protect the project timeline without stalling creativity or goodwill?
The key is giving clients options. As long as they feel informed and in control, they’re happy to collaborate. We’re transparent about what each request means for time and budget, and then let them decide what’s most important. It becomes a shared decision, not a conflict. That keeps the relationship positive while still respecting boundaries.
How do you maintain the core team’s creative edge given so many freelancers in the mix?
We invest in both formal and informal learning. We run regular training sessions, but also foster internal mentorship - our senior team members are brilliant at sharing their knowledge and helping others grow. It’s a mix of structured development and organic upskilling, which keeps our core team sharp, inspired and connected despite our flexible model.
Which regions or content types do you see as growth areas for post, and how is POD LDN preparing for them?
It’s constantly evolving. Interestingly, we’re seeing growth again in outdoor - especially digital out-of-home - while traditional TV continues to decline and social remains dominant. We’re also watching the rise of “fake out of home” formats; they come in waves, but they’re fascinating from a creative and technical point of view. The key for us is staying adaptable, because the formats will keep changing. What matters is having the right talent and workflow to be able to pivot quickly.
What is your “moonshot” vision for POD LDN?
My big vision is for POD to become the most accessible, efficient post partner for any business - whether that’s campaign content, internal comms, or training videos. I want clients to see us as a trusted, go-to creative engine they can rely on to deliver - regardless of format, geography, or complexity. We’re building a model that makes post-production scalable, flexible, and frictionless.
Do you have any exciting projects in the pipeline that might be contenders for next year’s awards?
Yes - we’re currently working on a couple of beautiful traditional animations. We don’t get to do them that often, so it’s a real treat creatively. Animation is still very close to my heart, and I’d love to see these pieces recognised next year if the clients are open to entering them.
What advice would you give to agencies looking to take home their own accolade next year?
It’s absolutely worth entering - but preparation starts from day one. Agencies should make sure they have client approval early on, document everything throughout the process, and keep a record of the story behind the work. And most importantly, be proud of what you create. That passion and pride always shine through in the end.