poolhouse is a new, one-of-a-kind platform created for producers by producers. A unique industry resource, poolhouse offers a robust community for creative producers from agency, production and post, along with supporting industry professionals including business managers and reps, to connect, educate, share opportunities, and offer an exchange of ideas around the art of production.
The member-based platform was developed and launched by Veronica Beach, Pamala Buzick, Erin Sullivan and Jill Auerbach – respected producers with vast expertise who share a deep passion for the industry. The poolhouse’s first iteration was forged by the founders over a decade ago as an email user group for independent agency producers who rely on connections and trusted professional recommendations.
Harnessing this experience to address today’s production landscape, the founders conceived of an updated, robust solution where producers from all aspects of content creation can share resources and news by connecting in curated and private chat channels. Importantly, poolhouse offers online screening rooms, member profiles, and masterclass content called Cheat Sheets, with added features, including in-depth member profiles, and an app coming later this year.
“We are excited to have producers join us on this journey to pave a path of virtual communication and cross-pollination as we move to reignite and reshape the industry,” says Jill Auerbach. “It’s a consolidated platform for producers to connect in a timely manner, and our members are integral to its development with participation and feedback as we evolve together.”
The pandemic’s impact on production, including shut-downs and swift changes region-by-region, safety protocols, and remote filming options, further intensified the founders’ efforts to bring the poolhouse to industry members around the world. While the team worked on the website’s design and UX, they did what producers do: harnessed their network to create video content aimed to inform, educate, and uplift producers. Available on poolhouse’s YouTube page and Instagram, nearly 100 videos feature such noted industry talent and leaders as Henry-Alex Rubin, Candice Vernon, Calmatic, Aaron Stoller, Michael Di Girolamo and many more discussing such topics as the craft, mentoring, remote shooting, identity, and leadership.
Producers who join poolhouse in July receive two months for free; one if they join in August. The member rate is $9.99 / month thereafter, an accessible fee to help support the growing platform and its community.
“During this urgent time, everything is chaotic and it is vital to have producers unite to keep the industry moving forward,” comments Veronica Beach. “We are problem solvers by nature and having one place for producers to come together for immediate, substantive communication is something our industry depends on, and where the poolhouse comes in.”
The hope, say the founders, is that poolhouse can facilitate positive change as the production community examines issues of parity and diversity, while producing content effectively at the highest level.
As Erin Sullivan explains, “One of our main goals is to help shape an equitable industry. We have an opportunity here to amplify voices that previously have not been heard and remaking the industry into a more just and equitable landscape.”
