top of page

Bear House: Our Story

Zoe Hartland

What happens when two creative minds with their own successful production companies join forces? For Annie Connolly (Managing Director) and Dan Coomber (Creative Director), it meant combining their unique skills and experiences to create Bear House Media. In this Q&A, they delve into the company’s journey from its creation to its future, share the values that drive their work, and, most importantly, reveal what kind of bear they’d be and why.



Who are you and what is your role at Bear House?


Annie: I wear two hats: I am the MD of Bear House and I am the Exec Producer on more complex projects. It’s helpful to have someone look at the bigger picture, keep the brief on track and sign off. As well as securing new and existing client work,  I’m the safety net catching  problems, or being a pedant as I like detail pinned down  or encouraging everyone to think outside the box.


Dan: I am the Creative Director at Bear House Media, responsible for overseeing productions from start to finish. I’m also very hands-on, working behind the camera as a Director of Photography (DOP) and editor. I love the variety in the productions we work on and the thrill of collaborating with like-minded creatives to bring ideas to life. I’m passionate about using innovative equipment and software to enhance the production process, and love the feeling of creating something special.



How did Bear House Media come to be?


A: I set up a multimedia content agency in January 2020. The pandemic was tough going but a crucial lesson in business adaptability. After having worked with Dan on different projects and being so impressed by his skill and creativity,  I finally took a punt and spent 20 minutes pitching my idea to join forces. I proposed we combine our complementary skills from the broadcast industry, our client list and our resources. I knew we could build a bigger, stronger company that could deliver more if we merged our two production houses but stuck to our core values of quality, innovation, and creativity. Fortunately he didn’t think it was crazy and we kept talking. Once it was formalised we agreed on the name and the logo and direction of travel very very quickly, which augured well for our working relationship. 


D: Bear House Media came about naturally after I had the opportunity to work with Annie on several projects. We realised we made a great team, and it just felt like the right fit to start a business together.



What has been your favourite moment at Bear House?


A: I have to pick three moments….when we work as a well oiled machine filming on location,  our team meetings which are often fun and keep me on my toes, and winning the confidence and trust of a new client. 


D: My favourite moment so far has been being on set with a wide and varied team, all contributing ideas and energy to the creative process. There’s something magical about seeing everyone’s perspectives come together to create something, all adding ideas in the process. It is so nice to watch an idea change and evolve over time.



What are you most excited for in Bear House’s future?


A: Creating a reputation for long and short form factual content and pushing at the boundaries of interactive video, so we can exploit it for our clients’ gain. 


D: I’m really excited about diving deeper into long-form films and exploring how we can incorporate interactive elements into our productions. The possibilities with these tools are endless, and it’s so much fun brainstorming new and innovative ways to use them to engage audiences.



Describe Bear House in three words.


A: Can I have four? Creative, high-end, innovative, trustworthy. 


D: Creative, Collaborative, Innovative



If you were a bear, which kind would you be and why?


A: The Andean or ‘Spectacled’ Bear which as the oldest of the bears in our media house, is apt given that they are known for moderate hearing, short vision, with an excellent sense of smell and are highly adaptable. 


D: I’d be a Grizzly bear! As a child, I had a little bear I creatively named Grizzly, and I’ve kept him all these years - he’s still tucked away somewhere in the loft. Grizzlies are resourceful and resilient, qualities I admire and try to bring into my work every day.


Comments


bottom of page