Welcome back to our “Meet Motion Source” series, where we give you a “behind-the-scenes” look at our team. This article features Katie Adams, who has been producing for us for almost two years! So while she isn’t quite a “new” addition to the team, she has become more prominent on productions, and it was time she got a proper introduction!
Katie grew up in North Riverside, IL (coincidentally, just a few miles away from Motion Source!) With 3 older sisters and 1 younger brother, it was a full and fun house. She went on to study Broadcast Journalism at the University of Illinois, where she was a Chick Evans Scholar (coincidentally again, the Evans Scholars Foundation would become a longtime client of Motion Source!) Post college, she spent about 8 years living in Chicago and working in television production.
How did you get into production and what has your journey been like so far?
I started interning with production companies while still in college. After graduation, I worked on shows for HGTV, CNBC, WTTW, ESPN and the History Channel. I also produced an online culinary series. In 2012, I stepped away from producing to stay home with my 3 kids with my husband, Mark. Sean, Rachel, and Rose kept me very busy, but when my youngest was ready for kindergarten, I was ready to get back to production. This new chapter of my career creating client-focused videos has been so great! I love the variety in helping make a client’s vision a reality. Making videos for non-profits has been so rewarding, and I can’t wait for the next project!
When did you start working with Motion Source?
July 2022. I was ready to go back to work after my stint as a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom), but I was convinced 11 years out of the business would be a huge roadblock. But Motion Source took a chance on me, and I have been having a blast the past two years, while still being present for my family.
What do you love most about your job/filmmaking?
I have always been a TV junkie, and getting to work behind the camera creating content that entertains and informs people is so much fun. I love meeting new people and hearing and sometimes retelling their stories. I also consider myself a problem solver, so I love planning all the logistics, then reworking all the logistics on the fly when best laid plans go out the window!
When you’re not at Motion Source, what do you like to do?
I spend most of my time shuttling kids to and from sports/dance/piano/playdates. I love a good puzzle, and if I can keep the kids quiet enought, I love a good book. If the weather is nice, you can find me poolside or on the golf course. When it's not so sunny, I'm watching any and all shows on Bravo. I also love to eat, so a nice dinner out with my husband and kids is usually the highlight of my week!
Fun story from set/project:
One of my first projects with Motion Source involved about a metric ton of beef. We had to rent 2 industrial size refrigerators to fit it in the studio. When the shoot was over, I spent days trying to give it away... I was the Oprah of beef! You get a flank steak, you get spare ribs!! I think I might still have some in my freezer...
Personal Mantra:
That sounds like a tomorrow problem.
Fun facts/quirks:
I tricked my husband into trying out for The Amazing Race when we were newly dating. Sadly, we did not get picked.
That is too bad they didn’t get picked for The Amazing Race because I’ve been on a trivia team with Katie and her husband before and they make a good team! (Oh, and yes, our team won trivia. The combined power of producers!) Keep an eye out for Katie on your next project or set. She’ll be the one making sure everything is running smoothly!