With 28 years’ experience in the travel industry, Prue Kennedy has a comprehensive understanding of providing one-of-a-kind service and meticulous planning. Serving as TAG’s National Account Manager of Production, Kennedy has worked as both an agent providing travel solutions for productions, as well as a Travel Coordinator using a travel management company (TMC) to provide travel needs to the cast and crew.

Over the years, Kennedy has gained valuable insight into the requirements and pressures faced in the industry, across numerous angles. Ausfilm recently interviewed Kennedy to learn more about her experience and the role she has taken on during her current 18-month journey with TAG.

What was your first job in the travel industry, and how did it shape your understanding and passion for this field?

I’d been lucky enough to study in Switzerland and travel through Europe, which is where I discovered my love for travel. My first job within the industry was RACQ Travel in 1996 as a Travel Consultant. After that, I lived in Philadelphia for seven years working for Swain Destinations and selling the South Pacific region. In 2008, I worked with another specialist travel company as a Senior Travel Consultant, based in the film studios on the Gold Coast, before moving to TAG in the same location more than a year ago.

What drew you to TAG and what’s your role there?

Before joining TAG, I worked in production for six years as a Travel Coordinator on various productions and used TAG as my TMC. During that time, the various consultants I worked with at TAG were past colleagues of mine that I loved working with for many years. I was drawn to TAG as I knew they had a great culture and valued their staff.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in travel management?

Alli Pratt was promoted to the Director of Production for TAG APAC and a new position was advertised for an Account Manager role on her team. I read the job description and it felt like it had been written just for me. I jumped at the opportunity to use my production experience and friendships I’d made over the years, combined with my travel knowledge, to take my career to the next level. Alli is an incredible mentor, who wants to share her knowledge and is genuinely excited to see where the team and our combined experiences can take us. I’ve been lucky to work in the Film and TV travel industry for 16 years and no day is ever the same—to experience working on a dream project from start to finish and then watch the end result on the big screen or from the comfort of your couch makes me feel really proud.

What has been your favourite project to date?

My favourite project has to be the opportunity to work as a Travel Coordinator on Elvis in the Production team. I celebrated two birthdays during my time on this project and we had the challenge of production shutting down for two months during COVID-19. Despite the challenges for the cast and crew, it was incredibly rewarding to finally see this film come to life on the big screen.

How would you describe a day in the life of a National Account Manager of Production?

My role is to build relationships with current clients and to provide ongoing support quickly and effectively to optimise their travel needs and recommend improvements to reduce costs. I also work closely with our TAG Travel Specialists to ensure that all the accounts and workflows are set up correctly to result in seamless travel experiences for our clients.

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career so far?

I am most proud of surviving the challenges of booking travel during the pandemic and lockdowns, and continuing to work in the film industry during this time.

What do you love about Australia as a country for production travel?

Australia provides an incredible backdrop for oversees films along with state-of-the-art studios across the country. Film makers love to come here and experience our incredible, locally based crew—and to see what we can offer. TAG has a long and successful history of providing whatever is required to bring these productions to life!

What are your passions outside of work?

I have many passions outside of work including travelling, golf, skiing and spending time with friends and family.