News| Jul 29, 2025

Image Supplied by BCD Media & Entertainment

Ever wondered how cast and crew actually get to set—and on time? That’s where we come in.                     

BCD Media & Entertainment specialises in travel, accommodation, and logistics for some of the industry’s top professionals in film and TV. We’re a boutique travel agency and part of BCD Travel, one of the world’s most respected and admired travel management companies.

In recent years, we’ve had the privilege of contributing to some incredible productions in Australia, like Disney’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, NBCUniversal’s The Fall Guy and All Her Fault, as well as Netflix’s Apex.

We are honoured to support the screen industry in Australia and to be part of the Ausfilm family. Now, we’d love to introduce you to some of our amazing team here in Australia, and give you a glimpse behind the scenes.

Inside the Wild World of Entertainment Travel

Anne Gillett – Commercial Director

Anne works closely with each production to deliver unique, tailored travel solutions that keep things moving and relationships strong. The media and entertainment world demands creative thinking, quick problem-solving, and strong partnerships and that’s where Anne thrives.

Movie or TV show that best describes your job?
Ted Lasso – leading with heart and strategy in a high-pressure environment.

What’s the most outlandish travel request you’ve gotten from a celebrity or crew member?
A celebrity once insisted on changing hotel rooms because they were convinced the room and hotel was haunted. We found them a hotel in another area – ghost‑free (at least as far as we know!).

What’s the most “How did I even manage that?” travel miracle you’ve pulled off for a production?
During the height of COVID, when global travel had ground to a halt and aircraft sat idle on tarmacs, we saw an opportunity.

With commercial flights cancelled and private jet quotes soaring, we approached an airline with an unusual request for a major studio: charter a Boeing 777 — for just three people — from Los Angeles to London. It sounded crazy. But the aircraft was grounded, the crew was available, and the airline was open to creative solutions. The result? A transatlantic flight with an entire wide-body jet for three key talent on a production — at a third of the cost of what private jet companies were quoting. It was about thinking differently, navigating uncertainty, and finding value where others saw obstacles. Sometimes, the sky really is the limit.

Kuy Thurman – Operations Manager

Kuy runs the operations team with energy and passion that’s truly infectious! When it comes to solving travel issues, he’s our go-to guy. Kuy takes immense pride in his team knowing they play a key role in bringing our productions to life!

Movie or TV show that best describes your job?
Game of Thrones.

When the production schedule changes five minutes before take‑off, how do you keep your cool (or do you just wing it)?
My mantra when working on a production is to assume that absolutely nothing will go to plan, and nothing is impossible to achieve when it doesn’t. I just put on my ‘get stuff done hat’ and move onto the solution. We’ve been rained out on iron-clad contracts, faced with mass cancellations and wild logistics, but with the right attitude and the right relationships, crisis management just becomes another day at the office.

What’s the most outlandish travel request you’ve gotten from a celebrity or crew member?
When Prince toured, he required two Presidential Suites in every city—but wouldn’t decide where to stay until he walked into the first hotel lobby. He’d either check in or turn on his heel and head to the second. My role was to negotiate with each property to allow last-minute cancellations without penalty—a major risk for the hotels. Fortunately, our strong relationships with most hotel brands helped make that possible. The potential reward? Winning over the one and only Prince and being his hotel choice for his future stays. For most, that chance was worth the gamble.

Caiti Scanlon – Production Specialist

Caiti is our Sustainability Guru. She’s not just about getting our clients where they need to go; she’s on a mission to reduce each production’s environmental footprint. By partnering with productions, she helps make travel choices smarter, greener, and more sustainable!

Movie or TV show that best describes your job?
The Amazing Race – it’s chaotic, fast-paced and full of last-minute changes.

When the production schedule changes five minutes before take-off, how do you keep your cool (or do you just wing it)?
I don’t wing it—I pivot. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected in this industry.Focus on solutions, not the chaos. It’s all about keeping communication clear and fast

What’s the most satisfying “we nailed it” travel moment you’ve had with a client?
One of our most memorable “we nailed it” moments came during the Icelandic volcano eruption that grounded flights across Europe. With air travel halted, we had to think fast. We rerouted clients using cruise ships, ferries, and public trains—whatever it took to keep them moving. Despite the chaos, we got everyone to their next destination or safely home. It was a true test of creativity, logistics, and commitment—and we delivered.

Lielz Steyn – Production Specialist

Liez has entertainment running through her veins—literally. With a background in film and theatre before jumping into travel, she’s been on both sides of the action. Now, she works her magic behind the scenes, coordinating logistics, negotiating deals, and helping bring incredible productions to life. Her work is a vital part of turning creative visions into reality.

Movie or TV show that best describes your job?
Speed—pure urgency and quick thinking, just like helping you meet tight deadlines.

When the production schedule changes five minutes before take-off, how do you keep your cool (or do you just wing it)?
It’s all about mindset. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. Always think ahead and have a backup plan—and when all else fails, pivot with confidence and a calm voice.

What’s the most remote location you’ve helped get a crew to, and how did you make it work?
Not exactly remote, but certainly one of the most challenging assignments—getting a team of journalists into North Korea just after it reopened post-Ebola. It required navigating strict visa protocols, working closely with licensed tour operators, and crafting an itinerary that was both compliant and purposeful. Every detail was subject to intense scrutiny, but with careful coordination and persistence, we made it happen.

Mel Yates – Production Specialist

Mel’s the go-to when it comes to pulling off smooth, stress-free travel for productions. She’s all about juggling tight turnarounds, keeping things discreet, and finding clever fixes when plans go sideways.

Movie or TV show that best describes your job?
A little bit of Modern Family, The Amazing Race and Survivor.

When the production schedule changes five minutes before take-off, how do you keep your cool (or do you just wing it)?
That’s when it gets exciting and the adrenaline kicks in. Change is inevitable and going to happen at some point, time to take a breath, look at the options and work together for the best outcome for everyone.

What’s the most “How did I even manage that?” travel miracle you’ve pulled off for a production?
Some of my biggest “how did I even manage that?” moments come from working with news broadcasters. Unlike typical travel, news teams head straight into crisis zones—places others are trying to leave. Flights are limited, hotels and car rentals sold out or closed, and everything is against the clock. From bushfires in regional Australia to cyclones in the north, earthquakes in Christchurch, flooding in Dubai, and cruise ships stuck at sea during COVID—all had to be arranged before the crew went live on air. It’s fast, unpredictable, and nothing short of a logistical miracle.

BCD MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
ANNE GILLETT
Commercial Director Media & Entertainment APAC
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