Hot Shots 2025: Monique Tedeschi

There’s no doubting Monique Tedeschi’s dedication to production. Despite an intense dislike of flying, tropical environments and monkeys, she gritted her teeth and flew to Bali to film macaques for the Ryan Reynolds-narrated natural history series Underdogs. “Despite knowing it would be a challenge, she embraced the opportunity,” says Wildstar Films line producer Vic Ribeck.

Then, when the second series included an episode set in Australia and needed a production co-ordinator stationed there, Tedeschi volunteered without hesitation.

For Aberdeen-born, Bristol-based Tedeschi, flying out three times over four months (while moving house in the UK too) was “a defining moment in my career”. Until Underdogs, her seven years in the industry had only involved day shoots in the UK, capturing sporting events such as the Six Nations and the Uefa Champions League, and music performances such as Dave and The 1975.

Working on Underdogs in Australia “was a steep learning curve, but it deepened my appreciation for the vital role production management plays in ensuring the success of a project,” she says. “I found myself making decisions on the fly, handling stressful situations and trusting my instincts. This experience showed me just how critical it is to stay calm under pressure and always focus on solutions, no matter the challenge.”

It also tested her ability to build relationships and work smoothly with colleagues both far and near. “Working remotely from the rest of the production management team posed an additional challenge, but I had no doubt in Mon’s ability to thrive in this environment,” says Ribeck. “Mon is a truly outstanding production co-ordinator and the series has benefited greatly from her involvement.”