Hot Shots 2025: Laura Praciak

“Working with Laura Praciak is like having a superhero on your team,” says Julie Sangan, post supervisor on House Production’s BBC drama Sherwood. “She gets under the skin of the production, very quickly understands what is needed from a technical and creative perspective, and can conjure up clever solutions for the inevitable schedule revisions – and she does all of this with patience, a smile and unflagging energy.”

Starting in production management and co-ordination at the BBC, Praciak moved to Canada for a spell at Company 3 (formerly Encore Post) before joining Picture Shop Manchester four years ago, fi rst as a post producer and now as an executive post-producer.

Picture Shop managing director Paul Austin credits Laura with the company’s growing success in the scripted market. “Her skillset is incomparable from my 25 years running different post-production teams,” he marvels.

“Her technical knowledge ensures she understands complex workflow requirements very well, as more and more projects are going UHD/HDR, and she manages each project with an inspiring diligence and determination to deliver the very best possible results.”

A regular collaborator with Quay Street on series such as Nolly and After the Flood, she’s also worked on Sally Wainwright’s Happy Valley and Left Bank’s recent BBC hit This City Is Ours.

“Laura completely understands the needs and wants of your project, and is always on hand to move around the chess pieces to ensure that your show is finished to the absolute best it can be,” says This City Is Ours producer Simon Maloney.