[Framed]: Danielle Nadal, Associate Producer & Head of Traffic, LDN

5 min readOct 16, 2020

If you could travel back in time, which film, tv series, advert, or immersive project would you love to have worked on?

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy. I started working in the industry as a Data-Op in Film just after the last movie came out and would have loved to have been a part of those projects. I did get to work on Harry Potter though, so that was a plus. 😀

Which Framestore character do you feel you’re most like?

Maybe Paddington. He is friendly and always wants to help. 🙂

What fictional world or place would you like to visit?

Middle Earth or Wakanda

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in VFX?

I have always been a huge Film and TV buff, so I knew I wanted to work in the industry, but after seeing the behind the scenes for Pleasantville (1998) and The Terminator: Judgement Day (1991), I was in awe of the effects used and the production behind them that it got me thinking about that part of filmmaking. The effects in Pleasantville were subtle but still so impressive, then you have the T1000 from T2, which still holds up today. Amazing work.

What are you guilty of?

Watching reality shows like The Traitors, Big Brother and so on.

What was your last brush with greatness?

Participating as a dancer in the 2012 London Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Your worst character fault?

Impatience. “By all means, move at a glacial pace”

Your most shining quality?

Positive and great at organising and bringing people together.

If you had taken a different path, what would you be doing now?

Maybe singing, but I’m glad that wasn’t the case. When you are younger, you picture things very differently.

You’re on the run from the law, where are you headed?

New Zealand.

Who’s your partner-in-crime?

My cat Gandalf. He is very wise, you know.

Fantasy cellmate?

Captain America.

What’s your favourite movie/TV show and why?

My Favourite TV Show is Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul. Just a masterpiece in writing, acting and cinematography. My favourite film is The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Everything about the films are pure quality with the music, cinematography, acting and SFX/VFX all being outstanding. I fell in love with the first film as soon as it started and just knew we were in for an amazing journey. I have lost count of how many times I have watched the Extended Editions and I still cry at the end. :-) I actually went to see The Return Of The King at the Royal Albert Hall a few months ago with a live orchestra performing the score at the same time. Amazing experience.

Your greatest achievement?

Working nearly 30 hours a week, whilst also doing my degree at the same time, to fund my studies, accommodation etc… I wasn’t entitled to the LEA Student loan, as I had been out of the country for 2 years, so had to work twice as hard, but still managed to have a great social life too. When I look back, I honestly do not know how I did it.

Most valuable skill?

Organising.

Go on, say something bragging:

Umm I can sing.

Name your pet peeve?

Slow walkers and those who don’t have their tickets ready at the barriers.

The DREAM project would entail:

Chris Evans whilst shooting in New Zealand. :-)

Your career highlight to date:

Has to be a presentation I did in front of a well-known actor (who also starred in one of the Middle-Earth films) and telling him that my cat’s name is Gandalf and showing him this picture. All who attended were very amused.

Give us a desk tour:

What do you need to work, on the daily?

My laptop and coffee.

Framestore is, to you :

Home from home.

Best thing about your work environment?

It’s quiet, so I can concentrate a lot more, but I also like the atmosphere at the office too.

Framestore is great at:

Innovation.

Favourite art form?

Photography.

Favourite image?

Love this shot I took on the way to Glenorchy in New Zealand. Looks like a painting. And below that, a photo I took in my garden on May 10th 2024 when the Northern Lights dazzled us in South London.