YEDaily: Andrea Gabourie

Andrea Gabourie is the co-owner of Pivotal Media, a production company that creates a variety of award-winning television and new media content – most notably Zoink’d, one of YTV’s top-rated shows and the first show the company was built on. What was the inspiration for her career route? Find out in today’s YEDaily…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I co-own a production company, Pivotal Media, which creates all sorts of television and new media content – from reality shows to kids TV, docs, cartoons & branded entertainment.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started Pivotal with my business partner, Simon Watts, in October 2012. We were working for a large broadcaster in Toronto when a once-in-a-career opportunity came up to take a show we had created internally, and produce it as independent producers. It was a multi-million dollar chance to start our own company, and we jumped at it. The show, Zoink’d, is a variety show for kids that turns the typical format on its head – the judges are kids and performers are adults – and we are proud of its continued success!

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I truly have an amazing job. I get to work with incredibly passionate and talented people, and I can get my hands on several different things in one day: creating new shows, being on set, watching cuts of finished product, meeting with a network executive or negotiating a business deal. The most challenging thing by far is balancing a high-octane career in a demanding industry with being a wife and mother of young children.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
We are in an incredibly competitive industry, and one where the geographic borders are dissolving. In 5 years I want Pivotal to have moved up from being the new kid on the block in Canadian production to the speed dial list for broadcasters across North America.

What does success look like to you?
Living and dying by my own sword. I have always been very entrepreneurial, which can be tough when you are working for others, especially in smaller companies. Now I reap rewards or tackle challenges based on my own decisions, which is incredibly rewarding.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Likely winning the Gemini Award for Best Reality Series for Project Runway Canada. It was a show and a team that I was so proud of, and the award was presented on the national broadcast night. Everyone made a really big deal about it, which made the hard work so worth it! And I felt that reality TV in this country was finally getting recognized as something that could be as high quality and entertaining as our dramas and comedies, which was very encouraging.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
My motto has been “always try.” If you force yourself to always take the shot, chances are you will push yourself to be successful.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I don’t devote as much time to charity, which I hope to change in the near future. I do donate to all of my friends who take on a challenge for charity, because they are making the commitment to change the world and I am thrilled to help them get there.

What to you is notable?
Grace under pressure, generosity of spirit, and working moms who make it look effortless.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I’m a total Mac girl, so the iPhone has my heart. But the BlackBerry used to have my digits. They called me “Thumbs of Fury” in the old days…