Penguin Publishing Process: The Designer
Client
Penguin Random House
Distribution
Company Website + Linkedin + Social Media
Producer / Editor
Hannah Evans
Camera
Steve Maud
Production Manager
Kaisa Kotkas
Camera Assistant
Freddie Maud
It’s always great to get an opportunity to understand the inner workings of a mighty brand.
Our series for Penguin Random House afforded us a rare and exclusive look into the world of one of the greatest names in publishing. Having access to their key team members gave us the deeper understanding of the many moving parts, and it shows in a series that’s racked up some impressive views on their channels.
For this episode in the series, we got up close with the role of the Designer. To see the craft in action and understand how visual storytelling plays a central role in the creation of a book was really impressive. Diving in, unearthing the story behind the story, and sharing it in a way that brings a brand to life is the kind of brief we love.
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but Marianne, a Designer at Penguin Random House, talks us through why you should.
This film was part of our eight-part series with PRH, looking behind the curtain at what it takes to bring a book to life.
Related Videos
Penguin Publishing Process: The Publicist
As part of our Behind the Scenes series on the publishing process, we followed Tom to get an insight into the life of a publicist.
Penguin Publishing Process: The Publicist
Client
Penguin Random House
Distribution
Company Website + Linkedin
Producer / Editor
Hannah Evans
Camera
Steve Maud
Production Manager
Kaisa Kotkas
Camera Assistant
Freddie Maud
As part of our Behind the Scenes series on the publishing process, we followed Tom to get an insight into the life of a publicist. It is, as you might expect, a very busy one!
The suite of films has a permanent home on the Penguin Random House website, and to date the series has over 52k views on LinkedIn.
Penguin Publishing Process: The Editor
Part of a suite of films we made for Penguin Random House this year, this first film looks at the crucial role the editor plays in getting a book published.
Penguin Publishing Process: The Editor
Client
Penguin Random House
Distribution
Company Website + Linkedin + Social Media
Producer / Editor
Hannah Evans
Camera
Steve Maud
Production Manager
Kaisa Kotkas
Camera Assistant
Freddie Maud
As part of a whole suite of day-in-the-life films we have made for Penguin Random House this year, this first film looks at the crucial role the editor plays in getting a book published.
This series of films are housed on the Penguin Random House Careers website.
When published on LinkedIn it received 3k views within the first day of publishing – and the YouTube version has gone on to generate over 74,000 views to date.
The Making of an Audiobook
What goes into the creation of an audiobook? Is it as simple as choosing an appropriate voiceover artist to read a story, and recording them?
The Making of an Audiobook
Client
Penguin Random House
Distribution
Conference Launch + Social Media
SHOOTING PRODUCER DIRECTOR
Steve Maud
PRODUCER
Courtney Wright
ASSISTANT PRODUCER
Hannah Evans
EDITOR
Jez Hunziker
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Helen Button
Penguin Making of an Audiobook
The Penguin Making of an audiobook film was commissioned by Penguin Random House to show the craft behind audiobook production. The client wanted viewers to see how a written story becomes an immersive audio experience. Our team focused on capturing not just the narration but also the work of producers, sound engineers, and editors who bring emotion, tone, and character to life.
Our Approach
To achieve this, we adapted our cinematic style to reflect the auditory nature of audiobooks. We combined interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and stylised sound design to mirror the immersive experience that listeners enjoy. Each step highlighted the skill, care, and attention to detail that goes into producing an audiobook. At the same time, we kept the storytelling engaging, clear, and visually interesting.
We also focused on showing the people behind the medium. By highlighting their dedication and expertise, we made complex technical processes understandable and relatable. Careful editing, sound mixing, and visual design helped translate the behind-the-scenes work into a compelling narrative.
Impact and Results
The film gave viewers a clear, vivid insight into audiobook production. It showcased Penguin’s commitment to quality and innovation while making the craft accessible to both staff and external audiences. Shown at Penguin’s annual conference, the film became a highlight of the event and received praise from the CEO. By putting the spotlight on the people who make audiobooks, the Penguin Making of an audiobook film inspired audiences and reinforced Penguin’s reputation for creativity, excellence, and storytelling.