In this industrious episode of The Ajyal Show, we explore the art and logistics of producing with Poppy Clinton, General Manager of The Edge Production Company. Through her personal journey and professional insight, we analyse how producers navigate the complex intersection of creativity, coordination, and community-building in Qatar’s ever-growing film ecosystem.

Poppy’s passion for storytelling began early, eventually leading her to pursue formal film studies and secure her first role as a production coordinator. Today, she leads The Edge’s Doha branch, a team she helped establish nearly a decade ago, guiding both large-scale commercial shoots and intimate short films across the region. With clarity and candour, she defines the producer as the person “in charge of everything behind the camera,” managing projects from initial concept through post-production. She discusses the everyday realities of the role: balancing creative ambition with budgets, responding to on-set surprises, and making quick, effective decisions under pressure.

Poppy also speaks to the importance of clear communication and alignment across departments, ensuring that directors and crews stay connected to the project’s creative vision. A strong advocate for mentorship, she shares how internships and hands-on learning at The Edge are nurturing a new wave of Qatari producers ready to take on the future. Whether she’s managing a multi-camera rig or making sure the crew stays hydrated, Poppy brings common sense, humility, and deep industry knowledge to every production.

This episode is both a personal portrait and a practical guide to the role of the producer. One that highlights how stories are made not only through talent and vision, but through teamwork, foresight, and care.

To learn more about Doha Film Institute's initiatives, workshops and funding that help support Qatar’s filmmaking community, visit our website here.