ANU YLIMAA
Producer
Storytelling & Production Expert
Specializing in team leadership, efficient execution,
and creating a positive and psychologically safe work environment.
I’m an experienced producer with over 25 years in film, TV, and commercial productions. I bridge creative vision with financial and operational realities, ensuring smooth execution and high-quality results. With a strong international network, I assemble the best teams and create an inspiring, stress-free work environment where everyone thrives.
I work across international TV dramas, feature films, commercial productions, branded content, and TV entertainment shows, balancing creative vision with production realities.
About me
Storytelling and production have always been at the core of my career. Throughout the years, I have worked across a wide range of audiovisual productions, spanning commercial films, branded content, and large-scale TV and film projects. My expertise lies in aligning creative vision with financial and operational realities, ensuring that productions run smoothly and maintain the highest quality standards.
Two of my greatest strengths are communication and staying calm under pressure. I excel at building trust and clarity within teams, ensuring that every production runs efficiently and that all voices are heard. I’m known for maintaining a level head in even the most demanding situations, quickly assessing challenges and finding actionable solutions to keep the production moving forward. Whether it’s facilitating creative discussions, negotiating budgets, or problem-solving on set, I prioritize clear, respectful, and effective communication to keep everyone aligned and motivated.
I have extensive experience in collaborating with writers and directors to shape ideas into actionable plans that align with both creative goals and financial frameworks. My budgeting and resource management expertise enables me to stretch resources without compromising the creative vision while solving unexpected challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.
With a well-established network of industry professionals across Europe, the US, South Africa, and Asia, I can assemble the right team for any production, anywhere in the world. From large-scale international film productions to high-impact commercial campaigns, I ensure that every project is executed with expertise, efficiency, and creativity.
What I love most about producing is the opportunity to collaborate with talented people to create something unforgettable. I am particularly passionate about international productions and projects that balance creativity and efficiency. With my proven track record in managing complex logistics, building sustainable partnerships, and maintaining a strong focus on storytelling, I am ready to help bring unique ideas to life on a global stage.
Core Areas of Expertise
✦ TV & FILM PRODUCTION
International drama, feature films, line producing, budgeting, scheduling, logistics.
✦ COMMERCIAL & BRANDED CONTENT PRODUCTION
Producing high-end commercial films, branded content, and global campaigns. Experienced in working with agencies and brands to develop engaging, story-driven content that aligns with marketing objectives.
✦ BRAND PARTNERSHIPS IN FILM
Helping brands connect with storytelling in meaningful ways.
SELECTED PROJECTS
Jarno ja minä
Internationally known as Last to Break, this Finnish-produced six-part TV drama was created with an international production team and filmed across multiple countries. It tells the story of 1970s motorcycle racer Jarno Saarinen.
I worked as the line producer and led the entire production team, ensuring that the series was executed in accordance with the script while staying within budget constraints. Produced by Funfar, directed by Simon Kajser, and shot by Mario Poljac, the series was filmed across Finland, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Commissioned by YLE, Finnish public Broadcasting company
Suuri seikkailu
A family-friendly reality entertainment show where 16 public figures test their outdoor survival and camping skills in the wilderness of Finnish Lapland. Contestants solve various outdoor and survival challenges within given time and location constraints.
As the producer, I worked closely with the executive producer, scriptwriter, and director to ensure the execution of the show's concept while managing scheduling and budget constraints.
Directed by Jani Klemola, cinematography by Ville Salonen, produced by Fremantle Media, and commissioned by Nelonen Media.
Neste - "The only way is forward" Buzz Aldrin
While working as an agency producer at TBWA Helsinki for our client Neste, I managed negotiations with Buzz Aldrin’s agent to secure performance rights on the required scale. My role also included coordinating director pitches from Finnish production companies, ensuring the creative vision and script were executed as planned.
The commercial was directed by Rane Tiukkanen, with creative work led by TBWA Helsinki and production handled by Motel Royal. The shoot took place along the coast of Los Angeles, California.
Atria - "Bbq"
While working as an agency producer at TBWA Helsinki for our client Atria, I produced this commercial, ensuring its execution within budget and schedule. Due to scheduling constraints, the full production was executed abroad, and we opted to source only the director from Finland while securing local service production in South Africa. This approach significantly optimized the budget, as funds were directed into the actual production rather than overhead costs. I also maintained close communication with the client and project management team throughout the process.
The production was handled by TBWA’s in-house unit, TBWA/Screen, with service production sourced locally in South Africa. Directed by Mikko Lehtinen, with creative work led by TBWA Helsinki, the shoot took place in Cape Town, South Africa.
