Our latest Spotlight shines on Compass Travel Management, the first dedicated travel management company in Wales to specialise in the TV, film, media, and sports industries.

We spoke to co-directors Kate Watts and Nicola Edmunds about the level of detail and flexibility needed to ensure a seamless service throughout the production process.

Background

Compass Travel Management was co-founded by two female directors with extensive backgrounds in the hotel and hospitality industry. Our deep understanding of high-pressure service environments, combined with a passion for logistical excellence, led us to identify a gap in the travel management market – particularly for industries like film and television where traditional 9-5 service simply doesn’t work.

With a range of transferable skills from our time in hospitality, we were able to bring the same provision of service, discretion, and responsiveness to the creative sector with a clear vision: to provide a one-stop-shop for production travel and accommodation.

Our initial aim was always to focus on the creative sector and become a market leader in the creative industries for accommodation solutions and travel management. We quickly developed a strong foothold in the film and TV sector, where our 24/7 support, efficiency, and client understanding proved invaluable.

We also manage all contract negotiations and rate agreements on behalf of productions – saving clients time, stress, and ensuring the best possible value.

In addition to film and TV, Compass also manages complex international travel logistics for elite sport.

Supporting crew and cast throughout the production process

Our team manages travel and accommodation for the entire production, from lead cast members to extras, technical crews, and support staff. Each production is different, and so are the needs of those involved. We’re well-versed in sourcing everything from large-scale group accommodation for crews and extras, to high-spec, bespoke options for principal cast – whether that’s long-term residences, discreet luxury stays, or specialist accommodation tailored to individual preferences.

We support productions from pre-production through to post-production – and everything in between. Whether it’s sourcing accommodation during location scouting, organising logistics for a shoot, or managing last-minute wrap- party arrangements, we’re there every step of the way.

The importance of being agile

We understand that rooming lists change daily, schedules shift unexpectedly, and fast turnarounds are the norm – our team is built to respond quickly, efficiently, and without fuss. We’re known for being proactive, agile, and always on-hand to adapt as production needs evolve.

Productions need a single, responsive provider who can take care of every detail. We deliver exactly that – with 24/7 service, total discretion, and a deep understanding of what it means to be the crew behind the crew.

Our travel solutions are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether we’re handling urgent crew moves, eleventh-hour cast changes, or shifting accommodation requirements, we can bring calmness and clarity to last-minute amendments.

We work most closely with line producers, production managers, and production co-ordinators – the people tasked with making sure everything runs to schedule and budget.

These are often fast-paced roles juggling multiple moving parts, and we have proved to be a trusted partner who understands the pressures and priorities of production. We like to be known as an extension to their team.

Sustainability is vital

Sustainability also matters deeply to us. As an albert partner, we actively support productions in reducing their environmental impact – from encouraging greener travel options to helping teams make informed, lower-carbon choices wherever possible. We see this as a shared responsibility and a vital part of modern production travel.

Challenges and highlights

Managing travel for an entire production can be logistically challenging – shifting schedules, evolving shooting locations, last-minute cast changes, and even unpredictable weather all demand constant attention and flexibility.

That’s why we provide a round-the-clock service at no extra cost. Our clients work unpredictable hours in fast-changing environments, and we make sure we’re always available to support them – with no hidden fees or added complications.

Highlights include being trusted with major productions and knowing that our planning and responsiveness have directly contributed to things running smoothly behind the scenes. One of the biggest compliments we receive is when crew or production staff move onto new projects and return to us again – it’s a clear sign we’re getting it right. Our clients often tell us that we make things feel easy…

Credits

We’ve arranged tailored accommodation solutions for cast and crew across a range of productions – from long-term residences to high-end or specialist options designed around individual needs.

We believe that when cast and crew are well-rested and properly looked after, it shows on screen – comfort, reliability, and rest all play a role in the quality of what’s produced.

We’ve had the pleasure of supporting several high-profile productions including Havoc, Rivals, Gavin & Stacey, Mr Burton, The Salt Path, Industry, both the UK and US versions of Celebrity SAS and many more.

For each, we managed end-to-end travel logistics – everything from booking flights and rail, sourcing crew-friendly accommodation, to handling on-location transport and short-notice itinerary changes. These productions came with tight schedules and large moving parts, but our team ensured everything ran smoothly and cost-efficiently.

Many thanks to Kate Watts and Nicola Edmunds for their help in compiling this article. You can find more on Compass Travel Management here.

If you would like to be featured in our Spotlight series, please email Alex.

All images via Compass Travel Management with separate credits where stated.

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