Dot Kyle grew up in the small town of Ohakune, at the foot of Mount Ruapehu. By the time she relocated to the leafy borough of Wandsworth in southwest London thirteen years ago, she had already built a foundation working in Auckland’s film industry. The move marked a significant shift, personally and professionally, but one that has more than paid off. Today, she has carved out an impressive career, building her own production company, Run of Show Productions.
Like many Kiwis arriving in the UK workforce, the transition came with a degree of culture shock. One of the most striking differences was the level of specialisation. In New Zealand, creatives are often used to wearing multiple hats, whereas the UK industry demands a more defined skillset. For Dot, this was not a limitation but an opportunity. “You learn to really hone your craft here. There is a strong infrastructure that supports growth within your lane, if you are willing to learn quickly, adapt, and work hard.” For those prepared to step up, the UK offers exceptional scope.
“When I arrived in the UK, I did not know anyone in the industry. I was fortunate to find work quickly, but it was not without challenges.”
Reflecting on her journey, it is clear that these opportunities have been pivotal, not just in shaping her career, but in anchoring her through life’s challenges. Dot built her early career in physical production across high end film, television and commercials, laying the foundation for the work she leads today. Despite the volatility of the industry, her trajectory has continued to evolve and strengthen.
As Executive Producer and owner of Run of Show Productions, a full service production services company, Dot leads high impact publicity and marketing content for film and television. Her work spans key art, in world and social content, interviews, and behind the scenes capture, all designed to build momentum and audience engagement around a project. It is a role that demands strategic oversight, creative instinct, and meticulous execution. No two days are the same, and success relies on a constant balance of planning, problem solving, and leadership to deliver at scale, on time and on budget.
The demands of the role are intense, requiring resilience and stamina in equal measure. To maintain that balance, Dot turns to HYROX training, a hybrid discipline combining functional strength and endurance running. “The gym is where I reset, both physically and mentally. It is a huge part of how I stay grounded. It is my version of soul food.” It is a reminder that sustaining performance at a high level requires equal investment outside of work.
Creatively, inspiration remains a constant driver. The calibre of collaborators, the projects she contributes to, and the studios she partners with continue to push her thinking forward. Much of her current work sits behind NDAs, but her recent credits include Young Sherlock, Bait, The Girlfriend, and Federer: Twelve Final Days, among many others. (See full credits at ros-productions.com)
Beyond her own work, Dot is deeply invested in supporting others. She is part of the founding team behind the Creative Kiwi Collective. “When I arrived in the UK, I did not know anyone in the industry. I was fortunate to find work quickly, but it was not without challenges. Creating this community is about giving back, supporting others who have made the same leap, and helping them find their footing.”
Like many New Zealanders abroad, she carries both the pull of home and the perspective distance brings. What she does not miss is the constraint of tall poppy syndrome; what she does miss, profoundly, is the connection to nature, the maunga, the birdsong, and the clarity of the skies, as well as proximity to her children.
Looking back, the journey is nothing short of remarkable. In her early twenties, Dot was a single mother in Ohakune. Today, she is a producer and business owner who has built a career on resilience, instinct and an ability to deliver at scale. Could her 22-year-old self have imagined this life? Probably not. But, as she reflects, that young woman would be proud, not just of the projects, but of the growth and determination it took to become who she is today. And rightly so.
