While Emma Watson was lending her voice to a princess in the animation The Tale of Despereaux, Helen Jones was behind the scenes making sure it all ran smoothly. The 26-year-old film production coordinator recently finished work on the multi-million-dollar, computer animation, which featured the voices of Harry Potter star, Watson, as well as Dustin Hoffman, Matthew Broderick and Sigourney Weaver.

“Sadly for me, most of the actors were based in America for recording the characters’ voices but I did get to meet Emma Watson and Robbie Coltrane who recorded in the UK,’’ she says. “Emma was really sweet. She’s only 18 but she’s been working in film since she was a kid so she’s very professional and seems a lot older than she actually is.”

After completing her degree in Film and English Studies at the University of Norwich in East Anglia in 2004, Helen worked on variety of TV programs including the Trisha Show, The Jeremy Kyle Show and the Springer Show – the UK version of Jerry Springer. But despite meeting famous actors and attending preview screenings of the films she works on, Helen says the industry is hard work. “One week I am ringing every cinema in London to book a screening, the next I am jumping on a plane to LA to deliver a hard drive to our American producers,’’ she says.

Have you always wanted to work in film and TV?

I loved film and TV and after doing a week of work experience at a TV studio, I realised that’s what I wanted to get in to. I like being in production because you generally get to know everybody working on the project and can see things coming together behind the scenes.

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

I did work experience for a TV show when I was at university and was then lucky enough to get a job there as soon as my final exams were over. One thing I have learnt is that my degree, although relevant, wasn’t really essential to my chosen career. I maybe wouldn’t have gone to University and tried to get a runner job instead.

Is it a glamorous job?

On a day-to-day basis it’s not very glamorous. A lot of my job involves running around organising, spending time in the office and working pretty long hours. But there are some good bonuses like the preview screenings of the projects I work on and occasionally getting to meet the stars.

Who inspires you?

I always find friends really inspiring. I’d love to do a film of some of the things that happen to them, if only they’d let me! London is also a really inspiring place because you meet so many different people or see strange things happening all the time and that can trigger all sorts of ideas.

Influences?

I love the work of screenwriter, Charlie Kaufmann (Being John Malkovich) and director Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). If I were going to write a movie, I’d love to be able to emulate their style. I also think Steven Spielberg is very influential. I don’t always like the content of his films, but the production values are always exceptional.

What do you think is the biggest problem in British society today and what is the most positive thing?

I think one of the biggest problems is the feeling that we live in a nanny state with excessive rules about what we can say or do. But the positive thing is that largely people are becoming more accepting of each other.

Do you feel British or European?

Definitely British.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Right now I really love the Kings of Leon, Ladyhawke and Friendly Fires.

Most exciting actor/actress at the moment?

I currently have a massive crush on Robert Pattinson!

What couldn’t you live without?

I honestly couldn’t live without my mobile phone. I do like the odd day when I can’t be contacted but if you took it away from me for good I don’t think I could cope.

Dream purchase?

My own island. That would be amazing.

Favourite movie?

I love a range of classic old movies, films that I think are technically brilliant and ones that are just great to watch. Some of my favourites are Dr Strangelove (1964), Rebecca (1940), Some Like it Hot (1959), Léon (1994), True Romance (1993), The Goonies (1985), Heathers (1989), Vertigo (1958) and Mean Girls (2004) – the list is endless!

Favourite European city and why?

I really love Paris for the culture and the sense of fashion and Madrid and Prague because they have a good nightlife. But I think my favourite (besides London) is Rome. It’s got amazing food, fun people, a lot of different things to see and also the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted!

Desert island book?

Can I have three and have the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy? Although I’d probably go a bit mad and start thinking I was actually a hobbit!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’d really like to still be working in film and will hopefully have worked on a few films by then so that I’ve established myself in my position.

Can you run in heels?

I really should be able to because I’m fairly short, but I struggle to even walk in them half the time!