A RELISH FOR LIFE
Li-Da Kruger (1990)
Li-Da shares her memories of being a pupil at Headington and reflects on how her career in film and TV has developed over the last 25 years. From her origins in Cambodia to now living in London, Li-Da’s story exemplifies resilience, determination and giving back to the community. She recently set up her own TV production company to champion and nurture female talent, aiming to produce premium content that is compelling, joyful and purposeful. Li-Da was appointed a Governor at Headington School in 2021 and last summer we were delighted to welcome her to Headington as our Prize Giving speaker.
Li-Da Kruger (1990)
Li-Da shares her memories of being a pupil at Headington and reflects on how her career in film and TV has developed over the last 25 years. From her origins in Cambodia to now living in London, Li-Da’s story exemplifies resilience, determination and giving back to the community. She recently set up her own TV production company to champion and nurture female talent, aiming to produce premium content that is compelling, joyful and purposeful. Li-Da was appointed a Governor at Headington School in 2021 and last summer we were delighted to welcome her to Headington as our Prize Giving speaker.
What do you remember about your time at Headington?
I have very happy memories of being a pupil at Headington. My boarding house was Napier when it was still part of the Prep School; I went back recently and it was almost unrecognisable, apart from the top front attic room which was a dorm back then, with a fire escape down some dodgy stairs. I loved weekly boarding as it meant my friends were on tap and I remember we had a wonderfully eccentric Housemistress with a little black dog.
In 1990, I was busy being Hockey captain and representing the School in Netball and Swimming. In those days, it was a freezing outdoor pool with outdoor changing cubicles and there were always huge amounts of girls who would get their period all of a sudden . . .
Most of my memories are sporting ones. There were certainly not many other extra curricular activities like there are now. I ended up leaving my friends behind at Sixth Form as I was keen to try Rowing at Teddies – nothing of course (I told my parents) to do with boys! Ironically, Headington started Rowing the following year and the rest is history. What an amazing asset the new Boathouse will be for Headington and hats off to HSOBC and all the well-rounded and dedicated young rowers Headington produces.
Honestly, if it was now, I would never have left and would have even begged my parents to stay. I am blown away by how much Headington has changed for the better. Academically, it was high on the league tables back then but now, with all the shiny, new, amazing facilities, it feels like there’s opportunities and something for everyone. If I were a young girl walking around now, I would feel like I could do anything and achieve everything here at Headington.
What made you decide to work in film and TV and how did your career develop?
I was lucky - I always knew what I wanted to do, which was to work in film and TV because I wanted to travel. Apart from the travel, I was attracted to work in TV as it is such a powerful medium to educate people, with an ‘entertainment’ wrapper.
I started at the bottom as a runner, doing pretty much the worst jobs on a production shoot. I was penniless most of the time and it was hard work. The upside was it was the only time I had access to all areas, so an opportunity to get to see how everything worked, meet everyone, ask annoying questions and crucially, without the pressure of any responsibility. From being a runner, I worked my way up the ladder learning how to be a researcher, producer and director – all very different skills. I loved it, travelled everywhere and got to be nosy for a living! Each TV project or series was like doing a mini PhD and made me sound very knowledgeable at dinner parties. I’ve only one regret, which is that no one told me writing was an essential skill to direct, as it is so competitive. This seems so obvious now.
I got my break when someone believed in my Cambodian documentary about going back to Cambodia to search for my birth parents, as I am adopted. I didn’t find a family, but the documentary Prue Leith: Journey with my daughter was nominated for a prestigious TV award and the experience introduced me to a Cambodian charity, The Nginn Karet Foundation for Cambodia that I am still involved with, along with another charity, DNA Cambodia I set up recently, helping Cambodian families reunite with lost relatives through DNA.
What made you decide to work in film and TV and how did your career develop?
I was lucky - I always knew what I wanted to do, which was to work in film and TV because I wanted to travel. Apart from the travel, I was attracted to work in TV as it is such a powerful medium to educate people, with an ‘entertainment’ wrapper.
I started at the bottom as a runner, doing pretty much the worst jobs on a production shoot. I was penniless most of the time and it was hard work. The upside was it was the only time I had access to all areas, so an opportunity to get to see how everything worked, meet everyone, ask annoying questions and crucially, without the pressure of any responsibility. From being a runner, I worked my way up the ladder learning how to be a researcher, producer and director – all very different skills. I loved it, travelled everywhere and got to be nosy for a living! Each TV project or series was like doing a mini PhD and made me sound very knowledgeable at dinner parties. I’ve only one regret, which is that no one told me writing was an essential skill to direct, as it is so competitive. This seems so obvious now.
I got my break when someone believed in my Cambodian documentary about going back to Cambodia to search for my birth parents, as I am adopted. I didn’t find a family, but the documentary Prue Leith: Journey with my daughter was nominated for a prestigious TV award and the experience introduced me to a Cambodian charity, The Nginn Karet Foundation for Cambodia that I am still involved with, along with another charity, DNA Cambodia I set up recently, helping Cambodian families reunite with lost relatives through DNA.
Did you have any particular role models growing up?
I think it is really important for girls to have strong role models and big dreams. My mum was, and still is, a superb role model for me, but of course it can be anyone who wins your admiration and respect.
When I was at Headington some 30 years ago, my mother managed to miss most things I was involved in and then the one Prize Giving she could attend, we missed, as we waited for our train on the wrong platform! Of course I forgave her, as she was busy building her mini food empire and trailblazing where few women had gone before. Today, I couldn’t be more proud of her – all her achievements, multiple interests and the skill to turn anything she tries her hand at into a success.
What is it you enjoy about being a freelancer?
As a freelancer, there is always uncertainty about the next job, but it always comes. I have been doing it for nearly 25 years now – I love the hustle, but it’s not for everyone. For me, it gave me the freedom to try new things and develop new skills. It taught me to be resilient and resourceful. I learned to say I was ‘in between jobs’ rather than ‘unemployed’. I tried to make the most of those down times, by teaching myself to shoot and how to edit. At least this way it felt I was building my CV whilst being creative at the same time. With new skills, I slowly built confidence and realised I had to get out there; had to be ‘in it to win it’. However, sometimes it was really hard, especially when I was staying home, while friends were out partying on their big salaries.
How do you manage to combine a challenging career with motherhood?
As a woman, I believe you can have it all – a career and be a parent – although of course it massively depends on your choice of partner or support network, in which I am blessed.
What is your proudest moment of your career?
I am proud of all the projects I’ve worked on, even my first project with the Guinness World Records when I was required to find lawyers or doctors who could burp the loudest!
Two of my most memorable breath-taking experiences include standing on my own in the dark, at the centre of the great pyramid of Giza, the archaeological site of Troy, famously brought down by the Trojans, and having dinner with Omar Shariff (who probably translates into someone like Brad Pitt today).
The proudest moment of my career to date is starting my own TV production company, built on wanting to champion and nurture female opportunities and diverse voices. Our aim is to produce premium content that is compelling, joyful and purposeful. I feel like I am living the dream: every day, I get to work with my best friends and my mother, who are co-founders. We decided to call it RELISH, as we share a RELISH for life! It is great being the boss – especially when the number of women owning companies is cripplingly small! It is both exciting and terrifying, particularly as I am now responsible for other people’s livelihoods.
Advice to Headingtonians
When I told my brother I’d been invited to be a Governor, I expected him to say something like congratulations. Instead, his reply was “Clearly, they (Headington) had no idea what you were up to in 1990!” Did I mention rickety fire escape stairs . . . !?
I’ve been a Governor at Headington School for two years now and was honoured to be invited by the Headmistress, whom I admire greatly, to give a speech to the U6 on their Graduation Day last July. I was also nervous, as this was a huge milestone in their young lives and I wanted to find something appropriately inspiring for them to take away.
My top tips, learned over the years, are:
- Try not compare yourself to what other people are doing
- Believe in yourself & trust your instincts
- Take a gap year, find volunteer work & take courses – there is always room for improvement
- Definitely exploit your parents' contacts (I did!)
- Forge relationships and friendships for life
- Love what you do
- And lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Adults generally want to help – as it’s your brilliant, young, questioning minds that will take us forward into the future.
The transition from school to finding one’s career path can be exciting and daunting in equal measures. Life is sometimes about taking a leap of faith and not being afraid to make mistakes or fail, but learning from the experience and trying again. Good luck!
Connect with Li-Da on Headington Connect to learn more about her journey in TV production.