Navigating the Complexities of Production with Noble
Sep 25, 2025
Andrew Hatling's Journey with Saturation.io
In the dynamic landscape of production, efficient budget management and streamlined operations are crucial for success. Andrew Hatling, a seasoned Executive Producer (EP) with a rich background in production, shares his journey of founding Noble, a production company that has successfully navigated the challenges of production management and budgeting.
The Challenge - Spreadsheets Don’t Scale
Andrew's career has taken him from directing in LA to working in ad agencies in New York and Minneapolis. Despite this diverse experience, a persistent issue was the inefficiency of traditional budgeting methods. Andrew recalls, emphasizing the tedious and inefficient nature of manual tracking and estimating. He explains, "Sending over a spreadsheet just isn't really a sexy thing to a client for a production company - [if we’re] calling ourselves creative… hopefully [we’re] bringing that through everything we do”.
Andrew Hatling, Founder & EP at Noble
The Search for Solutions
Determined to find a better way, Andrew explored various tools. "There's gotta be a better method out here," he thought, leading him to discover Saturation. Initially, it was a leap of faith. "I came across Saturation a few years ago, it was like really, really close," he remembers. However, at first using a new tool for him and his team was a challenge.
He highlights “When I saw it, was like, ⁓ this is like a very, very new thing, which would maybe a little bit apprehensive. And maybe that's part of it too. Is this a reliable tool?”. However, after trying it out Andrew saw that it started to make sense. He states “When you get into it, it starts to really make sense”. Despite initial apprehensions, Andrew and his team became early adopters, recognizing the unlocked potential.
“We Are The Light” for MN Aurora FC, 2024
The Transformation - Budgeting From Pitch to Wrap
The adoption of Saturation marked a significant turning point. "Once we started getting into it, adapting to it a bit, it became a lot easier," Andrew notes. The tool streamlined processes, reducing reliance on error-prone spreadsheets and integrating seamlessly with other systems like QuickBooks.
When asked about the difference between Saturation and other tools, Andrew answered, "Day and Night - From UI, just the user experience of it, aesthetically it just looks a lot less clunky," he explains. He adds on “...talking about Movie Magic and [tools] like that, I don't think anyone loves that software and everyone has plenty of things they'll complain about with it. And that alone was a reason for me to avoid the plague, I did not want to get into the mess of that.”
“Introducing: EVERSE8” for Electro-Voice, 2021
He explained that just because a tool was used for a while doesn’t mean it has to be used forever. He advises producers, “some tools feel like you're stuck in the nineties using them. And there's really no reason why you need to do that when there's tools out there to fix it. Andrew discussed how there may be fear that newer tools won’t measure up to standards for the industry. However, he assures producers by clarifying “what's nice about saturation is it still allows you to have all the formatting we're used to and that clients are going to expect in terms of having your categories and being easy to read and recognize and go into detail of, but then solve some of the many issues with it.” The hardest step is getting that switch powered on and the rest saves time, money, and headaches.
“Recruit a Friend” for HealthPartners, 2023
Usage and Global Reach
Andrew reflects Saturation's global capabilities allow production teams to collaborate seamlessly across borders, while its offline functionality ensures that work can continue uninterrupted, even in remote locations. He explains “...being able to issue those cards, have them be virtual, not having to mail stuff or, try to meet up and exchange cash ahead of time…It's been super nice. And then having it automatically logged. That's been really, really cool [and] a huge evolution.”
“The Soul of the Prairie” for PRAIRIE, 2024
Looking Ahead - More Efficiency, Fewer Tools
For Andrew, the dream is to consolidate tools and increase efficiency. "Everything with running a business is about being more efficient, using less tools and having those tools do more work," he emphasizes. The evolution of Saturation continues to impress, with each iteration bringing new features that align with Andrew's vision for the future.
“Pretty Smart” for Walmart, 2024
The Future of Budgeting is Here
Noble's journey underscores the importance of embracing innovative solutions to overcome traditional challenges in production management and budgeting. As Andrew reflects, "You don't have to accept that this stuff has to be clunky and difficult to use." By leveraging cutting-edge tools like Saturation, production companies can streamline operations and enhance their competitive edge.
Andrew Hatling's Journey with Saturation.io
In the dynamic landscape of production, efficient budget management and streamlined operations are crucial for success. Andrew Hatling, a seasoned Executive Producer (EP) with a rich background in production, shares his journey of founding Noble, a production company that has successfully navigated the challenges of production management and budgeting.
The Challenge - Spreadsheets Don’t Scale
Andrew's career has taken him from directing in LA to working in ad agencies in New York and Minneapolis. Despite this diverse experience, a persistent issue was the inefficiency of traditional budgeting methods. Andrew recalls, emphasizing the tedious and inefficient nature of manual tracking and estimating. He explains, "Sending over a spreadsheet just isn't really a sexy thing to a client for a production company - [if we’re] calling ourselves creative… hopefully [we’re] bringing that through everything we do”.
Andrew Hatling, Founder & EP at Noble
The Search for Solutions
Determined to find a better way, Andrew explored various tools. "There's gotta be a better method out here," he thought, leading him to discover Saturation. Initially, it was a leap of faith. "I came across Saturation a few years ago, it was like really, really close," he remembers. However, at first using a new tool for him and his team was a challenge.
He highlights “When I saw it, was like, ⁓ this is like a very, very new thing, which would maybe a little bit apprehensive. And maybe that's part of it too. Is this a reliable tool?”. However, after trying it out Andrew saw that it started to make sense. He states “When you get into it, it starts to really make sense”. Despite initial apprehensions, Andrew and his team became early adopters, recognizing the unlocked potential.
“We Are The Light” for MN Aurora FC, 2024
The Transformation - Budgeting From Pitch to Wrap
The adoption of Saturation marked a significant turning point. "Once we started getting into it, adapting to it a bit, it became a lot easier," Andrew notes. The tool streamlined processes, reducing reliance on error-prone spreadsheets and integrating seamlessly with other systems like QuickBooks.
When asked about the difference between Saturation and other tools, Andrew answered, "Day and Night - From UI, just the user experience of it, aesthetically it just looks a lot less clunky," he explains. He adds on “...talking about Movie Magic and [tools] like that, I don't think anyone loves that software and everyone has plenty of things they'll complain about with it. And that alone was a reason for me to avoid the plague, I did not want to get into the mess of that.”
“Introducing: EVERSE8” for Electro-Voice, 2021
He explained that just because a tool was used for a while doesn’t mean it has to be used forever. He advises producers, “some tools feel like you're stuck in the nineties using them. And there's really no reason why you need to do that when there's tools out there to fix it. Andrew discussed how there may be fear that newer tools won’t measure up to standards for the industry. However, he assures producers by clarifying “what's nice about saturation is it still allows you to have all the formatting we're used to and that clients are going to expect in terms of having your categories and being easy to read and recognize and go into detail of, but then solve some of the many issues with it.” The hardest step is getting that switch powered on and the rest saves time, money, and headaches.
“Recruit a Friend” for HealthPartners, 2023
Usage and Global Reach
Andrew reflects Saturation's global capabilities allow production teams to collaborate seamlessly across borders, while its offline functionality ensures that work can continue uninterrupted, even in remote locations. He explains “...being able to issue those cards, have them be virtual, not having to mail stuff or, try to meet up and exchange cash ahead of time…It's been super nice. And then having it automatically logged. That's been really, really cool [and] a huge evolution.”
“The Soul of the Prairie” for PRAIRIE, 2024
Looking Ahead - More Efficiency, Fewer Tools
For Andrew, the dream is to consolidate tools and increase efficiency. "Everything with running a business is about being more efficient, using less tools and having those tools do more work," he emphasizes. The evolution of Saturation continues to impress, with each iteration bringing new features that align with Andrew's vision for the future.
“Pretty Smart” for Walmart, 2024
The Future of Budgeting is Here
Noble's journey underscores the importance of embracing innovative solutions to overcome traditional challenges in production management and budgeting. As Andrew reflects, "You don't have to accept that this stuff has to be clunky and difficult to use." By leveraging cutting-edge tools like Saturation, production companies can streamline operations and enhance their competitive edge.
Andrew Hatling's Journey with Saturation.io
In the dynamic landscape of production, efficient budget management and streamlined operations are crucial for success. Andrew Hatling, a seasoned Executive Producer (EP) with a rich background in production, shares his journey of founding Noble, a production company that has successfully navigated the challenges of production management and budgeting.
The Challenge - Spreadsheets Don’t Scale
Andrew's career has taken him from directing in LA to working in ad agencies in New York and Minneapolis. Despite this diverse experience, a persistent issue was the inefficiency of traditional budgeting methods. Andrew recalls, emphasizing the tedious and inefficient nature of manual tracking and estimating. He explains, "Sending over a spreadsheet just isn't really a sexy thing to a client for a production company - [if we’re] calling ourselves creative… hopefully [we’re] bringing that through everything we do”.
Andrew Hatling, Founder & EP at Noble
The Search for Solutions
Determined to find a better way, Andrew explored various tools. "There's gotta be a better method out here," he thought, leading him to discover Saturation. Initially, it was a leap of faith. "I came across Saturation a few years ago, it was like really, really close," he remembers. However, at first using a new tool for him and his team was a challenge.
He highlights “When I saw it, was like, ⁓ this is like a very, very new thing, which would maybe a little bit apprehensive. And maybe that's part of it too. Is this a reliable tool?”. However, after trying it out Andrew saw that it started to make sense. He states “When you get into it, it starts to really make sense”. Despite initial apprehensions, Andrew and his team became early adopters, recognizing the unlocked potential.
“We Are The Light” for MN Aurora FC, 2024
The Transformation - Budgeting From Pitch to Wrap
The adoption of Saturation marked a significant turning point. "Once we started getting into it, adapting to it a bit, it became a lot easier," Andrew notes. The tool streamlined processes, reducing reliance on error-prone spreadsheets and integrating seamlessly with other systems like QuickBooks.
When asked about the difference between Saturation and other tools, Andrew answered, "Day and Night - From UI, just the user experience of it, aesthetically it just looks a lot less clunky," he explains. He adds on “...talking about Movie Magic and [tools] like that, I don't think anyone loves that software and everyone has plenty of things they'll complain about with it. And that alone was a reason for me to avoid the plague, I did not want to get into the mess of that.”
“Introducing: EVERSE8” for Electro-Voice, 2021
He explained that just because a tool was used for a while doesn’t mean it has to be used forever. He advises producers, “some tools feel like you're stuck in the nineties using them. And there's really no reason why you need to do that when there's tools out there to fix it. Andrew discussed how there may be fear that newer tools won’t measure up to standards for the industry. However, he assures producers by clarifying “what's nice about saturation is it still allows you to have all the formatting we're used to and that clients are going to expect in terms of having your categories and being easy to read and recognize and go into detail of, but then solve some of the many issues with it.” The hardest step is getting that switch powered on and the rest saves time, money, and headaches.
“Recruit a Friend” for HealthPartners, 2023
Usage and Global Reach
Andrew reflects Saturation's global capabilities allow production teams to collaborate seamlessly across borders, while its offline functionality ensures that work can continue uninterrupted, even in remote locations. He explains “...being able to issue those cards, have them be virtual, not having to mail stuff or, try to meet up and exchange cash ahead of time…It's been super nice. And then having it automatically logged. That's been really, really cool [and] a huge evolution.”
“The Soul of the Prairie” for PRAIRIE, 2024
Looking Ahead - More Efficiency, Fewer Tools
For Andrew, the dream is to consolidate tools and increase efficiency. "Everything with running a business is about being more efficient, using less tools and having those tools do more work," he emphasizes. The evolution of Saturation continues to impress, with each iteration bringing new features that align with Andrew's vision for the future.
“Pretty Smart” for Walmart, 2024
The Future of Budgeting is Here
Noble's journey underscores the importance of embracing innovative solutions to overcome traditional challenges in production management and budgeting. As Andrew reflects, "You don't have to accept that this stuff has to be clunky and difficult to use." By leveraging cutting-edge tools like Saturation, production companies can streamline operations and enhance their competitive edge.
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