Job Description - Clare

Production Manager : Job description

The Production Manager is involved with the planning, coordination and control of the production processes.

The Production Manager ensures that the product is produced efficiently. It is their responsibility to ensure production is on schedule and within budget.

The scope of the job depends on the nature of the production: Film, News Report, TV Drama, Documentary, One off Special, Light Entertainment as well as the nature of the industry: TV, Film, Web Design, Graphic Design, Corporate Video, Brand Development.

Black and Pink Productions are involved in several types of production, adding to the complexity of the job. Our Production Manager is responsible for both human and material resources.

Typical work activities

Tasks typically involve:

·         overseeing the production process, drawing up a production schedule;

·         ensuring that the production is cost effective;

·         making sure that products are produced on time and are of good quality;

·         working out the human and material resources needed;

·         drafting a timescale for the job;

·         estimating costs and setting the quality standards;

·         monitoring the production processes and adjusting schedules as needed;

·         being responsible for the selection and maintenance of equipment;

·         liaising among different departments, e.g. Heads of Departments, Designers, Clients,
        Directors (1st ADs on larger productions), Human Resources, Union Representatives,
        Cast and their representatives.

·         ensuring that health and safety guidelines are followed;

·         supervising and motivating a team of workers

Our Production Manager is involved in both the pre-production (planning) stage, production and post-production stage. A large part of production management involves dealing with people.  Production Managers are also involved with product design and purchasing. We are a small firm and Production Manager may have to make many of the decisions yourself, but on larger productions we may appoint Executives, Producers, Operations Managers, Accountants, Engineers, and Production Assistants who will offer both guidance and assistance.

Essential knowledge and skills

Production Managers must have highly developed communication skills, and be able to work effectively with all members of the production team, and with actors, other contributors, and members of the public. The Production Manager needs to understand the technical processes involved in production as well as know how to ensure that all the necessary licences and clearances have been obtained, and how to comply with regulations relating to liability and indemnity.

Production Managers should have up-to-date working knowledge of the relevant UK union and/or broadcaster regulations and agreements and the legal requirements regarding working hours, driving hours and the duty of care towards personnel. The Production Manager should also know how to access information about, and comply with, corresponding regulations and agreements in other countries.

Key Skills include:

·                     initiative and problem solving skills;

·                     diplomacy and sensitivity;

·                     resourcefulness and the ability to troubleshoot;

·                     advanced analytical skills;

·                     budgeting and financial skills;

·                     excellent verbal and written communication skills;

·                     precise attention to detail and methodical approach to work;

·                     excellent organisational abilities;

·                     ability to conceptualise ideas;

·                     IT skills, and knowledge of the relevant computer packages;

·                     current knowledge of the relevant legislation, regulations, and associated 
                       procedures, including Copyright, Data Protection, Public Liability, etc. and how to
                       comply with regulatory requirements;

·                     knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and
                       procedures.

Training and qualifications

Current Health & Safety and First Aid qualifications are essential for the role of Production Manager.  A degree in a media related or specialist subject may provide some useful background information.  Wide experience in, and knowledge of, the production process and relevant IT software is essential.  Successful completion of specialist courses in Production Management is desirable but not essential.