THE PRODUCTION MANAGER’S JOB
Introduction
A media production manager oversees the logistical, budgetary, and operational aspects of creating video, audio, digital, or multimedia content, bridging creative teams (directors, editors, and writers) with technical and administrative needs to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
Core Responsibilities
Media production managers are in charge of planning the pre-production phase (setting project goals, timelines, and resource allocation), the production phase (scheduling shoots and managing crews and logistics like equipment and locations), and the post-production phase (overseeing editing and final delivery). They manage budgets (tracking expenses, negotiating vendor contracts), ensure compliance (copyright, safety, union rules), and coordinate teams (hiring freelancers, supervising videographers/editors).
Example: For a corporate training video, they assemble a 5-person crew, book studio time for 3 days, secure props/actors, monitor a 1,000,000 budget, and adjust for weather delays on a location shoot.
Daily Tasks with Examples
- Project Coordination: Review briefs, create schedules. Example: Prioritize a client promo video over internal training by shifting editor hours.
- Budget/Procurement: Approve invoices, source gear. Example: Negotiate with rental houses to cut lighting kit costs by 20% for a multi-day event.
- Team Leadership: Brief crews, resolve issues. Example: Direct on-set adjustments during a live stream to fix audio glitches mid-broadcast.
- Quality Control: Review cuts and ensure brand alignment. Example: Flag script revisions pre-shoot to avoid costly reshoots.
- Reporting: Update stakeholders on KPIs like on-time delivery (95% target) or cost variance.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Technical: Proficiency in AV equipment, editing software (Premiere, Final Cut), and production tools (scheduling apps like StudioBinder).
- Leadership: Team motivation and conflict resolution in high-pressure shoots.
- Business: Budgeting, vendor management, client relations.
- Education/Experience: Bachelor’s in film/media/communications; 3-7 years in production roles (assistant PM to PM); certifications in project management (PMP) or safety helpful.
About the Author
