Production managers have a good understanding about all of the roles within a studio setting. They are deadline driven, detail-oriented, and great communicators. They don’t generally perform any of the tactical production work but they may be client-facing. Their main job is to oversee the project details, workflow approval processes, and more.
What does a Production Manager do, typically?
Product managers must be adept at organization, prioritization and careful planning to successfully achieve production goals. Their daily responsibilities may include:
- Reviewing daily schedules of the creative team
- Developing project briefs and ensuring the briefs are effectively distributed
- Being the main point of contact for all production talent
- Ensuring the best use of existing and future resource management in the studio
- Managing the studio’s production budget – including freelance support
- Planning and managing the execution of production projects from beginning to end
- Working with brand managers and/or senior staff to collect deadlines, budgets, objectives, etc.
Misconceptions about Production Managers
Many people think production management is all about scheduling, but the reality is that project management is so much more than administrative work; it takes a very specific type of personality and skill set to continuously pull off projects successfully.
Production managers must be able to understand the scope of the work, the deliverables, the satisfaction of stakeholders and they have to not just deliver on-time, but make sure things are done in the right way to ensure successful projects.
Important metrics for a Production Manager
Customer/client satisfaction
The quality of a piece delivered from production and it’s success rate with clients and/or customers.
Return on Investment
The dollar amount earned for the amount invested in a project, including time.
Schedule Variance
The pattern of whether production runs ahead or behind schedule.
Productivity
In essence, this is the units of input compared with the units of output so the relation between both can be improved.
