Twenty years in the business, Constantin Preda has worked on projects for Nickelodeon, Disney, Spike TV, MTV, VH1, CMT, Golf Channel, Discovery, HGTV, and Animal Planet, among others. He has worked as an assistant director, location scout, casting director, series producer, show producer, field producer, production manager, production coordinator, talent coordinator, media coordinator, stage manager, and TV show pilot developer. FULL BIO.
For seven seasons, five days a week, I worked as the production coordinator for Nickelodeon’s Slimetime Live, a daily, live, interstitial TV show that typically ran in 4-hour blocks between regular afternoon programming. I discovered in that position that the Production Manager is the end goal.
The majority of the crew will typically be hired shortly after the director, and the production manager will be in charge of creating and managing the budget, scheduling the entire shoot, organizing shoot days, leading crucial meetings, and overseeing the time cards each week to ensure that the crew is paid the correct straight time, overtime, and possible meal penalties.
Beyond budgeting and logistics planning, the most crucial skill set a production manager should possess is therapy. Everyone on the crew will approach the production manager with every single issue, including crew grievances, scheduling conflicts, logistical fires, and payroll issues.
The ability to listen and weigh options when a request is made is the strongest skill a line producer can have. We’ve all encountered Line Producers who, without giving the request any thought or carefully examining the budget numbers, responded to a reasonable production request with a reflexive “No, we don’t have the budget for that.” ”.
This type of response, which is very typical, in my opinion does the production and the individual the Line Producer is speaking with a disservice. A line producer who can listen to a crew member’s request, take into account the request and the reason behind it, and then respond in a way that is best for the production, in my opinion, goes a long way towards fostering a positive production crew environment. ”.
”A strong LP is derivative of investment. Without financial or emotional commitment, a line producer is akin to a PA with a laptop (of course, I mean no offense). Because of this, I’ve always been adamantly opposed to labeling LPs as the “numbers and logistics guy.” Even though an invested LP can be a production’s greatest asset, they are frequently not treated equally at the producer table. LPs have the power to make or break shows. ”.
I’ve had the pleasure of serving as a production coordinator for Nickelodeon, Spike TV, and a number of commercials for brands like Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Sears, as was previously mentioned. The position of Production Coordinator (PC) was where I gained the most knowledge of what it takes to effectively oversee a production.
There should be nothing above or below a strong PC. The PC is the lieutenant if the Production Manager is the general. They collaborate, with the PC assisting the PM in almost every aspect of production. The PC is particularly concerned with the schedule, time cards, travel, day-to-day operations, and taking important vendor calls and emails. From pre-production through production, the PC keeps things under control and organized.
Film Production Management
Responsibilities for film production managers
Managers of the film production process take part actively in every stage of the shooting process. The following are some of the main duties of a film production manager role:
What is film production management?
The various stages of film production are planned, monitored, and facilitated as part of film production management. Production managers oversee and control the activities, resources, workers, and logistics associated with a project. In order to guarantee the success of a project and maintain a production goal that is attainable, a production manager may implement decisions and materials like shooting schedules, production budgets, and crew assignments.
Work environments of film production managers
Film production managers must be adaptable because they work in a constantly changing environment. People who like working in dynamic, varied environments might think about a career in film production. Elements of a film production work environment include:
Skills for film production managers
A high level of experience and expertise are necessary for the position of film production manager. You can hone your abilities and acquire the required credentials by having knowledge of the film industry and soft skills that are relevant to the position. The following are some of the essential qualifications needed to work as a film production manager:
How to become a film production manager
Following these four steps will help you become a production manager for movies:
1. Earn a degree
Typically, a Bachelor of Art degree is the minimum educational requirement for the position of film production manager. The specific degree and field of study can vary, but popular topics include theater, media studies, art management, communications, and film. These educational programs offer the fundamental competencies and practical knowledge used by managers of film production.
2. Gain experience
Film production managers have extensive knowledge of and experience with the film and production industries. Senior industry professionals are hired by studios and directors as managers to ensure smooth production and assured decision-making. Before being given consideration for a production management position, you can develop and demonstrate your skills by working in other capacities, such as as a production assistant or member of a film crew.
3. Make contacts
Film industries, for example, frequently rely on networks, contacts, and connections. Attending conferences, filming locations, and events gives you the chance to network with other industry professionals. By keeping in touch and networking with others, one increases their chances of being hired for projects and positions.
4. Consider a union or guild
Many film sets establish union work environments. All crew members are required by these productions and studios to become members of the Directors Guild of America (DGA). Proof of employment with a union production and endorsement from a council with expertise in your line of work are requirements for DGA membership. By becoming a member of a group like the DGA, you can demonstrate your credentials and set yourself apart from other applicants and production managers.
FAQ
What are the 5 stages of film production?
- 1. Development. The development stage is the first step in film production.
- Pre-production. You’ll create a production company and establish a production office once you receive permission to begin the pre-production phase.
- Production. …
- Post-production. …
- Distribution.
How do I become a film production manager?
A person must first work as an assistant director or production director before becoming a film production manager. Although a degree in film and media is not required, prior work experience in the film and advertising industries is crucial for landing this position.
What do film managers do?
In film and television productions, production managers coordinate the business, financial, and employment issues. You would oversee how the production budget is used and ensure that everything goes as planned while filming as a production manager.
What is the study of film production?
The academic field of film studies examines various theoretical, historical, and critical perspectives on cinema as a form of art and a medium. It is frequently compared to television studies and occasionally included in media studies.
