How to be a Good Production Manager

The skills that you bring with you to the film set can make a world of difference in whether you provide true value to your team or simply “help out” on occasion. The contributions of the film crew, including writers, editors, directors, actors and other members of the production process ultimately define the success, or failure, of a film project.

A film production manager ensures that all of these resources come together for a successful video production. We’re showing you how to be a good production manager and make the most out of the resources you have.

Production Manager Responsibilities

The key to being a good production manager is to understand how your work contributes to the finished project. The steps that you take during pre-production and production not only ensure that the project goes as planned, but also that the team is successful in their efforts.

Production manager responsibilities include:

• Oversight of the location scouting to ensure arrangements are made to secure locations that are ideal for the shoot.
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• Production of a shoot schedule that outlines appropriate balance of cast and crew resources to ensure all members are available, on location, as needed.
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• Creation of a budget that will be used to define costs associated with personnel, location use, and any equipment necessary for the production.
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• The hiring of resources such as crews and suppliers that will support the production.
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• Coordination of transportation of crew to the film location as well as coordination of secured housing (room and board) for the film crew when traveling for a shoot.
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• Accounting for all items that are purchased or added to the budget to ensure the production does not deviate from what has been approved.
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• Location permitting and ensuring that cast and crew follow local ordinances to prevent any halts in production.
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• Development of daily production report which outlines the result of the daily shoot and any deviations from the original plan.

Skills of A Good Production Manager

A good production manager can multitask like a  champ and has exemplary organizational skills. These film crew members are some of the most dedicated and understanding individuals on the set.

In fact, production managers often work their way into the role after several years gradually climbing the corporate ladder working in other areas of film production. The ability to effectively handle the various responsibilities of a film production manager is absolutely necessary.

One must possess the following essential skills:

• Strong organization and ability to multitask and oversee several projects as well as visualize how all moving parts come together on the film set.
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• Strong budgeting and accounting skills in order to appropriately allocate funds to the various needs of the project and reconcile any potential discrepancies or changes in the budget along the way.
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• Strong communication skills and an empathetic ability to listen to others while communicating the needs of the production to those inside the film crew and outside such as local government or authorities.
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• Ability to quickly understand local laws and regulations regarding health and safety, insurance, billing, human resources, contracts and labor relations.
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• Working network of contacts throughout the industry in order to secure supplies and personnel as needed to ensure the production doesn’t face any hiccups.
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• Vast knowledge of production and the various roles associated with a career in film.