Production Manager

Mercury Filmworks•Ottawa, ON

About The Position

The Production Manager (PM) owns the production schedule, crew estimates, and the timing and logistics around the deployment of those valuable human resources. Their work is intimately interwoven with the creative responsibilities carried by the director (or lead creative personnel) and the two must work as a team. They are a hands-on professional that has an intimate knowledge of the production pipeline and the people in it. This position reports to the Line Producer unless otherwise specified and is typically involved in one production at a time, depending on scope and the individual’s ability to multi-task. In collaboration with and at the direction of the Line Producer and Director of Production at the beginning of a project, they will conduct a detailed analysis on the creative requirements and build it into a set of assumptions, a schedule, and a staffing plan. Thereafter they will reassess the needs of the production on a weekly basis and communicate with both internal and external stakeholders. The PM works closely with the Line Producer, Director of Production and Supervisors (and any other key people) to build effective solutions to all circumstances that threaten the production schedule. The PM works on projects of different scopes and complexities and plays a pivotal role in preventing problems and enabling innovation. Considering the number of people that they interact with, the production manager is a key player in building and sustaining a healthy and positive company culture.

Requirements

At least 3 years or a minimum of 3 productions in a production management position.
Proactive, solution oriented, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Professional maturity with ability to handle sensitive information.
Collaborative with leadership skills to mentor & manage PCs and PAs.
Deep understanding of animation processes and ability to problem solve across all aspects of production.
Strong aptitude for scheduling with ability to identify priority tasks.
Comfortable working to tight deadlines with a calm manner in a fast-paced & high pressure Environment.
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Suites and various management software such as Shotgrid.
Knowledge of Agile Development methodologies.

Nice To Haves

Accountability
Communication
Solution Focus
Big Picture
Proactive
Teamwork & Collaboration
Grow & Develop mindset
Service
Work Smart
The Line Producer, Production Coordinator, management level artists, and department leads in the production feel confident and supported by the PM.
Ability to mentor and guide the production coordinators and assistants
The assigned production runs on schedule

Responsibilities

Direct and manage Production Coordinators and Assistants in gathering critical data from the various departments.
Update schedules and provide a summary analysis to the Line Producer.
As required, collaborate with Line Producer to complete financial data for accounting.
Undertake both mid-production analysis and ‘Ex Post Facto’ (formerly the Post Mortem).
Work with the Line Producer, Director of Production, and the Talent Acquisition Team to cast talent according to the needs of the production.
Make tactical decisions around the deployment of human power or talent to improve the effectiveness of the pipeline on their production(s).
When necessary, escalate issues to the Line Producer with the intent to collaborate on a solution rather than pass ownership.
Manage and optimize the workflow by meeting regularly with the various departments to discover and drive improvements in process and methodology.
Track the production’s key milestones, productivity and deliverables (including marketing material), starting with a read through of the relevant PSA sections with the production management team.
Exercise leadership, collaborative behavior, and effective communication skills to ensure that all crew members understand their assignments and what is needed of them for the production to remain healthy and efficient.
Monitor tracking systems and overseeing PC’s work.
Cooperate with various stakeholders in the organization and other production teams.
As requested, support the Line Producer and Director of Production in strategy planning for potential projects; creating schedules & assumptions based on creative materials and data from previous productions.
In collaboration with the Line Producer, ensure that all decisions are made in the best interest of the budget and estimated final costs are thought out and forecasted.
In collaboration with the Line Producer, update the budget trackers as needed including producing timesheets.
Participate in other financial workflows including but not limited to processing contractor and post house invoices and generating retakes estimates.
Engage with Movie Magic Budgeting as required.
Various other duties as the Line Producer assigns them.