Television production manager careers have responsibility for the scheduling and budgeting of a television production. The manager tries to understand the vision of each programs director they work with and interprets this vision into what is required both in terms of logistics and finance. The television production manager will schedule scripts to make sure that enough time has been allocated for each aspect of the program.
Television production has not escaped the revolution and efficiency that computers have brought to the modern day work environment. You can now use specialized computer software that can help with the decision making on different angles of each production. For instance, drama productions often use Movie Magic which is an application that can inform you of how many actors you need, an outline of the skills the actors that you need for the role, what days you need which actors based on the production calendar for the program, the requirements for different sites when you have a set that is running from different locations etcetera.
When working within a larger broadcasting organization, the production manager must liaise closely with other departments to make sure that whatever input and resources that requires other departments is made available so that the program can run with minimal or no hitches. The manager may need to prepare daily which detail every aspect of the day's shooting schedule to enable detailed monitoring of budgets and resources used.
Anyone looking for production manager employment must also be prepared to deal with contingencies as they arise during any part of the production and implement alternative plans where deemed necessary. Production manager careers are involved with the health and safety issues as well as the preparation of contracts with actors and members of the production crew that may not be full time staff. They must also be good communicators as the job requires one to work closely with people of varying temperaments and personality types. The manager must demonstrate competence in problem solving, sensitivity, diplomacy, financial aptitude and organizational skills.
Since a production manager role is not an entry level position, one would normally have to work in lower cadre positions in order to gain the requisite hands on experience that the job demands so that they can be able to execute the role effectively. Some of the jobs that may be precursors to production manager employment include assistant directors, assistant floor managers, floor managers and production assistants. Undergoing professional training in production is a good way to fast track one to a production manager employment.
The production manager must have at least the basic knowledge of the technical requirements needed to produce television programs. These technical aspects include lighting, cameras, sound and editing. They also need to have the basic understanding of not only the licenses required for each production but also the process one needs to go through in order to obtain the licenses. Some of these licenses may be general that are applicable to a production short in any part of the country whereas others would relate to a specific area such as a state or county. Two key areas that the manager must be aware of and make sure the production is adequately covered for are indemnity and liability. Working knowledge on union laws governing the work environment including working hours is also vital.
Even though not mandatory, a degree in a media related subject may be advantageous for persons looking at production manager careers. However, even a basic degree in humanities and arts is adequate. The skill necessary for actual production work can be acquired by attending production manager workshops and seminars. Courses that also cover the software applications that one can use for production are great as they help you to become multi skilled and more adapted for a real work environment.
