Overview

The Production Manager oversees the logistical and operational side of the MC production process, helping coordinate scheduling, budgeting, staffing, paperwork, equipment planning, and communication across departments. Working closely with producers and assistant directors, the role focuses on ensuring that productions remain organized, properly resourced, and capable of executing the production plan efficiently.

The Production Manager plays a central role in balancing creative goals against practical realities such as time, staffing, safety, transportation, and available resources. Strong production management helps prevent avoidable logistical problems and allows the creative team to focus more fully on the work of production itself. The position also provides students with experience in one of the core organizational leadership roles within professional film and television production workflows.

Pre-Production

• Assist the Producer with any and all logistical needs to prepare for principal photography.
• Supervise the Production Coordinator and delegate tasks as needed.
• Coordinate with department heads to update the Daily Prep Schedule. Then distribute to the crew by 6pm each day of pre-pro.
• Assist the Producer and 1st AD in scheduling the Tech Scout
• Attend the Tech Scout, clocking the crew in & out using the FSUFilm Greenlight timesheet form.
• Prepare Crew Deal Memos for everyone at the production meeting.
• Assist Producer in securing lunches, craft services, volunteers, and extras for all days of shooting.
• Assist Producer in obtaining craft services the night before production.
• Assist the Producer in casting by scheduling and participating in auditions if necessary.
• Prepare and make copies of all the paperwork needed on set. Give to 2nd AD to distribute and collect.
• Oversee the 2nd AD in the creation of the Call Sheet. Once the Production Manager and the 1st AD approve the Call Sheet, map and set diagram, have 2nd AD distribute copies.
• Communicate any changes to the schedule to the 2nd AD to disseminate to the cast and crew.
• Check the weather periodically to monitor adverse conditions. Have a back-up plan.
• Double check every logistical piece of information and make sure nothing has been forgotten.

Production days

Start of day

• Arrive at set FIRST, at least 30 minutes before call time.
• Open and establish contact with location. Record the state and location of things, ground rules.
• Deliver the craft services to the 2nd AD.
• Give the 2nd AD all the paperwork you prepared ahead of time for them to have completed throughout the day.
• When trucks arrive, verify they are parking in the correct place.

Throughout the day

• Make sure everything is going as planned throughout the day, and troubleshoot logistics as needed.

Meals

• Double check with the caterer or restaurant that lunch will be ready on time.
• Pick up lunch and bring it back to set with enough time for the 2nd AD to set it up prior to releasing for lunch.
• During lunch, review the next day’s Call Sheet with the 2nd AD.

End of day

• Collect all the Daily Production Paperwork and media cards from the 2nd AD. Double check for accuracy & completion.
• Give paperwork to Production Coordinator for scanning, filing and delivery.
• Help clean and secure location. Be the LAST TO LEAVE (except perhaps Art Dept). Leave the location better than when you arrived.
• Approve the Daily Production Report and have 2nd AD distribute copies within 2 hours after company wrap.