Film job profiles/production co-ordinator
Production Co-ordinators are directly responsible to the Line Producer and Production Manager for scheduling and co-ordinating the communications and day-to-day workings of the whole production team. They co-ordinate the crew, maintain the purchase order log, make sure paperwork is completed and filed, answer the telephone, and ensure that nothing is overlooked. Production Co-ordinators also produce new versions of the script as changes are made. Because they are most responsible for the day-to-day workings of the production office, Production Co-ordinators must work very long hours, particularly in the final week before the start of principal photography. Employment is usually on a freelance basis.
Responsibilities
Production Co-ordinators run the production office according to the guidelines set out by the Production Manager. The role is entirely office based. Production Co-ordinators manage the production office and are left in charge of it whenever the Production Manager is on set. Production Co-ordinators typically perform the following duties during the different phases of production:
· Pre-production - Production Co-ordinators are responsible for setting up the Production Office and for ordering equipment and supplies; they co-ordinate travel, accommodation, work permits, and visas for cast and crew; and they prepare and distribute shooting schedules, crew and cast lists, scripts and script revisions. They also assist with ordering and collecting equipment, and booking personnel, once the Production Manager has negotiated acceptable terms. Production Co-ordinators organise and process the paperwork related to insurance cover for action vehicles, rental cars, office equipment, etc.
· Production - Production Co-ordinators are responsible for preparing, updating and distributing crew lists, daily progress reports, script changes, call sheets and movement orders. They must ensure that transportation needs are communicated to the transport captain, or to unit drivers. They organise the use of courier and shipping companies, co-ordinate the shipment of film and tape to and from various laboratories, and make arrangements for the movement of props and costumes, and other equipment.
· 'Wrap' - As the shoot draws to an end, Production Co-ordinators assist the Production Manager to "wrap" the production by closing accounts with suppliers, returning surplus stock, tying up all loose ends, and ensuring that office files are stored safely, and in a suitable format, so that information can be easily accessed by other personnel when required.
Depending on the size of the production, Production Co-ordinators may delegate tasks to one or more Assistant Production Co-ordinators, and to a number of Production Runners.
Skills
This role can be stressful, particularly during the last week of pre-production. Production Co-ordinators must therefore have strong multi-tasking abilities, be good team players and be able to work calmly under pressure and without constant supervision. They need to be hardworking and efficient, and must have excellent organisational and communication skills. They need a very good understanding of the film making process, and of the different phases of production. Specific production skills often required include identifying and negotiating copyright issues, and assisting with daily financial control. Production Co-ordinators must be highly computer literate, with excellent secretarial, word processing and e-mail abilities. They should have a good knowledge of Health & Safety regulations, and may be required to help conduct an assessment of risks in the workplace.
Qualifications/Experience
No specific degree in Production Co-ordination is currently available. The progression route to the role of Production Co-ordinator on a film is usually through the roles of Production Runner and Assistant Production Co-ordinator; however complementary experience in TV, advertising or in general office management is an advantage. Production Co-ordinators should also consider undertaking Health & Safety courses. A full clean EU driving license is often required.
Responsibilities
Production Co-ordinators run the production office according to the guidelines set out by the Production Manager. The role is entirely office based. Production Co-ordinators manage the production office and are left in charge of it whenever the Production Manager is on set. Production Co-ordinators typically perform the following duties during the different phases of production:
· Pre-production - Production Co-ordinators are responsible for setting up the Production Office and for ordering equipment and supplies; they co-ordinate travel, accommodation, work permits, and visas for cast and crew; and they prepare and distribute shooting schedules, crew and cast lists, scripts and script revisions. They also assist with ordering and collecting equipment, and booking personnel, once the Production Manager has negotiated acceptable terms. Production Co-ordinators organise and process the paperwork related to insurance cover for action vehicles, rental cars, office equipment, etc.
· Production - Production Co-ordinators are responsible for preparing, updating and distributing crew lists, daily progress reports, script changes, call sheets and movement orders. They must ensure that transportation needs are communicated to the transport captain, or to unit drivers. They organise the use of courier and shipping companies, co-ordinate the shipment of film and tape to and from various laboratories, and make arrangements for the movement of props and costumes, and other equipment.
· 'Wrap' - As the shoot draws to an end, Production Co-ordinators assist the Production Manager to "wrap" the production by closing accounts with suppliers, returning surplus stock, tying up all loose ends, and ensuring that office files are stored safely, and in a suitable format, so that information can be easily accessed by other personnel when required.
Depending on the size of the production, Production Co-ordinators may delegate tasks to one or more Assistant Production Co-ordinators, and to a number of Production Runners.
Skills
This role can be stressful, particularly during the last week of pre-production. Production Co-ordinators must therefore have strong multi-tasking abilities, be good team players and be able to work calmly under pressure and without constant supervision. They need to be hardworking and efficient, and must have excellent organisational and communication skills. They need a very good understanding of the film making process, and of the different phases of production. Specific production skills often required include identifying and negotiating copyright issues, and assisting with daily financial control. Production Co-ordinators must be highly computer literate, with excellent secretarial, word processing and e-mail abilities. They should have a good knowledge of Health & Safety regulations, and may be required to help conduct an assessment of risks in the workplace.
Qualifications/Experience
No specific degree in Production Co-ordination is currently available. The progression route to the role of Production Co-ordinator on a film is usually through the roles of Production Runner and Assistant Production Co-ordinator; however complementary experience in TV, advertising or in general office management is an advantage. Production Co-ordinators should also consider undertaking Health & Safety courses. A full clean EU driving license is often required.
