Show Production Manager

DNEG; Montreal; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in visual effects is seeking a Show Production Manager to oversee all aspects of production. The role involves managing schedules, client relationships, and team dynamics to ensure successful project execution. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational and leadership skills, with proficiency in industry-standard tools.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing production teams and schedules.
• Strong client relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the overall schedule and manage production teams.
• Ensure clear communication with clients and departments.
• Create and maintain production schedules.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organization

Problem Solving

Tools

Shotgun

Spotfire

Job description

Description

Position at DNEG

Show Production Managers are the heart and soul of a project. They are responsible for managing all aspects of a show and ensuring the successful running of the production. The Show Production Manager (SPM) oversees the overall schedule, maintaining it throughout the project. They handle client relationships extensively and work closely with Heads of Department and the VFX Supervisor to establish clear and efficient methodologies. They are the driving force of the team, actively planning daily work while also looking ahead and seeing the big picture. They ensure the team feels supported and motivated.

Roles and Responsibilities

Technical

• Set up the show in Shotgun
• Establish version zero send procedures
• Configure shots, sequences, and assets in Shotgun
• Collaborate with the Mumbai team to ensure onset data setup
• Implement client send procedures based on client delivery and technical specifications
• Create internal and client weekly reports
• Coordinate with the Shoot department for shoot requirements
• Notify the Editorial team about show details
• Establish technical check procedures

Workflow

• Work with the CPM to define processes and procedures
• Update the show wiki on DNET with documentation for non-standard processes
• Work with the Producer, VFX Supervisor, Heads of CG and Production Processes, and the Central Production Manager to establish asset and shot stages
• Organize initial meetings such as Get Go’s, Methodologies, and Stages

Resourcing

• Communicate show updates to Department Production Managers and Resource Managers
• Maintain open communication with departments through weekly meetings
• Update the schedule weekly, respecting the two-week rule for crew changes
• Use Spotfire to monitor show health and work with DPMs on issues
• Collaborate with DPMs and Department Supervisors to resolve scheduling or crew issues
• Attend meetings with CPM and Resource Manager for show and company updates

Cross-Site

• Establish cross-site processes and communication flow
• Define site responsibilities for material delivery and acceptance
• Ensure clarity in location split and workflow definitions
• Attend and organize cross-site meetings for efficient communication
• Ensure smooth schedule handovers between sites

Team

• Set up production team structure across departments and sequences
• Manage daily team schedules with support from the Production Assistant
• Link team members to the show via email aliases
• Lead, support, and mentor the production team with best practices

Client

• Maintain professional client relationships
• Ensure clients brief the team thoroughly and updates are communicated
• Prioritize and respond to client requests promptly
• Monitor client emails for timely responses
• Communicate schedule or methodology issues to the client through the Producer/VFX Supervisor
• Ensure version zeroes are sent to the client and technical specs are adhered to
• Organize and attend briefing meetings for new briefs or changes
• Send weekly client reports
• Oversee setup and participate in client calls

Schedule

• Create overall schedules outside of Shotgun using bid data
• Develop initial schedules in Shotgun based on client milestones
• Prioritize publishing and editing schedules with Editorial
• Group shots for scheduling efficiency based on likeness and scope
• Assign lookdev and hero shots, group animation shots accordingly
• Import relevant material and verify import accuracy
• Ensure all shots are bid and scheduled properly
• Distribute schedules to Line Producers and Department Coordinators, assisting as needed
• Update the overall schedule health and resolve issues
• Work with supervisors on render farm estimates and ticket prioritization
• Maintain show tasks and update statuses in Shotgun
• Incorporate client notes into schedules and targets
• Conduct target meetings and track progress
• Distribute weekly targets and ensure team adherence
• Manage versioning and playlist organization
• Monitor upstream dependencies and departmental milestones
• Follow best scheduling practices and update workflows as needed
• Perform end-of-show schedule cleanup and archival, and facilitate post mortem

Budget and Overtime

• Report costs to date to the Producer
• Monitor client/internal notes for cost implications and communicate accordingly
• Forecast monthly costs and resource needs with DPMs
• Supervise weekend work organization

The salary range for this full-time position is $85,000 to $100,000, determined by skills, experience, and location. Salary ranges are periodically reviewed and adjusted based on market data.