Production Manager Case Study : Lisa Faulkner

A case study provided by Lisa Faulkner, a Production Manager listed on Film and TV Pro.

To learn more about Lisa Faulkner you can view their full CV here.

Question 1: What is the most rewarding aspect of working as a Production Manager?

Seeing all the hard work you and your team have put in, be pulled off in the completion of the production.

Question 2: What are the key skills required to be an effective Production Manager?

Organisation and communication skills are key. You have to be able to juggle lots of things at the same time and be confident in what you are doing.

Question 3: Do you see your role as a natural step on a career ladder, and if so what is the next rung?

Yes definitely. If you work hard there is alwaysroom to improve and move up in your career. I would hope to eventually become a producer.

Question 4: How did you work your way into your current role?

I have been lucky to work at a relatively small production company. I started as a production assistant 4 years ago and have managed to work my way up through the productions we have produced.

Question 5: How much do you think networking helps towards landing a job in the industry?

Networking is very important. If you have a way in, it does help. If you do well on a production you will be remembered for all your efforts and people will want to work with you again or you will be reccommended to others.

Question 6: Do you think you will be working in the industry in the next five years, and if so in what capacity?

I hope so. It's an industry I love and have worked so hard to be involved in. With the current climate and broadcasters not having the money to spend, it does make you worry that jobs are limited, but I hope to have worked up to a Producer by then.

Question 7: Please describe what a typical day working as a Production Manager might contain?

Every day is so different for me. Maninly working on travel expeditions means I liaise with fixers every day to get updates. I will update my budget to make sure I am on track and I monitor any appications that have to be made like visas, film permits, vaccinations. I meet with the crew to ensure all their equipment requirments are set up or on order.

Question 8: Have you done any additional training courses to further your career?

I have taken a first aid course, which is important for the PM to do. I also did an Introduction to Production Management course when I was stepping up from production coordinator, just to give me an overview of responsibilities involved.

Question 9: How important is working for free at the beginning of your career?

It's important to get as much experience as possible to show you are willing, adn for new starters to get an idea of which area of media they want to work in. Sometimes you have to take work for free, but don't let comapnies take advantage.

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