Audiovisual project manager

The role of the audiovisual project manager

An audiovisual project can take the form of a film, a series, a documentary, an advertising spot, etc. and, more generally, any creation or production involving the use of visual media (images, videos, animation) and sound (music, dialogue, sound effects) with the aim of conveying a message, telling a story or conveying an idea.

In the field of cinema, its missions focus more specifically on film production, through all its stages, from the conception of the cinematographic project to its distribution.

The tasks of an audiovisual project manager are defined as follows

• Analyse the project in advance and plan it in its entirety: stages, deadlines, resources required, etc.

• Draw up a realistic budget and monitor it throughout the project.

• Managing unforeseen financial circumstances.

• Leading and coordinating a multi-disciplinary team of directors, technicians, graphic designers, editors, scriptwriters and other professionals in the field, ensuring that everyone’s tasks run smoothly.

• Manage all stages of production through to post-production, which covers all activities carried out after filming (editing, colour grading, adding special, visual and sound effects, audio mixing, etc.) leading up to the finalisation and broadcast of the project.

• Remaining the central point of contact and ensuring good communication between the various internal players and external service providers (equipment hire companies, set hire companies, post-production companies, casting agencies, legal advisers, distributors, etc.).

The skills and qualities needed to become an audiovisual project manager

This audiovisual profession requires certain essential skills and qualities:

Technical skills, including audiovisual skills

A good understanding of the audiovisual production process is essential if we are to meet the challenges facing the project and communicate more effectively with the various parties involved.

Keep abreast of the latest developments in the audiovisual industry.

An audiovisual watch on the latest technologies is essential to enrich video content and bring innovative ideas to each project.

Method, organisation and rigour

This skill relates to the ability to manage the project as a whole (budget, schedule, team, resources, deadlines, etc.) and to ensure that each stage is completed on time. A project manager must be able to prioritise his tasks, manage his schedule effectively and juggle the various aspects of the project.

Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills

Good communication is the key to effective collaboration. The job requires you to be at ease communicating clearly and precisely with all types of people.

Responsiveness

The audiovisual production industry is subject to many hazards (unforeseen technical events, weather conditions, etc.). A project manager needs to react quickly and find appropriate solutions as quickly as possible.

Stress management

Audiovisual projects with tight deadlines and high stakes generate stress. You have to be able to work under pressure and remain calm whatever the situation.

Know how to delegate

A project manager must be able to coordinate the various technical teams by delegating tasks for which their expertise is recognised.

The ability to unite

Good leadership skills are essential for managing all the project teams.

Which baccalaureate should I choose?

• The Bac STMG (Science and Technology of Management and Administration) is the best option for continuing on to studies leading to a career as a project manager in the audiovisual industry. It enables you to acquire the management skills needed to run a production.

• Alternatively, a Bac S (Science) or Bac ES (Economics and Social Studies) provides an interesting basis for higher education studies geared towards project management.
  
  

Training and qualifications required to become an audiovisual project manager

There are a number of general training courses available for this profession. They vary according to the level of expertise required and the career path desired.

• BTS in audiovisual professions – Production management option. Training in 2 years (final level of studies Bac +2).

• Training leading to professional qualifications and certification as an Audiovisual and Film Production Designer. This course covers all the disciplines involved in cinema, and provides all the skills needed in audiovisual and film design.

• BUT (Bachelor of Technology) Multimedia and Internet professions (MMI), which trains professionals in the design and production of communication products and services using digital technologies.

• Professional degree in audiovisual project management. On completion of this course, graduates will be able to draw up estimates, put together funding applications or draw up programmes and production contracts. This specialised degree deals specifically with project management in the audiovisual sector, particularly in production, distribution and post-production.

• Masters in audiovisual project management. This course aims to deepen knowledge of project management, while offering a specialisation in the audiovisual sector. It is often offered by business schools, universities or specialist film and audiovisual schools.

Film schools such as CinéCréatis offer a complete course in audiovisual professions. Among the options available from the second year, one is particularly geared towards project management, team management and production.

What does an audiovisual project manager earn?

Average starting salary

At the start of your career, your gross salary will be between €30,000 and €34,000 a year.

Average experienced salary

The gross salary of experienced professionals varies between €47,000 and €50,000 a year.

Possible career paths

Career prospects and development are fairly varied. An experienced project manager may apply for a position as :

Production manager

You will oversee the entire audiovisual production process. They study the feasibility of the project and control all aspects (artistic, technical, logistical, financial, regulatory, legal, editorial and commercial aspects).

Production manager

He/she oversees all the productions of a production company or studio, manages larger budgets and takes important strategic decisions.

Producer

With experience, this audiovisual professional can move into the role of producer. They will be responsible for the design and management of audiovisual or film projects, from fundraising to distribution.

Digital or multimedia strategy manager

As the sector evolves and digital platforms become more powerful, project managers may move into positions where the management of digital strategy, web content or interactive projects is a central part of their work.

Setting up a production agency

Finally, some project managers choose to set up their own production company or agency, where they can manage projects independently while developing a team.

Sectors and companies that recruit

As the audiovisual field is fairly broad, project managers will find many opportunities for employment in different sectors, such as :

• The film and television industry, via production companies. Production and post-production agencies are looking for this type of profile to manage the various stages of production: scriptwriting, filming, editing, colour grading, etc.
  
  

• The music industry is also looking for AV project managers to produce music videos, film concerts or manage audiovisual content for artists and labels.

• Advertising, communications and digital marketing agencies to create, manage and distribute video content for advertising campaigns, institutional films and corporate communications projects.

• Various media (TV, radio, online press, streaming platforms) to manage the production of video or audio content, whether for broadcasts, series, documentaries or digital content.

• Companies specialising in events, particularly those organising trade fairs, conferences, concerts, festivals or corporate events. They recruit project managers to manage the audiovisual production of these events (live broadcasts, video capture, etc.).

• Innovative start-ups in the field of digital content creation also recruit project managers to coordinate the production of creative content.