Production Administrator
The production manager carries the feasibility or otherwise of an audiovisual production on his or her shoulders
It is responsible for overseeing the deployment of the financial, human and technical resources needed to ensure the success of the project.
Here’s what you need to know about his tasks, training and skills, among other information.
Role and missions
The production administrator, who works closely with the production manager, is responsible for ensuring that the artistic project is feasible, that regulations and working conditions are respected and that the necessary finances are available to see it through to completion in post-production.
Together with the production manager, they will estimate the total cost of the production and the cash flow required.
Before each shoot, they draw up a weekly budget, which they must respect while maintaining good relations with suppliers.
On set, he prepares the pay slips, ensures that each contract is respected and budgets for shooting allowances (canteen, social security contributions, overheads, etc.).
At the end of the shoot, he submits a detailed report of all expenses incurred.
Diplomas and training
To become a production manager, you need to have in-depth knowledge of the audiovisual world and good managerial skills. You need a solid background in audiovisual production, with a focus on post-production, and the three-year course offered by the CinéCréatis school is just what you need.
Skills and qualities required
To become a production administrator, you need a solid knowledge of all aspects of audiovisual production, as well as accounting, law and finance.
As a versatile professional, you will be able to juggle tedious office work (labour law, authors’ rights, salary processing, production company management, etc.) with direct contact with the film crew in the field.
A lover of figures, they must be able to manage stress and have excellent interpersonal skills.
Careers and career opportunities
To become a production administrator, it is advisable to start out as a production assistant, assistant director or even sound assistant. These are careers that allow you to learn more about the nuts and bolts of audiovisual production.
Production administrators can specialise in a particular type of production (cinema, television, series shooting, etc.) so that they have a thorough understanding of the specifics of a particular area of production.
