Head of Production – Commercials and Branded

Context:

Pulse Films is a next-generation studio that develops, creates, and finances films irrespective of format or platform spanning across Film, TV (both Scripted and Non-Fiction), Commercials, Music, and talent management.

Role:

The Head of Production is a crucial role working within Pulse Films’ Commercials and Branded Division in the USA as a primary production point of contact across Pulse’s projects. You will be responsible for budgets, schedules, union compliance and overall production department workflow. You will be liaising externally with Ad Agencies, Brands, Unions, and Crew while also working closely internally with Production Executives, Directors, Legal, Business Affairs, Finance, and Production & Post-Production Teams. Representing Pulse Films in the Production Community will also be an integral element of the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage workflow and workload of the staff producers and freelance bidders when pitching on projects.
• Track all Pulse Films projects in every stage: pitch, production, wrap. Having a general knowledge of what is in the works at all times.
• Supporting EPs, Staff Producers, and Freelance Bidders in bid strategy, including approach, countries to explore, service companies to partner with, etc.
• Bid jobs when necessary.
• Track active productions for protection of margin, working budget submissions, union compliance, and legal agreement approvals (including location contracts, deal memos, DOT coordination, etc)
• Business Affairs management. Preliminarily review bid specs, contracts, and other industry specific documents to point out any conflicts or watch-outs. Escalate to MD, Head of Finance & Operations, or Counsel when necessary
• Manage workflow of the staff production manager and coordinator
• Train production manager, coordinator, and department assistant in production processes in order to facilitate their professional growth
• Attend AICP roundtables and other industry and production specific gatherings to ensure a current understanding of key challenges and how to handle as well as to facilitate a strong peer group resource center for questions and comparative inquiries
• Identify and manage diversity & inclusion initiatives with MD.

Key Skills and Experience

• Minimum 5 years Commercial Production experience in a Senior Production role (for example Production Manager, Line Producer, Bidding Producer, HOP) in US Commercials.
• Understanding of AICP guidelines, major unions and their agreements, guilds, contractual terms and deal structures in the US market
• Have and maintain a large network of high-quality crew, vendor, and global production service partners
• Able to bid for commercial union projects domestically and globally
• Able to work through working budget and actuals with production teams
• Ability to handle multiple projects and conflicting demands/deadlines
• Must have a flexible and adaptable skillset, able to see the big picture while working with executives and in house production & accounting team.
• Able to use good sense and initiative at all times
• Ability to manage both large and small scale productions with the same level of attention
• Ability to communicate clearly, prioritise tasks and work under pressure
• On-set problem solving ability is essential
• Must be able to recognize the corporate need in managing productions and balance against productions’ individual needs, prepared to have those difficult conversations with Production Teams
• Must be committed to creating a supportive and positive work environment
• Must be open to creating a diverse workforce and creating opportunities for candidates from under-represented groups
• Be well connected among AICP peers and in the wider production community in the USA
• Must be a collegial team player, eager to support or advise co-workers across all divisions of Pulse Films
• Highly organized and reliable with excellent attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must demonstrate professionalism, diplomacy and discretion when dealing with co-workers, executives, directors, etc.

Pulse Films are committed to being an inclusive hirer and employer. If you require any assistance in submitting your application, or have any questions about reasonable adjustments you might need during the recruitment process, please contact us via cv@pulsefilms.co.uk