Production Managers
As we welcome our new Production Manager Siobhan Regan to the team, working alongside Olivia Maltby, we take a look at the crucial role of the production manager within the wider team.
In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of broadcast and production, the role of the Production Manager is absolutely vital.
They are the operational backbone of any project, ensuring that all moving parts, from logistics and scheduling to budgeting and crewing, align seamlessly to deliver a successful production. Without their oversight, even the most creatively brilliant concepts risk falling apart in execution.
A Production Manager is essentially the bridge between the creative vision and the technical delivery. While producers and directors may focus on storytelling, talent and visual impact, it is the Production Manager who ensures that every element is practically achievable within the given time and budget. They oversee pre-production planning, manage resources, and ensure everyone has what they need, where and when they need it, to deliver on time and to the highest standards.
Budgeting is one of their core responsibilities. A good Production Manager can stretch a budget to its full potential, ensuring every pound is spent wisely. They provide cost estimates, track expenses, and anticipate financial risks before they become problematic. Whether it’s securing cost-effective crew accommodation, negotiating equipment hire, or allocating contingency spend, their financial planning underpins the project’s viability.
Scheduling is another key area. From coordinating crew call times and equipment deliveries, to ensuring venue access and compliance with health and safety regulations, the Production Manager must think several steps ahead. In live broadcast scenarios, timing is critical, a single delay can have knock-on effects that disrupt the entire production. The Production Manager's role is to anticipate these challenges and mitigate them with a calm, solutions-focused approach.
Logistics, too, are central to the role. Especially in large-scale or location-based productions, such as sports tournaments, music events, or international shoots, managing travel, transport, customs, kit handling and local permits becomes a complex web of tasks. A seasoned Production Manager ensures all the pieces come together without disruption, and they often deal with last-minute changes under pressure, remaining calm and organised when others may feel overwhelmed.
Crucially, they are also responsible for crewing. They know which skills are needed on set, who is available, and which individuals work well together. They balance experience with cost, and ensure everyone is briefed, contracted, and insured. They are also the first port of call for welfare and wellbeing on location, helping maintain a positive and productive working environment.
In essence, the Production Manager is the unsung hero of any broadcast or production company. While their work may go unnoticed by audiences, the quality and reliability of any output is a direct reflection of their skill and planning. Without them, chaos would reign, schedules would slip, budgets would balloon, and crews would be left directionless. With them, everything runs smoothly, professionally, and efficiently.
