The world of media is a fascinating, yet challenging arena. Being a media production manager requires a specific skill set and personality, and the first step is establishing if you are the kind of person who can succeed and flourish in this world.
Essential Skills:
- A media production manager cannot do without these skills.
- Multi-tasking
- Diplomacy skills
- Creativity
- Work well under pressure
- Detail oriented
- Team player
- Willing to work long hours
- Communication
- Proficient in sound, editing and production equipment and techniques
- Decision-making
- Writing
- Proficiency in computer skills is an added advantage.
What Does a Media Production Manager Do?
A production manager essentially ensures proper utilization of facilities and personnel for production. Staying on shooting schedule and within the budget are the responsibilities of the manager, and this includes the usage of equipment, actors, staff, contractors and vendors. As a media production manager you will dissect each scene and script and translate that into physical re-creation of the scene.
Production managers regularly interact with directors, actors and production staff which is where their communication and interpersonal skills come in handy.
Consequently, the production manager is responsible for the safety of the cast crew by ensuring that the each day’s shoot adheres to all occupational health and safety guidelines and that all of the appropriate licensing is attained. This is a huge responsibility and cannot be taken lightly.
Getting There:
If all this has piqued your interest, then you should consider entering this career by enrolling in an Online Bachelor’s Degree. An undergraduate degree is usually a prerequisite for such a job, with at least one year of work experience. An online option gives you the ability to get the job training and education at the same time.
You could consider a program in Media/Television Production or you could opt for a more general field such as communication, theatre or liberal arts. As long as you have a degree in a relevant field and training experience within media production, then the doors of opportunity should open for you.
Get a Degree in Journalism, Broadcasting or Film and translate that into a career in Production Management. Due to this reason, this can be a great option for people looking for a career switch.
Tip: Becoming a member of a professional group, such as the Producers Guild of America, provides opportunities for networking, in addition to access to industry job postings, mentoring, and educational programs.
Prospects for Media Production Managers:
Media production managers can work in areas such as:
Documentaries
Current affairs
Light entertainment
Children’s programs
Situation comedies
Soaps or serial dramas, or one off dramas
The field is expected to grow moderately, but will always be relevant as the media world is always growing and evolving. The median expected salary for a typical media production manager in the US is $65,409.
Richard Philips is an educational researcher and a proficient writer. He loves to write about how online education changes our lives, and also help students to make decisions about their education. Article Source Career Online Degrees
