Generation Next: Production Management Uncovered

Contrary to popular belief, production managers can be just as creative as their editorial counterparts. In this session, industry insiders discussed the essential skills necessary to be a part of a production team, how to stay calm under pressure, the challenges faced at every stage and why a career in production management is worth it. We look at some of the best advice given from the panel:

Trevor Vergara, senior production manager at Keo Films (Hugh’s Fish Fight, Excluded: Kicked out of School) describes himself as “a conductor.” As a production manager, he says: “I don’t play the instruments and I didn’t write the music, but I help it all come together.”

Emma Lyons, production manager at ITV Studios (I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Red or Black) echoes this. She says: “Without production management, it couldn’t happen. We pull it all together. It’s proving hard to attract people, because it’s seen as not necessarily as creative, but you’re still a part of that process.”

What’s being a production manager like on the day-to-day? Lyons reveals that “the hours are long, and it is hard work. But you get longer contracts; you get to see something through from start to finish.”

Production manager Melody Ambrose (One Born Every Minute) explains that “What you see on the television, we make a reality. You’ve helped your reporter get on the ground and get that story.” Their work may be behind-the-scenes, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Ambrose reflects on how she has “worked on programmes where the laws have changed because of that programme.”

Production managers collaborate with people across different departments, as Vergara says: “The skills that you learn in production management, you get access to more people on that other side than you do as a researcher, or assistant producer. My closest colleagues are my execs. At that level you really feel like you have a significant input. A valid input.”

No one knows everything, and Vergara encourages budding production managers to be curious and inquisitive. He says: “Never be afraid to ask questions or feel like you need to know all the answers. The challenges are numerous daily. That’s what we do.” Similarly, Ambrose explains that it’s “essential to have that confidence to say ‘I don’t know, but I’ll find out’ and not feel pressured.”

How do you forge a career as a production manager? It all starts with getting experience, as Lyon advises: “Try to get as much experience as you can, and get a range of experience. I was a production secretary coordinator. You don’t need to be good with numbers! At entry level, really show you’re capable and willing.”

Vergara recommends getting “experience on location. It’s only from understanding the real problems that happen day to day that you can better equip yourself from the office. They’re up at 6, working long days – you realise what people are dealing with.”

What should you do when you’re on set? Ambrose sets out her golden rule: “Don’t sit down. If you’re idle – stand idle,” to ensure that you’re always the first point of call to help.

Like any industry, rejections are inevitable, but building your experience will start to make you stand out. If you do experience setbacks, bear in mind Vergara’s key advice: “A no is never a no, and anything truly is possible.”

• Generation Next took place on Saturday 9 May at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly.