Production Manager

We are seeking a VFX Production Manager who embodies the production excellence, collaborative spirit, and passion for great filmmaking that defines ILM. This role is pivotal, working closely with the VFX Producer/Associate Producer on projects, stepping in to support Producer/Associate Producer duties as required, and maintaining direct communication with the VFX Producer/Associate Producer and/or Executive Producer on all aspects of the show. The Production Manager reports to the VFX Show Producer/Associate Producer daily for show-specific tasks.

What You’ll Do:

• Collaborate with the Producer/Associate Producer and Supervisors to develop an overall show asset and shot block schedule across all disciplines.

• Oversee schedule implementation by guiding and directing Line Producers, supervisors and leads, following ILM’s best practices for scheduling.

• Support the junior production crew daily, including directing Coordinators and Production Assistants to ensure all show needs are met, and working with the Production Talent Manager to identify ongoing training for those roles, providing ongoing feedback as required. 

• Work closely with the Talent Manager team to identify crew needs for the show, based on the client milestones and schedules, and inform and update Talent Management as those needs change.

• Act as the default leader when the Producer/Associate Producer is out of the office or otherwise engaged.

• Serve as the liaison with vendors for technical and creative issues to ensure work remains on schedule and optimal workflows are maintained.

• As required, identify and plan work to be outsourced, prepare 3PP vendor bidding packages, and contribute to vendor cost analysis and weekly cost reporting.

• Serve as the liaison with other ILM locations and/or 3PP vendors for technical and creative issues to ensure work remains on schedule and optimal workflows are maintained.

• In partnership with the Producer/Assoc Producer, check the Estimated Final Cost (EFC) to ensure the work is on budget.

• Run bid meetings as needed; budgeting responsibilities may vary at the Producer/Associate Producer’s discretion.

• Manage client contact when the Producer/Associate Producer is unavailable.

• Participate in special projects as requested.

• Work on the same schedule as first or second unit production as needed.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven professional experience in film or episodic on shows of 200 + shots with complex work and large artist teams. 

• A strong and detailed working knowledge of complex visual effects pipeline, crewing, scheduling, techniques and terminology.

• Proven Line Producing experience across sequence and full show scheduling

• Proficiency with Macs/PCs and Google Suite.

• Working knowledge of Linux is a plus.

• Strong scheduling experience is essential.

• Proven experience of Shotgrid is essential.

• Exceptional organisational and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and proactive in raising concerns.

This role is Hybrid, which means the employee will be required to work a minimum of 2 days on-site per week at a Company designated location, and occasionally from home