Role Profile
Job Title
Department
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Pre Production Manager (Features)
Features Production
Function of the department/section& main purpose of the role:
Department function:
To be responsible for the management of Pre-Production across multiple features projects ensuring both the
requirements of a multiple Production slate and the needs of Directors, Producers and Studio Partners on each
individual project are met within the agreed budgets and schedules.
Duties & Responsibilities:
SCRIPT
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To support as required the Producer(s) with the management of the script process.
To be responsible for ensuring all departments are provided with the latest script pages and relevant
accompanying notes in a timely fashion to inform the wider production process.
CASTING / DIALOGUE
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To support as required the Producer(s) with casting of the films.
Responsible for the booking / management of all voice record sessions to ensure that final production
dialogue is available as per the requirements of the Production schedule.
Responsible for the scheduling and management all dialogue select sessions to ensure that final
production dialogue is available with accompanying breakdown materials as per the requirements of the
Production schedule.
STORY / EDIT
• To work with the Directors, Producers, Heads of Story and Lead Editors to create / develop appropriate
team structures in Story and Edit for each project and then be responsible for the talent scouting (ongoing) and recruitment processes. Edit roles will also require input from Tech Director / Post Supervisor
and Post PM to ensure the structure and team selection also meet with their requirements.
• Responsible for the line-management, budgeting and scheduling of the Story and Edit teams to ensure
animatics / reels are delivered for screenings as per the agreed schedules.
Date & Initial: 05/17 RB
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Responsible for the line-management, budgeting and scheduling of the Story and Edit teams to ensure
individual sequences are creatively signed off to the floor as per the requirements of the Production
schedules.
To make the Producer(s) aware in advance of potential logistical and / or financial issues which may arise
during the post production process and be proactive in offering solutions to resolve issues.
To ensure the Producers and Production Accountant are updated on costs related to all Pre Production
requirements
To negotiate deals (where appropriate) and contracting Pre Production crew, in performing this task there
needs to be an awareness of the wider features pay structures and bandings.
To act as the main point of contact for crew in matters relating to Pre-Production.
Ensuring creative briefs / notes are properly and efficiently communicated to Pre-Production crew.
Setting up and running creative reel screenings / reviews as require.
To support Producer(s) as required in collating notes from Senior Management, Studio Partner, Creative
Leads, Heads of Department and crew following reel screenings so they can be presented to Directors.
Ensuring all Pre-Production crew are fully aware of the schedule and production requirements of the
project.
To work with Producers, M&L and company archivist to ensure appropriate back up of Pre-Production
materials.
To observe the provision of the Health and Safety at Work act, both as an employee and in a supervisory
capacity. To implement appropriate systems of work to ensure effective and safe management of all post
production activities in accordance with Aardman’s H & S policies.
Responsible to: Producers (Including Head of Features), Directors
Responsible for: Pre Production Crew
Specific Functional Contacts: Editors, Heads of Story, Production Accountant & Production manager / 1st AD
Heads of Department.
Person Specification (essential and desirable background, skills and experience)
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Must have previous animation Pre-Production management experience, preferably at a features
level.
Excellent knowledge of the Pre-Production process to ensure the creative and management choices
accurately reflect the schedule, budget and required quality / tone of the project
Confident / Proactive but friendly approach with the ability to handle difficult situations in calm and
diplomatic manner
Excellent (proven) Scheduling / Budget skills
Excellent people / communication skills – written and oral
Respectful of the creative process and adept at finding ways to protect that process within the needs
of the schedule and budget
Date & Initial: 05/17 RB
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Excellent IT skills – word, excel, movie magic budgeting
Able to work affectively under pressure and to tight deadlines
Highly organized / efficient working method with excellent attention to detail without losing sight of
the big picture.
When appropriate able to delegate tasks in order to effective manage workload. Able to work as part
of team and independently
Decisive – able to make clear decisions or agree clear routes forward in situations / meeting where
there might be several strong / senior voices.
Should be prepared to work additional (potentially antisocial) hours in excess of those contracted.
Date & Initial: 05/17 RB