Walt Disney
Location
Glendale, CA | United States
Job description
The Director of Production will have oversight of several projects produced by TVA and external “3rd party” studios. This is a temporary position intended to last approximately 12 months. This role will ensure the streamlined operation of our animation productions from greenlight through post production. Responsibilities include working closely with the creative teams, Production Executives and Department Heads to ensure the productions achieve the highest quality possible within the approved budget and schedule. This position will oversee multiple types of animation projects, primarily television series, but also short form content, specials, and other programming needs. This role is required to work at least 4 days per week from the TVA offices in Glendale, CA.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage multiple animation projects simultaneously (4 – 10 series, specials, or short form content) as they move through the production lifecycle. Shepherd projects coming out of development, series in current production, and series completing their final deliveries.
Oversee production spending totaling $50M - $200M.
Analyze budgets, schedules, series assumptions, asset trackers and production related documents for all series assigned to the Consultant. Explore ways to lower budgets and re-think production workflows.
Advise and lead Producers as they ensure that productions are on track to deliver on time and on budget. Encourage the Producers to focus on making sound business decisions, prioritize cost controls, and share best practices.
Lead communication with 3rd party studio leadership (typically the Head of Production, SVP of Production, or CEO of the studio) and series Producer to ensure shows are produced at the highest quality possible within the constraints of the budget and schedule.
Lead strategic conversations about global launch strategies, production planning, and short form content with Franchise and Marketing teams, network programming partners, and operational teams. Challenge legacy practices and encourage transparency across studio departments.
Coordinate with the Business and Legal Affairs teams to ensure proper contracts are in place for the project. Be aware of talent contracts, animation studio contracts, and external vendor contracts that will impact the specific projects within this position’s overview. Provide relevant project information to the BA team as they negotiate contracts for the projects.
Work with the Studio Resource Team to advise on the Producer Resource Guide and update the Third Party Production Manual.
Partner with the Director, Artist Management in the calibration and staffing of production management and artistic talent.
Work with various DTVA and DBT teams – Development, Current, Educational Resource, Franchise, Marketing, Media Relations, Casting, Music, Finance, Business and Legal Affairs, etc. Act as the main contact between the show’s Producer or a studio’s Head of Production and internal DTVA and Channel teams.
Set up and maintain regular cost report meetings between each production and DBT finance teams. Maintain regular check-ins with studio and network execs to stay ahead of any changes or issues and make sure all internal teams are up to date with your projects.
In partnership with the VP, Production and SVP, Production identify and evaluate animation subcontractors
Stay on top of key industry trends and identify opportunities
Required Qualifications
Significant production management experience in animation including prior experience as a Producer, Line Producer, or as a Production Executive at a production company or studio
Extensive experience and knowledge of pre-production, production and post-production methods in 2D, Stop Motion and CG mediums
Proven experience as a self-sufficient leader with knowledge of overseas/global animation studio contracts and payment schedules
Proficient in animation budgeting and scheduling and familiar with unions, tax credits and foreign exchange rates
High aptitude for strategic planning and tactical execution. Able to resolve and/or escalate issues in a timely fashion
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills which will enable him/her to interact with a range of personalities and styles and establish effective relationships at all levels of the organization; have a problem- solving approach; be highly self-motivated, well-organized and have a strong work ethic.
Maintain company policies and guidelines in collaboration with creative, S&P, Business and Legal Affairs, etc.
Ability to establish priorities and multi-task efficiently within a high-pressure environment while meeting deadlines
Preferred Qualifications
Minimum 10+ years of hands-on production of animated programming
Experience with productions utilizing real-time animation tools.
Experience managing creative teams in a high-pressure environment
A track record of delivering animated series on-time and on-budget
Experience in a large dynamic studio
Comfortable with ambiguity and working in a matrixed organization
A sensibility and passion for children’s programming
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree in related field
Job Location: Burbank, CA
The hiring range for this position in California is $188,961 to $252,484 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.Job tags
Salary
