Animation
Production manager (Animation)
What does a production manager do?
Production managers are responsible for managing the production schedule of an animated film or TV programme and ensuring that all deadlines are met. They report to the producer and work closely with them to oversee the crew and assist with liaising with the director.
Production managers are often the main point of contact with any third-party contractors such as post-production houses or studios. They are responsible for scheduling workflows and processes within the main schedule including scripting, music and post-production.
They oversee the work of the production coordinator whose role is to support them. They are often responsible for organising production meetings and delivering production reports to partners.
Production managers tend to be employed by animation studios, although they may be freelance for shorter-term projects.
Watch and read
- One minute job descriptions - production manager Theresa Bentz
- Inside Sony Pictures Animation - production manager Michelle Wong
What's a production manager good at?
- Communication: liaise with the various departments on a production in order to ensure that they meet their deadlines, communicate with colleagues and articulate requests clearly, create positive atmosphere within the studio
- Organisation: plan, prioritise, multitask and use initiative where necessary
- Anticipation: listen and be one step ahead of the situation
- Technical craft: understand the processes and needs of each department in an animation pipeline and be familiar with all software on a basic level
- Problem-solving: adapt to changing timescales and technical issues
Who does a production manager work with?
Production managers work under the producer. They manage the production coordinators and runners.
How do I become a production manager?
A good route to becoming a production manager is to start off as a runner, then gain enough experience to become a production coordinator and then a production manager. Another point of entry is working as a VFX runner in a VFX company and then following a similar route of progression. See the runner job profile for details about this role. Or you could get onto ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder scheme and work in the production department of a live-action film. You can then transfer your skills to the production department of an animated project at a later point.
At school or college:
You can take A-levels or Highers in any subjects for this role, though business studies may be particularly relevant. Or you might want to take any of the following Level 3 vocational qualifications:
- OCR Level 3 Technical Diploma/Extended Diploma in Business
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Business
If you want to go straight into a job or apprenticeship, the following Level 3 vocational qualifications will equip you:
- Diploma in Production Accounting for Film and Television
- OCR Level 3 Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Film and Television Production
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Film and Television Visual Effects
Get an apprenticeship:
Apprenticeships are jobs with training. They’re a great opportunity to earn while you learn. This could help you develop your craft and create a body of work for a portfolio that you can use to find your way into VFX at a later point.
These are the relevant apprenticeships that might be available throughout the UK:
- Associate project manager (Level 4, England)
- Business administrator (Level 3, England)
- Project manager (degree) (Level 6, England)
- Business Administration (Level 3, Northern Ireland)
- Business Administration (Level 2, 3, 4, Wales)
- Project Management (Level 4, Wales)
- Broadcast production assistant (Level 3, England)
In Scotland, you might be able to find degree-level apprenticeships through the following frameworks:
- Business and Administration (SCQF Level 5-9, Scotland)
Before taking any apprenticeship, check what you’ll be learning with your prospective employer and college so you can be sure it will be giving you the skills you want. Go to our apprenticeships page to learn how to find apprenticeships in your region or approach companies directly.
Get a degree:
There are no degree courses specific to working in production management in animation that we recommend. However, there are courses that specialise in animation or computer animation that could grow your knowledge of animation production. This is optional for the role of production manager. There are a growing number of junior animation jobs for graduates, so it’s worth getting an animation-related degree. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ Select list of recommended courses and filter by animation. We endorse courses when they offer training in the relevant software, dedicate time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the animation industry.
Look outside the industry:
See if you can get a job as a VFX runner with a VFX company or studio. This will help you build contacts, skills and knowledge related to animation. While you are trying to break into animation production, get management or project management experience. Any job that involves planning, organising and budgeting will give you good experience.
Take a short course:
Hone your skills in production management by taking a specialist course. Go to the list of training courses recommended by ScreenSkills and search “production”.
Network:
Get to know people in the animation industry by attending animation events. Meet professionals and ask them questions about their work while demonstrating interest and knowledge in the industry. Offer to provide them with your professional contact details and try to stay in touch with them. Go to how to network well to learn how to do this.
Become a trainee:
Get onto ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder scheme. Get the skills, make contacts and start working as a production trainee.
Search for jobs:
Research animation companies that you’d like to work for. Animation UK has a directory of animation companies. Go to their websites and check if they are advertising for junior roles in the production management department. You can also send in a speculative CV and ask employers to keep it on file so they can consider you if any suitable jobs come up. Go to How to approach animation and VFX employers for details of how to do this. Search job websites and apply for positions.
You might also be interested in…
Being a producer. You might also be interested in being a production manager or VFX producer in VFX; a line producer or producer in the film and TV drama industries; or a games producer in the games industry.
Further resources
- Blender Guru
- The principles of animation
- Animation World Network (AWN)
- Weta Digital – YouTube
- CG Spectrum – Free Resources
- Bloop Animation – Video Tutorials
- Understand Disney's 12 principles of animation
- Cartoon Brew
- Skwigly Online Animation Magazine
- CGI Dreamworks Animation Studio Pipeline | CGMeetup
- Any-Mation (video essays) – YouTube
- ScreenSkills resources directory
