Post-production
Deliverables producer (post-production)
What does a deliverables producer do?
A deliverables producer is responsible for creating a film in all the different formats required.
A film or TV drama may have to be made in the correct format depending on whether it’s for cinema, streaming or a DVD. Likewise, with documentaries, there are often a range of different versions that need to be made:- e.g. commentary-free versions, versions to cut to a commercial clock, 60-minute and 90-minute versions.
The deliverables producer oversees that process. They have to know the specifications for each industry including the resolution, the frame rate, the audio settings, the colour. Sound has its own deliverables too.
Deliverables producers decide the schedule for producing the picture and sound deliverables and any additional material to be included in the delivery, such as sections of footage that weren’t used for the final film or programme. This is usually organised by the production manager or lead editor.
They work with their team to encode video and audio into file-based formats in the most effective way possible. They make sure the assets are tested and delivered within the agreed budget and on time.
The deliverables producer role is featured in ScreenSkills' new immersive film First Day: In post.
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What’s a deliverables producer good at?
- Programming: be able to program in several languages (common ones include Visual Basic, VB NET, Java, J2EE, C, C++, C#, ASP, ASP.NET, Peri, JavaScript, Web Services, XML, PHP, Cold Fusion, .NET, Framework, HTML and Python)
- Knowledge of file-based and DVD technologies: stay up to date with the latest authoring tools
- Organisation: be able to schedule, work to time and within budget
- Attention to detail: have an interest in minutiae and the ability to deal with repetitive tasks
- Problem solving: take initiative and figure out solutions to problems as they arise
- Communication: work with film and TV drama producers, share the information with the rest of the team
Who does a deliverables producer work with?
The post-production supervisor will have a close working relationship with the deliverables producer to make sure all formats replicate the master and are delivered to relevant distribution companies. In documentaries, the deliverables producer might work with the production manager or the lead editor. Sometimes they also work with the following:
- Quicktime author
Quicktime authors import subtitles and put in the chapter points. They create multi-story or multi-angle links and design various menus and buttons.
- Quicktime compressionist
Compressionists encode and verify the video and audio materials. They use a variety of encoding equipment and software and know the best tools for the job. They will often repeat an encoding process several times to maximise the quality of the image while controlling the size of the specific file that is produced.
- Quality control (QC)
QCs are responsible for the thorough testing and checking of the final file contents, including video, audio, graphics and subtitles. This work can be split into two: the integrity of the encoded audio and video material has to be checked (this is called AV, QC or runtime QC); then the navigation and programming of the finished file must be thoroughly tested.
How do I become a deliverables producer?
Most deliverables producers have a background in computer sciences, web design, programming or IT. They generally start their careers as post-production runners or tech assistants.
At school or college:
If you want to go to university, A-levels or Highers in computer science, maths, further maths or physics are useful. Or you might want to take the following Level 3 vocational qualifications:
- BTEC National Diploma in Computing
- BTEC National Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production
If you want to go straight into a job or apprenticeship, the following Level 3 vocational qualifications will equip you:
- Aim Awards Diploma in Creative and Digital Media
- AQA Technical Level IT: Programming
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Digital Content for Interactive Media)
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- OCR Technical Diploma in IT (Digital Software Practitioner)
- BTEC National Diploma in Computing for Creative Industries
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
Get an apprenticeship:
Apprenticeships are work with training, so they can be a great opportunity to earn as you learn. You might find an apprenticeship as a post-production technical operator in a post-production company. This could give you good experience of managing files and provide you with an understanding of different formats that could be useful in becoming a deliverables producer.
Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and find an apprenticeship to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to ScreenSkills information on apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in screen.
Get a degree:
It’s not essential, but you might want one in physics, computer programming or advanced mathematics.
You might also be interested in…
Working as a video assist operator on a film set or as an archivist.
