Assignment 1, David "Aaron" Johnson: Interview with Wendy Cox, Production Manager

Wendy Cox

Philadelphia, PA

Credits include: The Invention of Lying, The Box, Death Sentence, Blade II, American History X, Seven, Dumb and Dumber

Jobs include: Production Manager, Production Supervisor, Production Coordinator, Line Producer

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?

A Line Producer/Production Manager/Production Supervisor is the chief
facilitator of the production. They (should) enable everyone to function in
their jobs in an efficient manner by the timely dissemination of pertinent
information and the allocation of funds. When I want to give non-industry
people a quick answer to this question I say "When a problem arises, I am
the first call". So primarily we are problem solvers and facilitators, We
enable the Director to get what he wants and needs within the confines of
the budget.
Technically we:
1.) Hire the crew
2) Order and arrange for the necessary equipment at the appropriate times.
3) Negotiate terms for locations in concert with the Location Manager.
4) Negotiate terms with the unions.
5) Work with the First Assistant Director in the scheduling of the film
6) Hire the Extras Casting people
7) Negotiate terms for some cast (supporting actors) and sometimes for key
cast.
8) Create the initial Budget and Board (schedule) for the project
9) Hire the Editor and set up an Editorial office.
10) Carefully monitor the budget throughout Prep/Shoot/ Wrap and hold weekly
cost report meetings with the Production Accountant.
11) Insure the production stays on budget and on schedule.
There are many other things we do but this gives you the general idea.

2. How did you get started in the business?
I went to school for Theater and worked as a Stage Manager for 10 years
before I started in film. I'm a innate facilitator.
And I made more money in film.

3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an
assigned task?

I don't. I bring them alternatives and options to the assigned task and
give them the choice to modify the assignment.

4. Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?

Try as many film jobs as possible, Shoot, Edit, build the sets, work in the
costume dept., be an Assistant Director, try everything. Learn the newest
technical information on camera systems (HD/Digital) and Visual Effects.
This will not only give you a better understanding of the process as a
whole, it will give you a better idea of what goes into a successful
outcome. Make as many (short) films as you can afford. You should learn
something new on every project.
Love what you do. We work really hard and if you don't really love it, it's
not worth it.
Talk to people currently working in the business, engage and ask questions.
You must be able to talk to people and be outgoing and engaging. This is a
collaborative business and the connections you make along the way are of
great value. Don't burn bridges if you can help it.