Mentor
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That sucks, I'm sorry. I don't know if you just want to vent and commiserate, but if you don't mind some advice: think about working at a different agency, or in an adjacent space. I've only had one real agency gig; otherwise, I've worked at production cos or hybrids, and the respect for producers is MUCH higher. No one ever brings me a pile of impossible shit, or sulks when I tell them what they want to do is against federal regulations or the laws of physics.
What do you mean drones can’t fly exactly everywhere and events aren’t allowed in this specific zip code during COVID? I relate so much to your answer.
To OP: Keep your head high, trust your instincts, learn how to put on an act when you say you’re sorry the idea isn’t legal/possible, give alternate solutions. It’s tough for a long time until it gets easier. You get other project, a new team member - or a new job.
Mentor
Yep, the pressure falls on our shoulders when we have to battle for money and/or time. That’s just the nature of our job, and that’s the most stressful part. The shoot is easy. Every production is a puzzle and we need to piece it together. Hang in there, you are definitely not alone.
Mentor
Not really sure what my point is other than that I feel very exhausted and anxious. Looking for a little boost (or some folks who can commiserate)
Try being an editor.
Hang in there. Consider freelance later? I now get to do Post too; nice break. A shop I was at once hardly knew what SAG was & didn’t understand they were signatories. Explaining it endlessly was draining. The notion that I could call SAG quick to get them out of it was always in the air like it was my fault. Insane.
Making us re-concept to the point we had billed in Labor what we could have spent in OOP was when I switched to client side work.
Don’t despair! Take your skills elsewhere; prod co, network, client side...more respect.
Mentor
Thank you every one for the good advice in this thread and sharing your own tales of woe. I think it really does come down to that mix of other-department education and just respect for production. I always assumed production companies would be more stressful to produce at, but I hadn’t thought of things from the respect for production perspective. I’ve been at this for a while and worked at a number of agencies and do find that the specific people and client culture makes the biggest difference, but overall have noticed the trend of understanding of production or having an advocate in account or creative to really have disappeared.
As someone who is a production manager, I 100% agree. I joke that we live under the bus. But really, it is very exhausting.
We live under the bus. That’s no joke. Because it’s true.
Thinking strategically, any way you can dive a little deeper into the brand planning to get a leg up sooner? Maybe befriend a project manager working behind the scenes on the scope?
But yeah, your Arsenal has to be deep. Rolodex, wide. And build strong relationships with vendors you trust. If you’re ever slow, I suggest reaching out to reps, EPs, and HOPs and make some good friends.
Mentor
This is really good advice and perspective, I really appreciate it. I’m actually in process of establishing myself with the PMs better but there is a lack of general production knowledge at my agency so it’s tough and each step takes a lot of extra work. It’s funny you mention Rolodex because while I can certainly do a great director/production company search I often find myself in awe of other producers with these insane encyclopedias of directors at the ready in their minds. I don’t have much down time these days but will keep that tip in mind. If you have any tips on that end I’d love to hear them.
I know what you are going through. You have to tell other departments what you need and why. If you don’t get it from them, this is what is going to happen. It can be exhausting having to explain all that, but people do no get production at all. Producers don’t even get GET the role until after they’ve done it a few years and can begin to articulate their needs better and set boundaries better.
Mentor
This is really relatable. I find myself doing this constantly, and when account folks or whatever teams I’m speaking to aren’t happy with the answers they just get re-asked until the answer changes. It’s tough because as hard as I work to be collaborative, proactive, and set boundaries, the shit seems to roll downhill to production anyway and we have to clean up the mess.