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God bless you. More agencies lose money because they have no idea how critical having a competent producer on the job is. I am amazed that some of the top execs at agencies have zero idea what the producer actually does. How about "we are the gatekeepers of your clients budgets." That should count for something because these days the bottom line makes and breaks relationships. You cannot afford mistakes. Too many Juniors running departments these days because nobody values the role of a great producer and what they can bring to a job through their experience base, their supplier relationships and their ability to add creative value and manage a budget competently.
Preach! The trend of hiring 20-something HoP’s doesn’t help. Hire experienced Producers to lead and train. So much wisdom is not being passed down in the industry due to no longer hiring experienced talent.
I am so passionate about mentoring. I came from an agency that was structured and still is to mentor. Production is a craft, and there is no school to learn the basics. It’s on the job training. If you have bandwidth to take someone under your wing, do it. The rewards are great, and it’s always wonderful to see your former assistants fly off on their own, a producer in their own right.
Can’t like this post enough !!
In fairness everyone is crazy busy or busy trying to look like it. I would challenge us senior producers to reach out and offer an ear. Just letting them know they have a SAFE place to ask questions will open the door and make them better producers. It was a huge help when I started out. My mentor was not my EP! He just took an interest and let me ask...whatever. And I will always be grateful .
I’m a young post producer but all of my Seniors have been fired or quit. I’m DESPERATE to ask questions and find myself leaning on my studio creatives a lot. Seeking a mentor!!! I’m left on my own most of the time and know I have so much more to learn. HELP!!
Are there seriously 20-something agency HoP’s??
P1 yes. They are becoming more common Agency side and at Production shops. Insane.
Asking questions can save you $$$.
Competent doesn’t mean not young... if the young producer in question does in fact know their limit and is wise enough to ask the right questions to the right people at the right time.
Yes, a producer needs to be damn good these days with the budgets vs deliverables craziness.
Client lead 1... I am all about mentoring sadly and continue to interject my years fo knowledge. They want to appear smart. Need to put pride aside. Management need to take a closer look and creative speak out. If all agencies want to project manager, call then that. Leave providing to that great producer with years of experience .
RGA1 that sucks! I’m sorry and I can totally feel your frustration. I wonder if you’d feel comfortable reaching out to a producer at one of the editorial houses in your city? Are you in NYC or LA? You don’t have to answer but there are some pretty great resources in both cities...and to be honest they don’t even have to be local. I would look at he AICE or AICP websites for post production resources and then just call! You’d be amazed at how willing people are to help when asked.
So much Dunning Kruger effect in the industry these days.
I just have to say as a newer producer myself having a mentor is absolutely critical and to everyone on this post that feels the same way and is sharing their wisdom, thank you! It means more than you know to us young cubs learning the ropes. Totally agree on asking questions as well. Too often I notice people frown upon asking questions whether it’s the person needing the answer or receiving the question. There’s a fear of exposing what they don’t know and we have to get past that. You learn way more by asking the questions but in addition to this we need the people who are receiving the questions to not make the person asking feel insecure for not knowing. My mentor (I am super grateful for her) has been teaching me to always ask questions. It super encouraged because at the end of the day We have all had our moments of breaking new ground with a job and should never forget what that feels like, empathy goes a long way always..