Video Producer

Overview

Makeout is in search of a Video Producer to lead and execute various video productions from award through delivery. This role is a hybrid of creative and logistics, and we are looking for someone with experience in commercial video production specifically. 

The Producer supports a variety of video productions across various industries and genres. You’ll report to the Production Manager. When relevant, you will be directly responsible for overseeing casting, crew and vendor research, deal memos and contracting, sourcing gear and equipment quotes, and location selection, so you should be familiar and confident with those processes. (As well as, you know, everything else related to bringing a video production to life.) 

The Producer role at Makeout is seen as a highly creative/editorial force, so rather than taking orders back and forth between client and creative department, we expect you to serve as a confident and opinionated voice who can translate a Director’s creative vision into actionable logistics. That said, you should also be an all-around solid producer, comfortable working alone from a production oversight perspective, while also empowered to seek support to get everything done – giving regular reports to our Production Manager, of course. Ideally you have experience overseeing a range of video production approaches including live and taped and have a range of experience with equipment (camera types, lenses, lighting gear). Finally, you will sometimes be responsible for client communications/management.

This role is NYC-area only. We expect about 4+ years experience in Producer, Associate Producer, and/or Production Coordinator roles, ideally in contexts where you also gained client service experience. Strong skills in spreadsheet development and maintenance, budgeting, expense tracking, organization, communication and attention to detail required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Producer on video-related and/or still photography productions and production tasks that get assigned to you, including all tasks related to pre-production, production and post-production.
• Collaborate with other producers on active projects and support new business initiatives (research, budget development, scouting, casting, etc.)
• Be able to meaningfully discuss and collaborate with the Director on production-related elements (lighting approaches, gear options, etc.) to find solutions that balance vision against scope.
• Research and support the creation of documents to communicate ideas to clients, including proposals, production plans, and treatments.
• Manage budgets and oversee bill payments, and expense tracking — ensuring they’re accurate and received on time.
• Assist in the negotiation, setting up, hiring and management of freelancers, collaborators and vendors on a project basis.
• Source and manage vendors to obtain and negotiate quotes, oversee production and track deliveries.
• Ensure all production aspects are properly planned and supported, directly executing them yourself when needed — including casting, location scouting/permitting, set/prop procurement, etc.
• When relevant and if required, serve as post-production supervisor on all projects that we edit in-house, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for both internal and freelance editors, designers, animators, vfx artists, etc. to oversee creation of all post assets. 
• Schedule internal and client meetings and collate feedback notes.
• When relevant, communicate effectively, and with grace, to clients in order to drive progress, receive approvals, and satisfy project requirements.
• Communicate clearly and cordially with colleagues using collaboration tools such as Slack and Google Suite
• Prepare contracts, call sheets, schedules/run of shows and talent agreements and releases.
• Serve as an on-set and on-location production lead; weekend/evening availability as needed for shoots and post.
• Assist in general project administration – travel booking, file management and expenses reporting.
• Assist in occasional Coordinator tasks including but not limited to gear handling/pickups/returns and runs, if Coordinator is not contracted or on staff
• Manage Production Coordinators and PAs, hiring and onboarding Coordinators when needed.
• Maintain and enforce any company collaboration tools, calendars, file sharing, time tracking.
• Support the policies, practices, and procedures related to the company’s work.
• Support internal projects as directed by the Production Manager.
• Have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and are comfortable driving commercial vehicles (e.g., cargo vans).
• Willing and able to travel by plane for out-of-town pitches, shoots, events, etc.

Requirements:

• At least 4+ years of experience as a Video Production professional, ideally as a producer, production coordinator, or associate producer.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative environment with creatives and production professionals and driving alignment for all departments 
• Experience overseeing post-production team and familiarity with post workflow
• Proven track record of creating, managing and reconciling budgets. Anonymized budget samples may be requested. 
• Experience managing client expectations and communicating in a clear, friendly and professional manner
• Extensive experience and comfort on set and overseeing crews of various sizes
• Proficiency in Google Suite, particularly in spreadsheet creation and management
• Familiarity with project management software (Asana, Harvest, etc.) is a plus

Working at Makeout:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• After a 30-day waiting period, group medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, a portion of which will be paid by Makeout.
• 2 weeks (10 days) paid vacation time (earned on an accrual basis based on start date anniversary).
• 4-flexible summer Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day
• In addition to this PTO, Makeout typically closes between Christmas and New Year’s.
• 30 day, 90 day and 6-month performance reviews to foster growth and development

How to apply

Email your resume to [email protected] with “Video Producer” in the subject line, along with relevant links to your portfolio and/or selected projects, and a short description about why your background, capabilities and passions match what Makeout is looking for in the candidate.

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