Line Producer

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Stranger Things animated series, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan. 

Our Glendale, CA office is looking for an experienced Line Producer who is able to relate to and manage creatives as well as multiple clients, who can problem solve, think ahead and look after the big picture. The Line Producer ensures the Program/s is completed within the budget and production schedule, while adhering to the highest of industry standards creatively and technically. In doing so, ensuring the most effective use of technology and human resources are adopted. In managing the day to day operation of the Program/s, clear and high level communication channels are to be established and maintained with crew, management and the Client.

About the role:

The Line Producer role will be split into three stages as follows:

Finance:

• Ensure to the best of your skill, ability and reasonable judgement that all production elements are completed within the approved production budget and according to the production schedule for the Program/s, reporting any potential overages to the VP, Production along with potential solutions to reduce risk;


• Regularly check and balance the production crew plan and updated cost forecast, applying the “four eyes policy” to the checking of figures and formulas with the VP, Production and CFO;


• Track and process weekly timesheets and invoices, in accordance with executed production employment agreements;


• Manage and reconcile the weekly cost report, working with the accounts team to ensure all costs to date are reported correctly and in accordance with the last pay run, and updating the estimate to complete to maintain a consistently accurate budget forecast;


• Prepare a monthly cashflow report, working with the accounts team to ensure all Client invoices are paid in accordance with the cashflow schedule, and notifying accounts of any changes to the schedule that may impact on payments;


• Ensure continual analysis is done on all aspects of the production planning to identify possible savings.

Production and Client Management:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the production team according to the production schedule and budget, reporting any potential production delays to the VP, Production;


• Closely manage the expectations of the Client, ensuring a positive working relationship at all times, and elevating any potential issues (for the Client or the Production Company) to the VP, Production;


• Maintain extremely professional communication (both written and verbal) with the Client, leading by example for all crew;


• Work with the HR Manager to determine staffing needs and assist with the posting of employment ads and recruiting;


• Work with production crew and the Client to establish efficient production workflows and processes for the Program/s;


• Track software, hardware and seating requirements for upcoming crew, working closely with the tech team to ensure production needs are communicated well in advance of crew start dates;


• Assessing which of the day to day decisions are of such priority or have such key production schedule or budget impact that they require elevation and discussion with senior management;


• Ensure the production team is aware of and working to the Client delivery schedule in accordance with the Production Services Agreement;


• Work with Supervisors to develop and distribute creative “kick off” packs for new artists, and department process packs for production crew to ensure all crew are aware of expectations for the creative and overall workflow;


• Keep a thorough written record of any production delays caused by the Client, including late delivery of briefing materials, changes to briefing materials, delays in feedback turnaround and creative retakes called above agreed allowances. Identify which, if any, delays may warrant a Client Change Order and notify the VP, Production of any “high risk” ones;


• Supervise and manage employees and contractors, ensuring they are working to quota and/or in accordance with their relevant job description and skill level, and conduct performance reviews as required with the HR Manager;


• Establish and maintain a positive team working environment, promoting team building activities and a constructive, collaborative attitude toward problem solving;


• Ensure all crew are inducted with the Non-Disclosure agreements and Code of Conduct upon commencement of employment, and consistently uphold and maintain the core statements in the Code of Conduct, setting a clear example for crew throughout production;


• Conduct and lead weekly production meetings with key production crew to discuss both successes and concerns of the Program/s, ensuring agenda points, minutes and action points are drawn up and distributed to attendees;


• Prepare and deliver written weekly production reports to the Client and senior management;


• Meet with senior management as required to review progress of the Program/s;


• Take on any production responsibilities when needed, such as, but not limited to department scheduling, taking meeting notes and managing the daily tasks for the supervising team;


• Attend overseas trips to visit Clients or vendors as required for the production;


• Maintain a close working relationship with other Line Producers, Producers and Executive Producers in the Production Company to ensure a collaborative company attitude across all projects.

Legal:

• Ensure that all contracts and agreements related to the Program/s are properly executed ahead of pay run and using the approved Program/s agreement template, such that the Production Company and the Client holds all copyright interest in the work created by the crew whether, employees, individual contractors or company contractors;


• Work with the HR Manager and Business Affairs to ensure all employees are contracted in accordance with the Fair Work Act, Department of Immigration and other US federal laws;


• Notify or discuss with the Business Affairs department of matters requiring or that may require copyright clearance. Ensure all copyright clearances provided by the Business Affairs department for all creative elements are then completed (in consultation and direction from the Business Affairs department);


• Take all required steps to produce the Program/s in accordance with the requirements of the Production Services Agreement;


• Adhere to and ensure the Program/s complies with relevant government requirements;


• And all other duties and responsibilities as reasonably required by the Production Company.

About you:

• High level experience (5+ years) in CG animated series production, CG animation film production, or equivalent;


• Previous experience as a Line Producer Role in CG animation film productions and/or animated series productions;


• Experience with all parts of the animation production pipeline, from story department to final delivery in a professional production environment; 


• Experience with all aspects of production management, including schedule management, personnel and performance management;


• Excellent knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft Word and Excel, MS Project or equivalent, and Autodesk Flow Production Tracking (Shotgrid).


• Expert organizational skills;


• Superior personnel management and team building skills;


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to use positive tone and attitude to diffuse conflict, provide solutions, and cultivate a fun and productive working environment;


• Ability to anticipate and deal with an ever-changing production environment;


• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential material;


• Ability to work well under pressure/deadlines;


• Ability to pull together and focus diverse teams of artists;  


• Having prior experience as an LP setting up a new studio is desirable;


• Ability to travel;

Why work with us?

• We work on some of the coolest projects in the industry! Check out our website: Flying Bark.


• We have cake days, a dedicated culture club, and regular studio social events!


• Love dogs? You’ll often see some of our furry companions around the studio.


• We offer a hybrid working approach, with flexible work-from-home days.


• Career development is a priority for us, and we provide ongoing training and support opportunities.


• Our employees rave about our inclusive and welcoming culture—everyone is celebrated here!