Head of Productions

Main purpose of the role:

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in production management, with a proven track record of successfully leading series productions. They will be responsible for ensuring that our products are manufactured to the highest standards and that our production team is working efficiently and effectively. 

You manage and run the company productions, work with the HOD's, Producers and Supervision Teams. And in partnership with the Executive Producer and CFO and Business Affairs you oversee the delivery and the smooth running of the production process, delivering them on time and on budget with consistency in processes and best working practices.

Main responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Managing Directors and other Company Directors on development and production with a view to efficiency and safety.
• Oversee all aspects of production, from pre-production through post-production, including production scope, schedules, estimates, and technical needs.
• Employ and manage human resources attached to each production as well as within the company.
• Understand and feed into management accounting processes.
• Provide and frequently adapt detailed plans on how to achieve individual productions including financing, scheduling, crewing and budgeting.
• Create and manage budgets and schedules for both production and development.
• Aid in the creation and management of cashflow from production budgets.
• Set up and manage financing for all productions including inflows from broadcasters, distributors, banks, etc.
• Oversee all legal and contractual work involved across the business which involves contracts for development, commissioning, financing as well as staff, crew, writers, cast and distribution in liaison with business affairs.
• Work closely with business affairs to ensure all contracting is kept within agreed operating parameters.
• Maintain good relationships with key freelance personnel, equipment suppliers and postproduction houses.
• Understand and maintain relationships with other independent companies and broadcasters.
• Monitor cost reports for all productions.
• Working closely with the Production Accountant to produce cost reports throughout postproduction to delivery.
• Troubleshoot on productions as required.
• Attend and contribute to management meetings.

About:

With headquarters in Amsterdam, Los Angeles and London, Submarine is an award-winning production company that develops and produces feature films, scripted series, documentaries, animation and transmedia projects. Submarine has established itself as an innovative company, bringing together established and emerging international filmmakers and creators from Europe and the US to produce content with true international appeal for over two decades.

The company works across five distinct divisions which feed each other: Scripted, Documentary, Hybrid, Animation (which encompasses the Netherlands’ largest animation studio), and Digital/Podcast (Transmedia).

The company’s upcoming projects include original scripted animation series Undone season 2 for Amazon Prime Video, Richard Linklater’s Apollo 10 ½ feature for Netflix which debuts at SXSW 2022, drama series The Kollective, true crime series The Singh Case, and animated feature Coppelia which premiered at Annecy International Animation Festival 2021.

Person specification:

Experience:

• Proven track record as Line Producer on scripted programming.
• Have working relationships with finance providers.
• Experience of applying successfully for tax credits.
• Knowledge of tax credits in other countries.
• Experience of post-production and delivery to broadcasters and distributors.
• Experience of doing productions with multiple financiers/broadcasters.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiating skills.
• Combination of excellent attention to detail and ability to see the bigger picture.
• Passion for production.
• Ability to operate in a fast paced, highly competitive business landscape.
• Ability to identify and understand commercial opportunities and grow revenues.
• Good Client handling.
• Calm, organized and methodical in approach to work and able to remain so under pressure and when working to tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of current deal terms for all major television financiers including broadcasters (UK&US&Europe), SVODs and distributors.
• Thorough knowledge of all current talent agreements and ability to negotiate within their parameters.
• Clear understanding of copyright and clearances.
• Ability to manage numerous productions at different stages.

Working with a group of young, professional creatives in an informal atmosphere and for an international market. Submarine is located in a monumental building in the middle of Amsterdam (Lab111) with, in addition to a number of film production companies, a restaurant and a cinema.