What does a Production Manager do?

A production manager (often shortened to PM) is the person responsible for the technical and logistical delivery of a live event, from advancing and budgets to crew, rigging and safety. They turn the show's plans into a working production on the day.

What a production manager does

A production manager's work runs from planning to load-out:

  1. Advance: confirm technical needs, timings and crew with venues and acts in the advance.
  2. Budget: manage the production budget for equipment, crew and transport.
  3. Suppliers and crew: book sound, lighting, staging and rigging suppliers and local crew.
  4. Schedule: write the production schedule for load-in, rehearsals, show and load-out.
  5. Safety: make sure risk assessments are done and safe working is followed.
  6. Show day: lead the crews, solve problems and sign off the venue at the end.

Production managers handle many acts and suppliers at once, which is why many run their advances in Crescat.

Production manager vs tour manager

On tour, the production manager looks after the show itself: equipment, crew, trucks and venue technical needs. The tour manager looks after the people: travel, hotels, money and the artist's day. They work closely together, and on smaller tours one person often does both jobs.

Skills a production manager needs

  • Broad technical knowledge of sound, lighting, video and staging
  • Budgeting and supplier negotiation
  • Scheduling and crew management
  • Health and safety knowledge
  • Clear, calm communication under pressure

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a venue PM and a touring PM?

A venue production manager runs production for every event in one building. A touring production manager travels with one show and works with each venue's team to fit the show in. Both need the same core skills.

What is a production schedule?

A production schedule is the timetable for the technical work: load-in, rigging, build, focus, rehearsals, show and load-out, with crew calls for each stage. It is shared with every department and updated as plans change.

How do you become a production manager?

Most production managers start as technicians or stage crew, then move into crew chief and assistant roles. Experience across departments and good safety knowledge matter more than any single qualification.

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