Introduction to the Role of a Production IT Manager (ITM)
The convergence of media and entertainment production workflows with IT workflows has brought about the emergence of new opportunities in the film production industry, one of these is the Production IT Manager. While this position is likely unfamiliar to most, it is undeniably crucial for the smooth functioning of modern media and entertainment production workflows.
From overseeing temporary on-set IT infrastructure to ensuring the smooth operation of all networks, computer-based production systems, data security, data management and cloud ecosystems, the Production IT Manager role brings a unique combination of creative knowledge, technical expertise, project management skills, organizational competence, problem-solving abilities, along with a deep understanding of IP networks, cloud ecosystem and next generation technologies. This article will discuss the importance of a Production IT Manager, their collaborative partnerships, identify who benefits most and it will also provide an in-depth understanding of the Production IT Manager's responsibilities, unique skills, and challenges including why a Production IT Manager & Digital Image Technician are not the same.
What does a Production IT Manager Do?
Being a Production IT Manager is like being the conductor of a technology symphony for all phases of a media & entertainment project. The role involves creating and managing all IT processes, infrastructures and systems that keep the media or entertainment project moving forward while identifying and avoiding work bottlenecks that slow everything and everyone down. The single objective of a Production IT Manager is to get the project to completion as fast as possible.
"The single objective of a Production IT Manager is to get the project to completion as fast as possible."
Responsibilities & Duties of a Production IT Manager
The Production IT Manager plays a vital role in maintaining efficient operations throughout the entire process, from location scouting to production, postproduction and distribution. On a modern production, there are hundreds of tasks that rely on IT process, and the Production IT Manager ensures work is a smooth and uninterrupted. In essence, Production IT Managers are working behind the scenes, utilizing their technical expertise to ensure that all departments in today's media and entertainment productions run with utmost technical efficiency.
Reporting Structure
Data, internet, wireless networks, and cloud computing are crucial in modern day film making, offering immense benefits to all crew members and across all departments. Because the involvement of a Production IT Manager spans across the entire filmmaking process, encompassing Pre-Production, Production, Postproduction, and Distribution phases, the Production IT Manager is accountable to a Producer, Line Producer, Production Manager, Editorial Supervisor, and other key stakeholders. This reporting structure guarantees that the Production IT Manager's expertise and insights are appropriately channeled from the decision-makers, enabling them to make informed choices regarding the project's technical requirements.
Importance in Pre-Production & Planning
The Production IT Manager provides advice and guidance for what the internet & network possibilities, limitations and requirements are for any given shooting location; studios, venues, and homes, even those with an internet connection ensuring all location networks are reliable enough to support crew needs, and fast enough to withstand high data transfer demands of "Content to Cloud" or "camera to cloud" workflows. One particular challenge arises when productions enter venues that already have existing internet connections. In such cases, the Production IT Manager works directly with these venues to address the following key aspects:
- Ensuring existing networks are not overwhelmed so the venue can continue to function for its day-to-day business operations.
- Prioritizing network bandwidth to accommodate the requirements of cloud workflows.
- Ensuring that there is a certain level of network service available in all areas where filming takes place.
- Supplementing network & internet connectivity with temporary solutions.
Importance in a Production Environment
Once on set, the primary responsibilities of a Production IT Manager are deploying and maintaining all IT infrastructures within the production environment, even temporary networks without internet. This includes hardware, software, and all network systems that support all aspects of production.
"Pipeline Optimization entails analyzing intricate technical specifications of each device within the data transfer chain to identify and improve bottlenecks."
The most crucial on-set duty of a Production IT Manager is to ensure the seamless operation of the data transfer pipeline which includes building wireless networks to automatically transfer files from the camera to the data storage station. While anyone can simply copy files from the camera and sound cards to a computer, a Production IT Manager goes beyond that. They meticulously calculate the data throughput of all devices in the chain. This Pipeline Optimization process entails analyzing the intricate technical specifications of each device in the data transfer chain to identify and improve bottlenecks. They also delve into the workflows and processes involved in managing large RAW and proxy files throughout the entire journey.
By identifying bottlenecks and implementing effective solutions, the Production IT Manager enhances the speed of data transfer to editorial. Additionally, they continuously monitor and optimize the performance of on-set data and network systems to minimize any potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies for all crew members, right down to office printers.
Importance for Post-Production Workflows
As the demand for Content to Cloud and camera to cloud workflows continues to grow, it is crucial for a Production IT Manager to possess expertise in cloud technology, terminology, and file transfer protocols. Production IT Managers work on behalf of the editorial supervisor to prep and transfer all data. The most efficient method of delivering camera and sound files to the editorial team is by uploading them directly from the set. However, in cases where high-speed internet is unavailable, the Production IT Manager utilizes their extensive knowledge and available resources, even maintaining a database of high-speed internet connections to minimize the upload time for these large files. They also employ and manage portable internet networks and cutting-edge technologies. In this regard, TexasdDITS Production IT Managers highly prefer the Starlink Satellite service due to its exceptional speed, reliability, and the ability to access it from any location, surpassing the limitations of slow and congested cellular technologies.
Why Not the DIT?
The role of the Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) has undergone significant evolution since its inception over 20 years ago, but their job is rooted in image quality control. Research reveals that the over the last decade, as technology has evolved the precise nature of the DIT's responsibilities has become somewhat ambiguous, resulting in a lack of clarity surrounding their job duties.
On many projects, the image quality control aspect of their job is no longer handled on-set, causing a DIT not to be involved. Conversely, on other projects a Digital Image Technician is far too busy working for the cinematographer on crucial image elements such as image quality, exposure, LUTs, and live color grading. These tasks are time-consuming and prioritize meticulousness over speed.
In cases where image quality control is not required on-set, a Production IT Manager steps in to manage the data pipeline, but also adds value with managing all IT aspects of the project.
Who Benefits from a Production IT Manager?
Information Technology (IT) plays an indispensable role in our daily lives. Even the slightest inconvenience, such as unreliable or slow internet at our local coffee shop, can be frustrating and hinder our productivity. Now, amplify that frustration and apply it to the intricate workings of a production. Factor in remote locations, and everything that relies on IT systems will bring the entire production process to a sluggish crawl.
In the realm of large-scale multi-million-dollar productions, the presence of a skilled Production IT Manager becomes paramount. These ambitious projects rely on cutting-edge technology and processes, including advanced networking, ultra-fast data management, and cloud workflows.
However, it is not just the big-budget endeavors that can benefit from a Production IT Manager. Independent filmmakers, too, can reap the rewards of an experienced Production IT Manager who helps speed up the project completion. Faster production is valuable because it helps independents achieve four goals:
- Generate revenue sooner and recoup their investment faster by swiftly bringing their project to the market.
- Seize the opportunity to capitalize on current trends and events by producing a film promptly, ensuring its relevance before these trends fade.
- Reduce the overall cost of production by minimizing production time, leading to lower expenses for equipment, locations, and crew.
- When projects are completed faster, independents can take on more projects using the same limited resources. (back to number1)
"Independent filmmakers, too, can reap the rewards of an experienced Production IT Manager."
What's in a Production IT Managers Kit?
A Production IT Manager will undoubtedly need a diverse range of tools and gear to effectively manage various aspects of work. Among the most common are computers and tablets, wired and wireless routers, wide area mesh points, high gain antennas, networking cables, and outdoor rated access points.
However, the toolbox is not limited to these essentials. It also encompasses highly specialized IT tools, such as network analyzers & testers, project management software, cloud storage platforms, automation technologies, monitoring and security tools, and data corruption recovery software to name a few.
As a Production IT Manager, it is crucial to equip the production with these essential tools to effectively handle any IT challenge.
What About Costs?
One would think that implementing a Production IT Manager and all these IT technologies would cost more, but not necessarily.
In cases where image quality control is not required on-set, a Production IT Manager steps in to manage the data pipeline, but also adds value with managing all production IT aspects of the project.
Implementing any new technologies into preproduction, production and postproduction process requires careful analysis of the goals and the budget.
Many times, it's as easy as moving money from one bucket to another bucket. TexasDITS has helped several producers complete their projects much faster, yet the budget never changed.
Future Trends and Emerging Technologies
The Internet of Things (IoT) (which is connecting an ever-growing number of devices to a network) and voice technologies bring new opportunities to drive efficiency and speed. Imagine, never having a scene interrupted again! IoT combined with voice technology could mean deploying dozens of wireless red "recording" lights all around a live set, at entrance doors, in grip trucks, in the carpentry areas. These red lights automatically turn ON when the IT system hears "Roll Sound" and turn off when "CUT" is called. This "Connected Set" is made possible by a Production IT Manager.
With cloud's ability to scale resources on demand, producers, directors, and agencies can achieve unprecedented levels of speed, flexibility and agility.
Cloud workflows are the next on-set technology disruptor, but it is also revolutionizing the way editorial teams work. Camera & sound recordings, even script notes are uploaded to the cloud and automatically downloaded and synchronized with the editing computers anywhere on the planet. With cloud's ability to scale resources on demand, producers, directors, and agencies can achieve unprecedented levels of speed, flexibility and agility.
A significant trend that is currently shaping the industry is the growing emphasis on automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. A Production IT Manager is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring projects have access to the most innovative tools and solutions available. TexasDITS Production IT Managers are experts in many different technologies that can take production and post-production workflows to new heights, enabling film makers to achieve unprecedented levels of speed, excellence and efficiency.
Production IT Managers are forward-thinking. They stay curious and embrace emerging technologies. They always keep an eye on the latest tech trends and how to leverage them to speed up a production.
The future is not something to be feared – it's something to be embraced and molded to our advantage. In the digital film making process, the role of the Production IT Manager represents the next evolution in skills required.