Get That Job: How to be a producer

What qualifications and/or experience do you need?
At least a few years’ industry experience, either working your way up as a production assistant, or in another relevant field where you took on management responsibilities.

Some of our producers in the past have begun in QA, some in design, and some pursued production straight out of university. A degree is not essential, but it does show you’ve learnt essential skills such as working well in groups, writing clearly and concisely, and meeting deadlines.

How would someone come to be in your position?
Show an interest for how all the elements of a game team come together. Apply your leadership qualities. Shadow a producer. It’s not just about becoming an expert in your current discipline and then moving over to management – you need to want to be a manager first.

Communication is key. So, if you find yourself being the ‘glue’ that keeps a team connected, or the person who helps conversations to flow better, you are already helping the production department immensely and should probably see where that can take you.

If you were interviewing someone, what do you look for?
Someone who can lead by example. The subtle way they hold themselves and handle the group dynamic of an interview setting needs to shine through. In recent interviews, we’ve been looking mostly at personality over paper qualifications.

An understanding of the unique challenges faced in cross-platform development is essential. And if spreadsheets and forms are your passion, we already love you.

What opportunities are there for career progression?
There are plenty of ways you can move up if you’re a great producer. With enough experience, it is one of the best positions to be trained in if you ever choose to open your own studio, too.

 You may also find yourself becoming more public-facing as your career progresses. You should find you have more opportunities to represent your organisation and be present in the industry at trade shows and in conversations with the press.