Line Producers: Always Attend The PPM
Embarking on a freelance producing career offers a dynamic and rewarding journey yet it comes with its unique set of challenges. One pivotal lesson learned is the indispensable value of the PPM (pre-production meeting) involvement. When jumping in to line produce, the ppm allows you to meet all the key stakeholders, listen to their conversations, take notes and ask precise questions about risk management issues that could arise.
The Scenario:
Recently, I undertook a freelance line producer role for a seemingly straightforward project: a one-day outdoor shoot with a compact crew and a couple of talent. The client and agency were to participate remotely. Despite the project's simplicity, I was provided no pre-production time. My request to attend the PPM was declined, which in hindsight was a red flag I regret not addressing more assertively.
The Challenges Faced:
On the shoot day, I found myself at the helm without prior interaction with the client, agency, or crew. This lack of familiarity posed challenges, especially when an immediate issue arose causing delays. In those situations I choose transparency as their is no point concocting a story that is influenced by stress. People can tell when something is a miss. We’ve all had interactions where we’ve been told something we know intuitively doesn’t seem right. So why try pretend..? This approach also aligns with the wisdom shared by superstar producer Nat Taylor who runs Poppet Productions, who advocates for upfront communication to foster trust and collaborative problem-solving.
Key Takeaways for Producers:
Insist on Pre-Production Involvement: At the very least sit in on the PPM, take notes and write out the potential major issues that could occur. Being in the PPM allows you to grasp the project's overview, get some understanding of why and how decisions were settled on, hear the client’s expectations and get to know the people you’re working with.
Establish Clear Communication Channels: Being the conduit between various stakeholders necessitates clarity and openness. No matter what people say, remain transparent with your communication, especially during challenges. It reinforces trust and demonstrates professionalism.
Risk Analysis: Write out all the things that could go wrong and then think about the best way of solving it. Trust me, it’s better to have thought about this stuff before you’re on set. Knowing how to solve something when it happens takes away the stress and confusion that invariably sets in.
Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels amiss, address it proactively. Your intuition, honed by experience is a valuable tool in preempting and mitigating potential issues.
Prepare Thoroughly: Even with time constraints, strive to familiarise yourself with all aspects of the project. Understanding the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of each stakeholder enables you to lead with confidence and competence.
In conclusion, as producers our role is to weave together the project's many threads into a cohesive and successful tapestry. Active involvement in the PPM is not just beneficial, it's essential. By embedding ourselves in this key meeting, we not only enhance the project's potential for success but also fortify our professional integrity and reliability.
