50 Things a Professional Video Producer Does (courtesy of Shannon Newton)

1. Manages the production budget.
2. Plans the video project and accepts it will not go according to plan.
3. Accepts responsibility when no one else does.
4. Plans for any and all resources needed to get the job done.
5. Maintains a healthy state of paranoia (“What did I forget? What is missing?”).
6. Is obsessed with staying on schedule.
7. Always checks a download link personally before sending to client.
8. Is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of a video project.
9. Double checks work again before sending to client.
10. Under-promises.
11. Over-delivers.
12. Develops very thick skin.
13. Identifies the most creative and most organized on the team (both needed).
14. Checks frustration and ego at the door when communicating with the client.
15. Never names any file “Final” (equivalent of wishing ‘good luck’ before a performance).
16. Understands the clients terminology (has read the client website thoroughly).
17. Understands each function of the production and every production job.
18. Acts as video project team cheerleader when necessary.
19. Acts as video project team hammer when necessary.
20. Knows that often the most creative people are difficult to deal with.
21. Is willing and able to roll up sleeves and get his/her hands dirty in a production.
22. Reviews every change to the content, no matter how minor, before sending to client.
23. Praises in public and punishes in private.
24. Has trouble sleeping the night before a shooting day.
25. Hires everybody on the video production team.
26. Oversees talent scouting.
27. Keeps track of client tasks and act timely to remind them when late.
28. Fires anybody on the video production team when necessary.
29. Oversees location scouting.
30. Looks for creative ways to cut cost out of the budget.
31. Ensures everyone eats.
32. Ensures everyone gets paid.
33. Is married to their cell phone or other communication device.
34. Keeps track of what went wrong (post mortem), avoids repeat mistakes.
35. Keeps client confidential information secure.
36. Wears comfortable shoes.
37. Prepares for the first meeting with a client by thoroughly reading their web marketing.
38. Picks up coffee and bagels if no one else can.
39. Always asks about power, restrooms, and building access in preparing for on-location shooting.
40. Answers emails while walking to and from the car.
41. Knows who is traveling to/from location shoots and when as well as how to contact them on the road.
42. Stresses when something DOESN’T go wrong…anticipating the storm.
43. Removes logistical obstacles so they don’t become a drain on the remote team.
44. Asks to see in-progress work often, offers constructive criticism without micromanaging.
45. Inspires efficient creativity.
46. Discourages lethargic routine.
47. Hires people much more creative than he/she.
48. Hires people much more technically competent than he/she.
49. Always asks himself/herself “Do my people on location have food/water?”
50. Doesn’t deliver content he/she knows the client doesn’t want. Takes responsibility for client success in this regard.