The Role of Production Managers

Production Managers at Mars Hill Church are responsible for the organization and execution of live production elements at our weekend services and all special events.  This role requires a mixture of technical knowledge and ability balanced with strong communication and leadership.  Generally this position reports directly to the Campus Operations Director or the Campus Worship Pastor and works closely with the Regional Production Technology Manager (a function of the Central Operations Branch’s Production Technology Department).  Production Mangers hold the office of Deacon and typically are established as part time paid positions.

Responsibilities

On a weekly basis this includes:

• band scheduling
• scheduling of production volunteers
• downloading video files from the media and communications branch
• testing the sermon video
• obtaining the band’s set list
• building a slide deck/song cue list
• building any campus specific announcement slides
• establishing a stage plot
• preparing the service order
• coordinating an input list between the band leader and the FOH engineer
• building lighting cues
• ensuring a successful band practice
• troubleshooting of technical systems as needed
• ensuring that the room is prepared and ready for service, stage is clean and clear
• leading a pre-service production team meeting
• ensuring the right people go on stage at the right time (stage management)
• ensuring smooth technical transitions throughout the service identifying areas for improvement

Additionally there may be special elements that the campus pastors requests accommodation for that will require extra planning and communication with volunteer teams.  If you are adding baby dedications or baptisms to the service order there are many logistical details that must be thought through (i.e. What is the plan for bringing people up on stage?  Who will have a mic?  Who is filling the baptismal and ensuring the water at the right temperature?  Who is coordinating towels?).  It is the responsibility of the production manager to think through all the details of every event, develop and communicate a plan, and then execute it effectively.

On a more ongoing basis:

• training of volunteers
• recruiting new volunteers
• managing the production budget for expendables, special services, band gear, and volunteer appreciation
• performing routine maintenance of audio, video and lighting systems
• capturing and distribution of campus specific audio and video content
• planning of special services (i.e. Good Friday, Easter, Christmas, beach baptisms, etc.)

Expectations

Technologically, Production Managers are expected to have a good understanding of how each of their audio, video and lighting systems function and should be able to jump in and operate any position if a volunteer fails to show-up or troubleshoot issues that come up by tracing the signal flow.  They also oversee the technical training at their campus, ensuring that each volunteer has a working knowledge of the system, or is in the training process to gain that working foundation.

There is specific routine maintenance that is required by the Production Manager at each campus.  The specific maintenance varies depending on what systems have been deployed at any given campus.  Production Managers are encouraged to talk with their Regional Production Technology Manager if they are unsure what is specifically expected of them in regards to maintenance.

Systems are designed for specific functionality and Production Managers are expected to execute campus events and operations within this normal functionality.  If a campus would like to use the system equipment in a way that is different than how the Regional Production Technology Manager has approved, we ask that a discussion take place around the requested special use of the system.  Additionally it is expected that Production Mangers do not alter the deployed production technology systems from their initially deployed design.  This means that existing equipment is not removed and that no new equipment is procured or integrated.  We have established this flow of work in an effort to support the Production Managers in accomplishing as much ‘people ministry’ as possible – that is talking with people, seeing the gospel worked out in their volunteer’s lives, rather than being distracted by technical issues.

In regards to spiritual oversight, we fully expect Production Managers to take initiative in digging into the lives of their volunteers, knowing where they are at in their walk with Jesus, knowing what scriptures are challenging to them, knowing what struggles or addictions are distracting them from living a life in the light before the cross.  While the spiritual oversight provided by Production Managers should encourage open and honest community, it doesn’t not replace the need for community groups.  Serving in any volunteer role is a secondary place of community and accountability, as community groups are specifically aimed and purposed at achieving true gospel community.  All too often we find volunteers serving in a production capacity and not involved in any community group – production managers should encourage/push their volunteers into true community, recognizing the limitations of potential spiritual oversight and accountability in a task oriented volunteer role.

Hiring Considerations

When we are looking at resumes and interviewing potential candidates for new staff Production Managers we specifically focus on four areas:

Calling – How has Jesus specifically called you to this role?  Are you on mission?  Are you currently serving your church?  Are you in a community group and living a life that is open and accountable those around you?

Competency – Are you an effective communicator while also being incredibly detail and technically oriented?

Character – Do you meet the qualifications of the office of Deacon as outlined in Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13?  Can you model humble leadership?

Chemistry – How are you going to ‘gel’ with the campus team?