Production Supervisor

Production Supervisor

The Production Administration Team (PAT) at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – School of Film and Television (SFTV), a top-ranked film school, supports student productions and serves students in Film Production, Screenwriting, Recording Arts, Animation, and Film Studies. The students in Film Production produce approximately 800 films per year. Each project is overseen by a staff member in PAT. Projects are monitored for adherence to rules, policies, and procedures codified in the SFTV Handbook, and most importantly, for the highest level of workplace safety.

PAT provides services and maintains available facilities and equipment in 5 buildings across two campuses, including sound stages, scene and prop shop, professional cinema-quality camera packages, grip/electric equipment, and production sound equipment for both project and classroom use. For a more complete list of equipment and facilities, please see the SFTV website.

Reporting to the Head of Production, the Production Supervisor will provide experienced administrative support for the School of Film and Television's productions. The responsibilities include support, oversight and coordination of a high volume of student film productions.

The Production Supervisor will join the administration team and have a critical role in supporting all student film and media projects across all formats at one of the nation's top film schools. This position serves as a key liaison between students, faculty, and university departments to ensure productions are executed safely, responsibly, and in alignment with academic and institutional guidelines.

The Production Supervisor provides expert guidance to students throughout the production lifecycle from initial concept approval through final wrap, providing advisement on best practices, technical planning, safety protocols, and resource use. This includes reviewing compliance with internal protocols, production proposals, verifying compliance with university policies, risk management and insurance requirements, ensuring that all necessary documentation (e.g., permits, staffing requirements, safety measures) is in place, and conducting oversight activities such as unannounced set visits and post-production reviews.

The ideal candidate brings a collaborative mindset, a deep understanding of professional production standards, and a commitment to fostering a safe, educational, and creatively empowering environment for emerging filmmakers.

Position Specific Accountabilities

• Oversee and assist with student project approvals and oversight.
• Hold or participate in approval meetings (production green light). As required, independently conduct project approval of any level student film.
• Verify productions meet requirements (call, sheets, crewing, permits, risk management approval etc.) ahead of filming approval.
• Ensure implementation of production safety guidelines on student productions.
• Perform set visits, some requiring weekend, evenings, and night work during production periods (~10 weeks/semester).
• Review and verify DPRs, equipment returns and other wrap documentation.
• Foster students' understanding of and adherence to industry standards.
• Advise students on best practices, procedures and methods as well as on finding production solutions for the projects.
• Coordinate, schedule, and follow up on student production activity.
• Assist students and faculty in permitting with FilmLA and other permit offices.
• Provide administrative support and interact with in-state and out-of-state agencies, vendors, various partners and the University community.
• Function as a substitute for other administrators in cases of absence.
• Maintain, review, and update the SFTV Production Handbook and PAT Staff Handbook.
• Participate in the hiring, training, and supervision of student workers, specifically in the Student Production Office.
• Coordinate with faculty to review and address student and project needs.
• Adhere to the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality. Understanding that in the academic environment, most information is personal and confidential.
• Participate in the planning and execution of both internal and outward-facing events, including screenings, showcases, festivals, and panel discussions. Supports the event itself, as well as its audio and multi-cam capture and streaming.
• Assist in cross-functional work with the Dean's Office, Administration and Operations, Faculty Services, Student Services and/or other SFTV departments as directed by the Head of Production, including public events and use of SFTV facilities and resources.
• Represent LMU and the School of Film & TV within the community and/or externally, including internal or external events.
• Host visits and tours by external and intra-campus persons or groups.
• Attend Trade Shows and conferences (travel may be required).
• Assist in coordination and organization of a department with 12+ full-time staff and 100+ student workers, supporting 800+ student film productions per year.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations

Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Typically a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of university and federal regulation/policy changes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple projects maintaining a high caliber of quality.
• A minimum of six years of related work experience in film or television production is required.
• Experience in feature films and/or major television required.
• Experience in the AD department or as a production coordinator is required.
• Experience as 1st AD, UPM or line producer is highly preferred.
• Demonstrable (roster qualification, references, credits) professional experience required.
• Formal film production safety training (e.g. CAFTS) highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with camera, grip, and electric gear as well as in post-production is expected.
• Experience with emerging methods, including virtual production desired.
• Experience in high-volume, high-pace environment (agency, new media, TV) a plus.
• Experience in an educational environment a plus.
• Experience in a corporate environment is highly desirable, including experience with HR processes, record keeping, inter-collegial and inter-departmental interactions, professional communications.
• Experience supervising others required.
• Experience in project management is strongly desired
• High level of discretion and judgment is required to handle confidential information within the academic environment.
• Keen understanding of the role of academic support staff in interaction with students is required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to allow some weekend work during production periods (~10 weeks/semester).
• Ability to travel at short notice, including for set visits out-of-town or trade shows.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise multiple reports expected.
• Direct working knowledge of all aspects of film and television production, including production workflow, scheduling, budgeting, risk management and insurance, minors' work requirements, guild and union contracts, equipment, facilities, and accounts.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the entertainment industry and practical experience in all aspects of the post-production process.
• Ability to mentor students regarding proper set etiquette.
• Ability to assist students in the development of professional attitudes and disciplines expected in the entertainment industry.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be organized, detail-oriented, and demonstrate initiative, quick problem solving, thinking ahead, and follow-through.
• Proven ability to work calmly and efficiently in a high-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to work both independently and follow direction. Must be proactive.
• Highly developed crisis/conflict management skills required, specifically de-escalation.
• High degree of empathy, respect for and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, ages and cultures required. Keen understanding of the role of academic support staff in interaction with students is required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to allow for evenings and some weekend work during production periods (~10 weeks/semester).
• Ability to travel at short notice, including for set visits out-of-town or trade shows.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Understanding of organizational structure and ability to follow instructions and defined processes.
• Ability to write and edit narratives, prepare memos, reports, handbooks, and other documents independently and efficiently.