Here are a few things I ask the team or my direct manager on my first day in Production.

Watch a video about it here.

1.) Ask about the WI-FI login credentials.
This is usually such a small and insignificant detail that it usually gets missed in on boarding. I’m always one for not suffering in silence, so ask it as soon as you can if it’s something you want access while on site/in the studio.

2.) Ask about e-mail format/protocol to follow.
Is there a show alias you should know about? Email distribution list? Is there a logo you should have on your e-mail signature? Do you need to follow a specific e-mail format?

3.) Ask for access to the show calendar and show schedule.
What is Prod life without meetings am-I-right? It’d be good to know asap which meetings you are expected to be in so you can start shadowing the team and getting familiar with the daily routine.
Ask for the show schedule as well so you have context on where the show currently stands and where your help is needed.

4.) Ask for a confirmation on Work Hour Expectations.
Usually, this is already written on your contract. However, most times than not, work hours vary per project as it’s dependent on where the team currently sits in the schedule. Are they already in crunch time and OT is more than likely expected soon or already happening? Or is it in its early stages and you might even be able to leave early on some days?
Other things to consider are if the project and the team is flexible to work with an adjusted work schedule. Would you prefer to start early and leave early? Do you need to adjust your lunch hour to accommodate personal commitments?

5.) Ask for a Who’s Who List
If there is a page that lists the team members’ names, title, project, and photo, that would be ideal! It goes a long way to put a face to the name, and it helps you get up to speed on who’s who, what their responsibilities are, what the proper line of communication is as your Inbox starts filling in with info from various team members!
It would also be good to know if anyone in the team has an offset time than most so that you are aware of when best time to contact them!

6.) Ask for your Roles and Responsibilities
Sometimes, what is posted in the job posting is a general call for Production Coordinators / Production Assistant. After the hiring process, you may be assigned a specific department to support. It would be good to request a 1:1 with your mentor/manager to clarify your specific tasks/responsibilites as a support system for that particular department.
Once you have access to the production schedule, it would also be a good idea to ask where the team/department is in the schedule. This give you context on where your help is needed most depending on priorities.

7.) Ask for a Pipeline Walk Through
Different studios will have a different pipeline and own proprietary workflows/tools. Sometimes, even projects within the same studio will also have varying pipeline. The earlier you can understand your studio and project’s pipe, the easier it will be to make sense of why departments are needed for specific tasks or requests. Which, in turn, helps you during note taking because you have an understanding of the background, jargon, or history of what is needed.
If you can request for 1 person to walk you through from beginning to end, usually the CG Supervisor, that would be fantastic! Your first week(s) are the best time to ask! ;)

BONUS: Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Despite what our anxious brains say, no one is expecting you to know everything on your first days —even if you’re a seasoned Prod!

So, relax, breathe, YOU GOT THIS.

If there is anything that doesn’t make sense, you’re confused about, or need more info on, the best time to ask is during your first week(s). They expect you to!

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