Understanding the Production Team: Who Does What in a VFX Pipeline
- squarezeroone
- 32 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Behind every successful visual effects project is a well-organised production team keeping hundreds of moving parts in sync.
While artists and supervisors focus on the creative and technical work, producers form the backbone of communication, scheduling, and delivery — ensuring everything runs smoothly from first turnover to final delivery.
Whether you’re new to the industry or simply want to understand how the production side operates, it helps to know what each role contributes to the bigger picture.
From the Show Producer steering the overall vision to the Production Assistant handling the daily details, each position plays a vital part in keeping the pipeline flowing.
Below is a simplified hierarchy and breakdown of the main production roles you’ll find on most VFX or post-production shows — what they do, how they interact, and why each one matters.
Production Hierarchy & Role Overview
Simplified Hierarchy
1. Show Producer (Top-Level Production Lead)
Core Responsibilities
Oversees the entire show from concept to final delivery.
Collaborates with the studio, VFX Supervisor, directors, and department heads.
Defines and manages the budget, schedule, and creative goals.
Makes strategic decisions affecting the production pipeline, delivery scope, and resourcing.
Ensures all departments align with client expectations and delivery timelines.
Key Skills
Leadership, negotiation, budgeting, high-level communication, and multi-department management.
2. Associate Producer (A Producer)
Core Responsibilities
Supports the Show Producer in executing day-to-day production strategies.
Acts as a bridge between departments, ensuring smooth communication.
May manage specific areas such as post-production, approvals, or client updates.
Tracks progress, helps resolve issues, and escalates problems as needed.
Key Skills
Cross-departmental coordination, multitasking, problem-solving, and client communication.
3. Production Manager (PM)
Core Responsibilities
Builds and maintains schedules, milestones, and delivery plans.
Tracks work across departments to ensure tasks are on target.
Manages resource allocation, ensuring efficient artist utilisation.
Reports progress and risks to the Show Producer.
Oversees the work of Production Coordinators.
Key Skills
Planning, scheduling, data tracking, team management, and risk assessment.
4. Line Producer (LP)
Core Responsibilities
Controls the financial and budgeting side of the project.
Tracks costs, salaries, vendor payments, and project spend.
Works closely with the PM and Producer to ensure financial efficiency.
Maintains transparency between production and studio finance departments.
Key Skills
Budget forecasting, negotiation, finance management, and cost reporting.
5. Production Coordinator
Core Responsibilities
Manages daily production logistics: task tracking, reports, and notes.
Communicates progress between departments (e.g. Layout, Comp, Lighting).
Schedules dailies, prepares notes, and ensures follow-up actions are logged.
Keeps ShotGrid / Shotgun data accurate and current.
Supports the PM in tracking dependencies and workflow efficiency.
Key Skills
Organisation, clear communication, data entry accuracy, and multitasking.
6. Production Assistant (PA)
Core Responsibilities
Provides entry-level administrative support to the production team.
Helps prepare schedules, meeting notes, and shot lists.
Assists with deliveries, filing, reference collection, and other practical tasks.
Acts as a point of contact for simple requests or coordination.
Key Skills
Initiative, reliability, communication, and eagerness to learn.
Comments