A production coordinator interview can be easy if well prepared. We have prepared the most likely questions to be asked in a production interview along with their sample answers. Reviewing them will help increase your chances of emerging as the best candidate for the job.
1. Why Are You Interested In This Role?
I have recently earned a degree in film production at New York University. Previously, I had a one-year internship in one of the media houses in Atlanta. During this time I gained hands-on experience in supervising production assistants, enforcing production schedules, and organizing catering. Besides, I developed and improved on multitasking, organizational, and time management skills. I now understand the process and needs of every department in the film industry and I can work well with them. I read your job posting for this role with interest because I saw an opportunity to utilize the skills, education, and experience I have attained. Should I get this opportunity, I will pay you back by becoming an asset to your company.
2. What Are The Roles Of A Production Coordinator?
A production coordinator performs a key role in the creation of any professional television show, film, or commercial. The roles of a production coordinator vary depending on the productions they are working in. However, their main duties include:
- Managing production schedules
- Preparing and running the production office
- Communicating production schedule to the crew
- Supervising production assistants
- Managing locations
- Handling equipment rentals
- Managing communication systems such as emails and phones
- Coordinating transportation needs
- Organizing catering for shoots
- Maintaining the production budget
3. What Are The Qualities That A Production Coordinator Need To Be Successful?
Besides having the necessary academic qualifications, a good production coordinator must possess strong multitasking, time-management, and communication skills. He must have organizational skills to help him plan and keep up with the pressures involved. To succeed in this role, a production coordinator must understand the process as well as the needs of every department. He must be a person with great innovation skills to be able to find solutions to problems and deal with unexpected issues.
4. What Major Challenges Did You Face During Your Last Role? How Did You Manage Them?
When I was new in this career, It was hard for me to balance my family and job. Finding the story and characters that would fit in a film was not easy for me at all in the beginning. Additionally, it would take a lot of time for the project to be completed. However, in the course of performing my roles, I learned how to multitask and this helped me a lot. I encouraged my scriptwriters to keep rewriting the story until the time we got it right. I also learned time management and organizational skill that helped to plan my work well and reduce the stress that would be associated with my job.
5. Describe Your Daily Routine As A Production Coordinator?
I begin my day by reviewing my email and voice messages to see what I need to respond to before commencing working on my daily tasks including:
- Ensuring that the production office runs smoothly
- Delegating tasks to production assistants
- Creating production schedules as well as communicating the changes to the crews and cast members
- Handling phone calls, emails, and paperwork
- Keeping track of dailies for tv and films
- Distribute script revisions for tv and films
6. Describe Briefly About Your Experience?
I have been a production coordinator for three years now. During this time, I have gained a lot of experience in ensuring that the production office runs smoothly, scheduling production schedules as well as handling crews and cast members. I have also learned a lot of strategies on how to develop a production budget. Besides, I have improved my communication, multitasking, organizational, and time-management skills. I have also developed innovation skills and this helps me to come up with a solution to existing and unexpected problems. Should you give me this opportunity, I will use my strong skills, experience, and qualities to exceed your expectation for this role.
7. What Kind Of Strategies And Mindset Are Required For This Role?
A good production coordinator must have a strategy that encourages multitasking. This will see him or her complete tasks calmly and in good time. However, he or she must be ready to work under pressure including working for long hours to see the project completed. To ensure that the production runs smoothly, a production coordinator must communicate well with his crew and cast members. Besides, a good production coordinator must have the knowledge of filmmaking for him or her to understand the process involved as well as the needs of every department. As a good production coordinator, you must have an innovative mind to enable you to find solutions to problems as well as handle the unexpected.
8. What Is The Biggest Challenge You Foresee In This Job?
The biggest challenge that I foresee in this job is the rate at which technology is advancing. While I was starting off in this career film was been shot on MIPCOM, then in HD. Today, it is done in 4k. The format keeps changing as time goes by. To be relevant in this job, one has to catch up with the latest development. As a production coordinator, I have a good network that helps me to catch up with the latest development in this field.
9. How Do You Stay Motivated At Work?
I am an organized and self-driven production coordinator who is focused to ensure that the film and tv production runs smoothly. I have a track record of positive results and this gives me the morale to work as a production coordinator. I know how to communicate well with the crew and cast members as well as delegate duties to my production assistants. This works well for me. Besides, my organizational skills, and ability to multitask and delegate duties help me to remain focused in my role as a production coordinator.
10. Describe A Time You Failed In This Role And The Lesson You Learned?
Beginning a new project has always been an exciting adventure for me. It makes me get excited. This excitement has caused me to sign a bad contract as well as make bad business decisions. This has happened to me, especially when dealing with independent contractors. In the end, I have found myself under pressure thus having to work too much yet benefitting very little. However, today I am a different person. I have learned to put boundaries between emotions and contracts. I review the terms and conditions of every contract before I can sign it. After understanding the terms and conditions, I decide whether or not to sign a contract.
11. Why Do You Feel You Are Qualified For This Role?
Based on my skills, education, experience, and qualities, I believe that I am the most qualified candidate for this role. I have a bachelor’s degree in film production and a certificate in project management. Previously, I have performed a similar role for three years. During this time, I gained a lot of experience in ensuring that the production office runs smoothly, scheduling production sessions as well as managing crews and cast members. I also have strong interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, time-management, and communication skills. I strongly believe that my education, experience, qualities, and skills will help me to perform this role as expected.
12. Share With Us Your Greatest Achievement
The best achievement for me was when I coordinated the production of the film, “True To Be True”, which emerged as the best film of the year twice in two consecutive years. This was made possible through the collaboration of my crew team and the cast members. I believe that effective communication helps the team to understand what is expected of them hence being able to achieve positive results.
13. Highlight What You Do In Pre-Production, Production, And Post-Production Of A Film
In the pre-production phase, I normally set up the production office, and organize staff, equipment, and supplies. I coordinate work permits, visas, travel, and accommodations for cast members and crew. Additionally, I distribute shooting schedules, script, script revisions, crew, cast lists, and crew.
During production, prepare, update, and distribute crew lists. I also update daily progress reports and script changes. In this stage, I handle call sheets as well as transport requirements.
After production, I normally assist the production manager in wrapping up the production, returning surplus stock, closing accounts with suppliers, and tying up the loose ends.
14. As A Production Coordinator, What Do You Consider Most When Scheduling Film Production.
Time and money are the key factors I consider when scheduling film production. I have realized that the time one has during the production depends on the money one has. I always ensure to plan all the shooting days well so that the crew has enough time to complete all the scenes. When shooting schedules are planned well, additional expenses are avoided during the production.
15. What Components Must A Film Production Schedule Contain?
A top-notch film production must include a brief description for every scene, a list of all cast members needed on each shooting day, the time needed to complete production, and the number of scenes to be shot. In scripted productions, the number of pages for each scene should also be included.
16. Have You Ever Used Any Software In Your Previous Role?
Yes, I have used different software while performing my roles as a production coordinator. My favorite is movie magic scheduling software. This software makes film production scheduling easy and resourceful. I have come to know that pre-production and scheduling can only run smoothly when one uses the right tools.
17. What Are Your Principles While Delegating Tasks To Your Production Assistants?
I understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of my production assistants. I know those who prefer collaborating and those who prefer working alone. This helps me to choose the right person for the job. Sometimes, I allow them to choose the tasks according to their ability. This has helped me to build trust with my production assistants. Each time I delegate a task to my production assistant, I normally explain why I have entrusted them with the tasks including providing them with instructions that guide them through.
18. Tell Me About Your Management Style.
My management style is founded on the idea of building a team. I work towards helping each team member understand their responsibility, know where they belong, and feel that they can rely on one another. In addition, I believe in providing real-time feedback. If you make a mistake, you should be aware of it right away. Regardless of whether it is correct or incorrect, the more feedback is delayed, the less useful it becomes. Also, delegating duty and power is critical in my experience. A team must be able to develop and flourish as a whole as well as individuals without being hampered by low expectations.
19. How Do You Communicate A Complex Issue To The Crew And Cast Members
Any time I have to explain complex information to those that I manage, I communicate in very simple language and even demonstrate complex information using practical examples. Sometimes I have had to repeat the same thing over and over until it is understood. This has made me develop patience and persistence and this has resulted in working well with teams.
20. As A Production Coordinator, How Do You Improve Office Efficiency?
I ensure to provide simplified scheduling whereby I have streamlined the way I schedule my crew and cast members. I also have my strategies for clearing every logjam in the workflow. Once I have delegated tasks, I always step back to avoid micromanaging. This demonstrates to those under me that I trust their potential to handle tasks. This increases their confidence, efficiency as well as their productivity.
21. What Steps Do You Take To Ensure That Those Under You Are Strictly Following Company Policies?
If I find the people I manage breaking the rules, I address the situation right away to avoid the situation becoming worse. I will remind the victim of the importance of following rules and regulations. However, if he or she fails to improve, I will not hesitate to report the matter to the production manager. I know this can bring conflict between me and those under me but, I would prefer that way instead of having the company get a bad image.
22. In Your Opinion, Why Should You Have Multitasking Skills?
Multitasking can be a difficult skill yet a very useful skill while performing my roles. It is a necessary skill in production for it can save the company money and time. It’s also a skill that helps a production coordinator to take less time to complete tasks hence being able to move on to other roles. Learning how to multitask can help the production coordinator to increase productivity because he can complete more roles throughout the day.
23. As A Production Coordinator, Why Is Important To Track Supplies?
Tracking supplies helps the production coordinator to know the supplies that need to be ordered. Keeping supplies under control helps the company not only spend as much on storage but also to save across the board. Additionally, tracking supplies enable the staff to acquire more information. The more information the staff have, the more productive they become.
24. How Can You Handle Coworkers Who Try To Impede Your Work Experience?
I would first seek to understand the motive behind a colleague treating me in such a way. I know there are different motives why colleagues can behave in such a way including insecurities, competition, envy, and projection of their own experience.
Additionally, If I notice that any of my coworkers are undermining my work experience, I would try to build a relationship with her or him so that I can get to know the person on a personal level. I believe that I remain kind to a person who undermines me, chances are that the results may be something positive. If the circumstances are not enough to affect my relationship with other colleagues, I would ignore the issue. Sometimes, I may find myself addressing the situation as soon as it happens including asking the coworker what they mean by their statement.
25. What Do You Do To Stay Informed Of Developments In Your Professional Area?
New developments keep coming up and one has to be on top of the bar to remain relevant in his or her role. This drives me to keep looking for opportunities to upgrade my skills and knowledge so that I can remain relevant in this role. Additionally, I have a proactive approach to tracking new developments whenever they arise as well as identifying potential issues.
26. What Are Some Good Reasons To Work As A Production Manager?
Working as a production manager is the right profession for those who have a solid knowledge of production processes and possess the management and communication skills necessary to coordinate all the resources (economic, human, material, and technological) involved in production. This is a role with high responsibilities: the ability to maintain production levels adequate to the demand, and minimize delays and waste is fundamental for a manufacturing company, and this is precisely the task of the production manager, in any sector.
27. What Are Some Duties That The Production Coordinator Takes That Makes Them An Indispensable Part Of A Production Company?
The Production Coordinator must ensure that the established production objectives are achieved and must manage the budget productively, both from the cost and quantity sides. He also deals with:
- agree on the production objectives with the management
- ensure the full efficiency of the production plant
- verify compliance with deadlines
- achieve the objectives set in the budget
- verify that the quantity and quality of the products meet the standards
- manage the team
- constantly monitor the progress of the departments and solve any problems that slow down the production activity
28. How Would You Manage The Workforce Of The Production Plant?
First of all, I would request the hiring of new staff if the current one is not enough, and ensure that proper training is given to the new hires, assign tasks and duties to the workers and evaluate the productivity of employees (individually and collectively) to identify areas for improvement. I would also decide which tools and strategies to adopt to encourage productivity: for example, intensify the use of overtime, or reward the achievement of specific objectives with bonuses. Furthermore, it would be my responsibility to verify that all workers know and comply with safety regulations and that they use personal protective equipment if required.
29. What Would You Bring To The Company As A Production Coordinator?
The production coordinator is a real company asset, whose purpose is to implement strategies and plans that can increase the profitability of a company that produces a certain product or a certain line of products. His is a very versatile role, as already mentioned, and the production coordinator works as an authentic glue. This is because his job is to monitor all departments related to production and intervene to improve things and optimize this fundamental aspect for the success of a company. That is a productive activity. We talk about versatility for a specific reason, this figure does not have just one role, but a series of tasks that can sometimes be very distant. For example, he is a fundamental figure in the calculation of the organization of human resources in the company. But he is also a professional who acts as a bridge between the various industrial departments, all to maximize production and improve communication and collaboration. It turns out to be a supervisor, therefore, who manages resources, production plans, and timing.
30. Are You Aware That The Job Role Of Production Coordinator Includes Shifts And Overtime Work?
I am completely aware that the working time of the production manager is usually full time, often divided into 2 or 3 shifts; and in the case of continuous cycle production sites, shifts can also extend to nights and weekends. Overtime may be necessary to solve sudden problems, or close to deadlines (for example if the plant produces to order). I am open to working both in shifts and overtime.
31. What Changes Have You Witnessed As A Production Coordinator?
Automation has increased significantly. At the same time, however, the improvement of the workplaces themselves, the equipment, and the quality of the environment in general. Great importance is attached to the safety of workers and employees, as well as continuous training, which is very welcome.
32. Why Is Production Important?
A lot of attention is paid to the production because a lot of resources are used here. Expensive materials are consumed, and cost-intensive operating resources and energy are used. Furthermore, high personnel costs arise, especially for operations that can only be done by hand. It is therefore particularly important that everything runs smoothly in production and that no errors occur.
33. How Important Is The Environment During Production?
I like to think that when purchasing products that came from my company, buyers are doing a good thing for the environment. I like to make sure that the products are sorted to make the recycling process easier and more efficient. I like the whole process to be environmentally friendly – starting from the materials purchased, production, delivery, and recycling.
34. Why Did You Apply To Us?
I am looking for a company with short decision-making processes and flexible structures. According to your website, your company maintains a very flat hierarchy with many development opportunities. It is precisely in such a start-up mentality that I can contribute my ideas as an innovative type – that’s why I applied to you.
35. What Are Your Strengths?
One of my strengths is my structured way of working. Through consistent planning, goal setting, implementation, and analysis, the bigger picture remains in my field of vision. It also helps that I can keep an overview even in stressful situations
36. Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?
For my professional future, I need to be able to expand on the initial experience that I have already gained in the production quality process. I would like to take on more quality assurance tasks and work more in quality management. Accordingly, I am looking for an agile company – and I definitely have this impression of you.
37. What Makes You Happy At Work?
Of course, it is the job itself, because as a production coordinator I work where my interests and skills are located. Automation and electromechanics is my profession. I started as a worker in the production facility of a beauty production company, which owned and wanted a particularly pronounced independent manufacturing process, and from then on I was able to constantly develop in this area.
38. Work-Life Balance” Is On Everyone’s Lips, How Do You Make Sure That You Go Through Life Relaxed And Healthy?
I think the key here is to know yourself. On the one hand, this means knowing where your limits lie, recognizing the corresponding warning signals, and taking them seriously. On the other hand, also knowing what contributes to your own relaxation and how you can “wind down” so that it doesn’t get that far in the first place. For me, it can mean many things: a long round of sport after work, pursuing hobbies at the weekend, spending time with friends and family, or even an exciting vacation.
Conclusion
There are hundreds of interview questions that you can come across as a production coordinator. It is impossible to prepare for every one of them. But you can be well prepared with a little but targeted effort. It is advisable to read carefully about the most frequently asked questions (and best answers).
Now that you have this list of top 25 Q&A you can be more relaxed for the interview and increase your chances to get the job!
