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Producer
Chicago
We’re looking for a Producer who’s part filmmaker, part fixer, part negotiator and all-in on the craft. You’re a proactive thinker and resourceful problem solver with a get-it-done attitude and a genuine love for the art of advertising production. You know how to keep projects moving and teams motivated—while keeping an eye on the details that make good work great.
In this role, you’ll lead the production of video, print, and content projects from kickoff to final delivery. You’ll collaborate with creative, strategy, account, project management, and business affairs to ensure assets are delivered on time, on budget, and on point.
You’ll manage relationships with external partners—including production companies, recording studios, and post houses—securing bids, scoping timelines, and setting expectations with care and clarity. You treat vendors like creative partners and believe in building lasting, respectful relationships that elevate the work.
We value strong communicators with sharp attention to detail, stellar organizational skills, and a calm under pressure. You should be nimble, solutions-oriented, and ready to pivot when production throws its inevitable curveballs.
Above all, we're looking for someone who respects and invests in the craft—who sees production not just as execution, but as a creative discipline in its own right.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES IN PRODUCTION
- Lead production from start to finish across video, print, and content—ensuring all deliverables are high-quality, on time, and on budget.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams including creative, strategy, account, project management, and business affairs to bring ideas to life.
- Source and manage external partners—from directors and editors to studios and post facilities—building relationships that enhance the creative output.
- Own the production schedule and budget, tracking progress, anticipating roadblocks, and problem-solving in real time.
- Secure estimates, negotiate costs, and manage vendor contracts to align with both creative ambition and financial parameters.
- Guide pre-production activities including casting, location scouting, shot lists, production timelines, and deliverable planning.
- Oversee post-production, working closely with editors, colorists, sound mixers, and animators to ensure final assets meet specs and expectations.
- Ensure all legal, rights, and clearance requirements are met—talent usage, music licensing, stock permissions, and more.
- Champion the craft of production, pushing for quality, innovation, and best-in-class execution at every stage.
- Manage client communications and reviews during production phases with clarity and confidence.
- Stay up to date on emerging production techniques, trends, and technologies that could enhance the work.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- 3–5 years of experience in advertising production (agency or production company side), with a focus on video, print, and content.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects across various mediums—on time and on budget.
- Deep knowledge of the end-to-end production process, from pre-pro to post, across live action, animation, photography, and editorial.
- Strong understanding of industry standards, union and non-union talent rules, music licensing, and usage rights.
- Experience working cross-functionally with creative, strategy, account, project management, and business affairs teams.
- Skilled in vendor and partner management—sourcing, negotiating, and maintaining relationships with production companies, editors, directors, studios, and freelancers.
- Exceptional communication skills—clear, direct, and adaptable to different team dynamics.
- Sharp attention to detail and top-tier organizational skills; ability to manage timelines, budgets, and scope with precision.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and thrive in fast-paced, constantly shifting environments.
- A creative thinker who proactively solves problems, anticipates roadblocks, and brings solutions—not just questions.
- Passion for craft—an eye for quality, a respect for process, and a desire to make every project better than the last.
- Familiarity with common production tools and platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Airtable, One Drive, Frame.io, etc.).
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
- Experience working with post production teams and systems within an agency environment
- Familiarity with both broadcast and digital content requirements
- A strong eye for process improvement and creative operational support
- Be a team player. Have energy, curiosity, and an ability to maintain your sense of humor under tight timelines.
At BarkleyOKRP, we believe in work that creates gravity —smart, agile, and built to make an impact. If you’re ready to bring structure and scale to a dynamic post production team, we invite you to apply.
BarkleyOKRP’s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
- We believe being radically diverse and inclusive is the key to becoming one of the world’s great creative idea companies. By embracing everything that makes our partners who they are and what makes them unique to the world around them, we create the conditions and capacity to help creative, original thinking thrive.
- BarkleyOKRP is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging as part of our corporate strategic goals, supported by a formal DEI+B program, Employee Resource Groups, Director of Diversity leadership and agency commitment to The Brand Lab, Creative Accelerator, Fellowship, MAIP, and BLAC.
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