The cost report for episode four of a factual series lands at the broadcaster on a Friday. Travel is far over, and the edit has been extended by two weeks. The production executive rings the production manager that afternoon, asks where the money will come from, and agrees a revised plan before anyone talks about extra funding. The production executive is the person who keeps an eye on how a programme is being made, while others watch what it says.

What a production executive does

At a broadcaster, every commission gets a commissioning editor for the content and a production executive for the practical side. Before a deal is signed, the production executive checks the producer's budget and schedule. Are the numbers realistic for this kind of show, is the money spent on screen, are the overheads and fees in line with the terms? After the green light they follow the production through cost reports, schedules and delivery dates, and they are the first call when something goes wrong.

At a larger production company the same title is used for someone who oversees several productions at once for the head of production. They support the line producers and production managers, set budget templates, and make sure each show reports in the same way.

Responsibilities

  • Review production budgets and schedules before a commission is signed
  • Check that costs, fees and overheads match the deal terms
  • Read cost reports and ask about overspends early
  • Agree cash flow, the timing of payments to the production
  • Approve changes to the schedule, format or key crew that affect the money
  • Make sure delivery requirements are met, from technical specs to paperwork
  • Follow up on audits and final cost statements after delivery

How the role touches the budget

All day. The production executive does not write the budget, but they review it line by line and hold the production to it. At a broadcaster they protect the broadcaster's money. If the production overspends, they want to know why, and whether the contingency covers it. If a show finishes under budget, they check what the contract says about who keeps the difference. They also link payments to milestones, so the production gets paid as it delivers. Knowing what contingency a show needs and reading an above and below the line split are basic skills.

How people become production executives

Most come from production management. They have been production managers, line producers or production accountants, and know from the inside how budgets get stretched. That experience is what lets them ask the right question at the right moment.

At a broadcaster

At a broadcaster the role sits next to the commissioning editor, often in the same genre team. The two divide the work between them. The editor talks about the programme, the production executive about the money, the schedule and the delivery.