Production Credits on Resume

Should You List Production Credits on Resume

In the ever-evolving world of media and entertainment, having production credits can be a significant asset to your professional profile. While the importance of listing production credits may vary depending on the region and industry, it is generally beneficial for individuals seeking opportunities in filmmaking, television, music, and other creative industries.

In the United States: Production credits are widely recognized as essential components of a resume in media-related fields, demonstrating your involvement in various stages of content creation. They can help you stand out from other candidates, showcase your experience, and highlight your specific role in each project.

Internationally: While the emphasis on production credits may not be as widespread, they are still valued across different regions and industries. In countries such as Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom, production credits can serve as proof of professional growth and collaboration with industry peers.

Why to List Production Credits on Resume

By including production credits in your resume, you:

• Highlight Professional Growth: Production credits show the progression of your career, demonstrating how you've grown from entry-level positions to more senior roles within projects.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Listing production credits can help potential employers understand that you have collaborated effectively with a team, which is essential in any creative industry.

• Showcase Diversity of Experience: A comprehensive list of production credits allows recruiters to quickly assess your versatility across various projects and roles, thereby increasing your chances of being considered for suitable opportunities.

Where to List Production Credits on Resume

1. Experience Section: List production credits under the "Experience" section if you have held a specific role within the project (e.g., producer, director, cinematographer). Provide details such as project title, role, and duration of involvement.

Example

Experiences

This example demonstrates how to format this information effectively on your resume.

Project Name 1 - Role: Producer (Year-Month)

• Collaborated with a team to develop and execute the production plan
• Secured funding for the project and managed budgets
• Coordinated schedules and resources to ensure timely delivery of content

2. Education or Portfolio Section: If you're still studying or building your portfolio, include relevant production credits under "Education" or "Portfolio" sections. Describe the nature of your involvement in the project, whether it was a short film, music video, or other creative work.

Example

Education

This example demonstrates how to format this information effectively on your resume.

University Name (Year-Year) - Role: Director of Photography (Project Title)

• Collaborated with a team to create a visually striking student film that premiered at the school's annual festival
• Operated camera equipment and managed lighting setups
• Assisted in pre-production planning, location scouting, and scheduling

What to Avoid While Listing Production Credits on Resume

Avoid the following mistakes when listing your production credits:

• Excessive Details: Keep descriptions concise and focused on your specific role within each project. Recruiters are interested in understanding what you did, not the entire project's narrative.

• Incomplete Credits: Always include the name of the project, your role, and the duration of involvement. Incomplete information may confuse recruiters or indicate a lack of professionalism.

• Irrelevant Credits: While it is essential to list production credits related to media and entertainment, avoid including unrelated projects that do not showcase your skills in the desired field.

How to List Documentary Productions on Resume

Best Practices for 'Documentary Productions' under 'Production Credits'

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Start by listing your documentary productions in reverse chronological order, giving priority to the most recent and significant projects. This allows hiring managers to quickly identify your experience in this specific field.

  Example: Produced "Oceans in Peril" (20XX) - a 60-minute documentary that examines the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems. Responsibilities included project management, budgeting, and securing production credits.

• Detail Your Contributions: For each project, specify your exact role in the production process. This can include positions such as Producer, Director, or Cinematographer. Clearly defining your contributions demonstrates your expertise and helps hiring managers understand the scale of your involvement.

  Example: Served as Associate Producer for "Rising from the Ashes" (20XX), a feature-length documentary about the rebuilding efforts in a post-disaster community.

• Quantify Achievements: If possible, provide statistics or other quantifiable data that showcase your impact on each project. This could include viewership numbers, awards won, or budgets managed.

  Example: Coordinated pre-production for "The Last Ice" (20XX), a three-part documentary series broadcasted on PBS, resulting in a cumulative audience of 1.5 million viewers.

• Include Production Credits: Make sure to list any production credits associated with your work, as these can enhance your credibility and increase visibility within the industry. This may include credits from festivals, streaming platforms, or broadcast networks.

  Example: Received a Production Credit for "Wildfire Chronicles" (20XX), which was selected for screening at the Sundance Film Festival.

• Leverage Keywords: To optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and make it easily searchable by hiring managers, ensure that you use relevant keywords such as "documentary production," "production credits," and specific software or equipment used during the production process.

  Example: Utilized Adobe Premiere Pro to edit "Climate Change Frontline" (20XX), a 90-minute documentary exploring the challenges faced by communities on the frontlines of climate change.

Example 1: Documentary Productions on Production Credits Resume

• Produced and co-directed "The Elephant Whisperer" (20XX) - a short documentary about a conservationist's work with elephants in Africa. Responsibilities included project management, budgeting, coordinating interviews, and securing production credits.
• Served as Associate Producer for "Tales from the Arctic" (20XX), a six-part documentary series focusing on climate change's impact on the Arctic region. Managed pre-production activities, including scheduling, budgeting, and hiring crew members.
• Received Production Credit for "Voices of the Rainforest" (20XX), a feature-length documentary about indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest. Contributed to the project by providing research and coordinating interviews with local leaders.

Example 2: Documentary Productions in Production Credits Context

• Produced "The Changing Climate" (20XX), a three-part documentary series exploring the effects of climate change on various ecosystems. Managed all aspects of production, including budgeting, scheduling, and securing production credits.
• Served as Co-Director for "Ocean Alive" (20XX), a 90-minute documentary showcasing marine life and the challenges it faces. Collaborated with the director to develop the storyline, organize interviews, and secure funding.
• Received Production Credit for "Desert Dreams" (20XX), a short documentary about the struggles of nomadic communities in the Sahara Desert. Assisted in the research phase by gathering information on local customs and traditions.

How to List Commercial/advertisement Productions on Resume

Listing your experience in commercial/advertisement productions on your resume requires a strategic approach to highlight your production credits effectively. Here are some best practices:

1. Highlight Relevant Experience First

Begin with the most significant or relevant commercial productions you've worked on. This could be based on the size of the project, the well-known brands involved, or the specific role you played that aligns with the job you're applying for.

Example 1:

• Associate Producer: National Car Advertisement Campaign (Brand XYZ, 2020)
  • Led a team of six to produce a series of commercials, coordinating all aspects from pre-production through post-production.
  • Secured key partnerships with influencers and media outlets to maximize reach.
  • Managed budget of $500k, ensuring project was completed on time and under budget.

2. Be Specific About Your Role

Clearly state your role in each production credit. This helps the hiring manager quickly understand your responsibilities and contributions.

Example 1 (continued): - Assistant Director: Local Restaurant Promo (Restaurant ABC, 2019) - Oversaw daily on-set activities, ensuring production stayed on schedule and adhered to budget. - Collaborated with the creative team to develop and implement innovative ideas for promotional content.

3. Include Key Details

Provide key details about each project such as the title, brand, dates, and your specific role. This gives context and helps the hiring manager quickly assess your experience.

Example 2:

• Production Coordinator: Technology Product Launch (Tech Co., 2018)
  • Organized pre-production logistics for a product launch event, managing all aspects from casting to budgeting.
  • Coordinated with vendors and talent agents to secure necessary resources.
  • Facilitated smooth communication between departments to ensure timely completion of tasks.

4. Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

If applicable, quantify your achievements to demonstrate the impact of your work in commercial/advertisement productions. This can help convey your value to potential employers.

Example 1 (continued): - Producer: Luxury Fashion Campaign (Designer DEF, 2017) - Produced a fashion campaign featuring a well-known celebrity, resulting in increased brand awareness and sales. - Managed a budget of $1M, delivering the project under budget and ahead of schedule.

5. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

Customize your commercial/advertisement production section based on the specific job requirements. Emphasize relevant skills and experiences that align with the role you're applying for.

Example 2 (continued): - Production Assistant: Online Retailer Ad (Retail XYZ, 2016) - Assisted the production team in various capacities during an online retailer advertisement shoot. - Gained valuable experience in digital advertising, a skill highly sought after by many employers today.

How to List Video Game Productions on Resume

Best Practices:

• Highlight Specific Roles: Clearly define your role in each production by using titles such as "Producer," "Associate Producer," or "Line Producer." This helps potential employers understand your level of responsibility and contribution to the project.

  Example: Producer: Responsible for overseeing the development, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of multiple video game projects from concept to completion.

• List Key Projects: Include only the most relevant and impressive video game productions in your resume. Select projects that demonstrate a variety of skills and showcase your versatility as a production professional.

  Example: Responsible for line producing the hit mobile game "Galactic Conquest," which achieved over 10 million downloads in its first month of release.

• Quantify Achievements: When possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact on each production. This helps employers quickly understand the scale and success of your projects.

  Example: Line Produced "Space Odyssey VR," a virtual reality game that reached #1 in the App Store's gaming category within one week of release.

• Include Production Credits: Make sure to list any production credits associated with each project. This can help validate your involvement and showcase your professional network.

  Example: Production Credit: Associate Producer for "Cybernetic Arena," winner of the Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA) in the Best Mobile/Handheld Game category.

• Emphasize Unique Contributions: Highlight any unique contributions or challenges you faced during production to set yourself apart from other candidates. This can help demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability as a professional.

  Example: Overcame technical limitations to develop innovative gameplay mechanics for the independent game "Pixelated Puzzles," which gained critical acclaim for its originality and depth.

Example 1: Video Game Productions on Production Credits Resume

Associate Producer

Pixelated Puzzles - Indie Video Game (20XX)

• Contributed to the production of an innovative indie video game, which gained critical acclaim for its originality and depth.
• Overcame technical limitations to develop unique gameplay mechanics that set the game apart from competitors.
• Earned a Production Credit for this groundbreaking project.

Example 2: Video Game Productions in Production Credits Context

Line Producer

Galactic Conquest - Mobile Game (20XX)

• Responsible for line producing the hit mobile game, which achieved over 10 million downloads in its first month of release.
• Managed a team of developers, artists, and testers to deliver the game on time and within budget.
• Earned a Production Credit as Line Producer for this successful project, demonstrating my ability to lead and manage large-scale video game productions.

How to List Theatrical Productions on Resume

Best Practices:

• Specific Titles: List the names of each production you've worked on in your theatre credits section. Be precise with the title of the play, musical, or operatic work. This gives potential employers a clear understanding of the nature and scale of your involvement.

Example: - "Hamlet" (William Shakespeare)

• Role Clarification: Clearly state your role in each production. This could be anything from an actor, director, stage manager, lighting designer, or costume designer. Remember to use action verbs that demonstrate your responsibilities and achievements.

Example: - Role: Assistant Director for "Hamlet" (William Shakespeare)

• Production Details: Include relevant details about the production, such as the venue, dates, and run length. This information can help employers contextualize your involvement in the production.

Example: - Venue: The Globe Theatre; Dates: June 1 - July 30, 2021

• Production Credits: Highlight any specific production credits you've earned, such as awards or recognition for your work on the project. This can help strengthen your application and demonstrate your accomplishments in the field.

Example: - Awarded "Best Assistant Director" by The Stage Review for "Hamlet" (William Shakespeare)

• Bulleted List Format: Organize each production entry as a separate bullet point to make it easy for employers to scan your resume and quickly grasp your experience in theatrical productions.

Example:

- "Hamlet" (William Shakespeare)
  - Role: Assistant Director
  - Venue: The Globe Theatre; Dates: June 1 - July 30, 2021
  - Awarded "Best Assistant Director" by The Stage Review
  

Example 1: Theatrical Productions on Production Credits Resume

• Production: "Romeo and Juliet" (William Shakespeare)
• Role: Actor (Lead, Romeo)
• Venue: Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre
• Dates: February 1 - March 30, 2022
• Production Credits: Nominated for "Best Lead Actor" by the Laurence Olivier Awards

Example 2: Theatrical Productions in Production Credits Context

• Production: "My Fair Lady" (Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe)
• Role: Stage Manager
• Venue: West End Theatre, London
• Dates: August 1 - December 31, 2020
• Production Credits: Worked on a production that was nominated for seven Olivier Awards, including "Best Musical Revival" and "Best Stage Manager."

How to List Film/tv Productions on Resume

Best Practices for the 'Film/TV Productions' Subcategory in a Production Credits Section

• Highlight Relevant Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly mention your role in each production, such as producer, director, or assistant director. Briefly describe the tasks you were responsible for to demonstrate your skills and experience in film and TV production.

  • Example: Producer | "TV Pilot: Uncharted Waters (20XX). Responsible for overall project management, budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating cast and crew. Successfully brought the pilot episode from script to screen within budget and ahead of schedule."

• Include Production Credits: Specify the production credits for each project you've worked on. This could include details like the title, release date, format (film or TV series), and studio or production company involved.

  • Example: Director | "Film: The Last Sunset (20XX). Award-winning drama filmed in 35mm by ABC Studios."

• Mention Key Collaborators: If possible, provide information about key collaborators, such as well-known actors, directors, or production companies. This helps to establish industry connections and demonstrate your professional network.

  • Example: Assistant Director | "TV Series: Law & Order (20XX-20YY). Worked alongside renowned director Dick Wolf during seasons 16-23."

• Emphasize Achievements: Highlight any notable achievements, such as awards won or record-breaking ratings. This showcases your impact on the production and demonstrates your ability to deliver results.

  • Example: Production Manager | "Film: Box Office Hit (20XX). Successfully managed a budget of $10M and coordinated a cast and crew of over 500 people, resulting in a record-breaking opening weekend and box office revenue of $300M worldwide."

• Use Relevant Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords related to film and TV production throughout your resume. This makes it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly understand your skills and experience when scanning resumes.

  • Example: Line Producer | "TV Series: The New Frontier (20XX-20YY). Responsible for on-set supervision, day-to-day operations, and financial management. Utilized strong organizational skills to ensure smooth production."

Example 1: Film/tv Productions on Production Credits Resume

Producer | The Last Sunset (20XX)

• Award-winning drama filmed in 35mm by ABC Studios
• Successfully brought the pilot episode from script to screen within budget and ahead of schedule

Assistant Director | Law & Order (20XX-20YY)

• Worked alongside renowned director Dick Wolf during seasons 16-23

Example 2: Film/tv Productions in Production Credits Context

Production Manager | Box Office Hit (20XX)

• Successfully managed a budget of $10M and coordinated a cast and crew of over 500 people
• Resulted in a record-breaking opening weekend and box office revenue of $300M worldwide

Line Producer | The New Frontier (20XX-20YY)

• Responsible for on-set supervision, day-to-day operations, and financial management
• Utilized strong organizational skills to ensure smooth production.