OMRI NAVOT
DIGITALPRODUCER
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Managing a project means managing people, time, resources, and technology--managing expectations, clients, and teams. That sounds like a lot of management, but it's what I do best.
The key to having a smooth production flow from beginning to end is strong communication. Not just spoken communication and emails, but tight planning documents such as Gantt charts, SOW's, and creative briefs. I like to invest time in planning a project up front, making sure all stakeholders and team members are on the same page. That will lead to smoother sailing after kick-off.
WORKFLOW
When facing the challenges that inevitably come up, it is important to have a solid process in place. Many methodologies have been offered up for this purpose, including Agile, SCRUM, and Waterfall processes, all of which I'm familiar with.
Which one is the best? The truth is that all of these methodologies have good offerings, but they have their limitations as well. When starting a project, I will evaluate the specific needs of the team and consider which processes will best suit our production.
PRODUCTIONPROCESS
CONCEPT
A good project begins with a good idea. And good ideas don't burst out of thin air; they must be incubated in a creative environment.
Collaboration and conversation will allow your idea to grow. I specialize in leading creative teams through the ideation process, then liasing with clients and executives to decide what's working and what's not. Under my guidance, the idea will mature until it can be articulated as a simple, concrete message. I have experience creating creative briefs, pitch decks, and one-sheets.
WRITING
Your script is the skeleton on which your project will live. If this primary structure is weak, then your project will collapse. My background in writing allows me to work with writers and editors to create strong narratives. Consistency of story is important no matter the medium. Websites, apps, games, shows, and films all require it.
I understand that good work is written in the revision process. As a producer, I am vigilant in giving notes that will enhance the quality of the script and keep it true to its core concept.
GREENLIGHTING
It is the producer's role to present the critical stats of the project to the stakeholders: How much will it cost? How long will it take? How much profit can we expect? How many people it is likely to reach? Although the schedule and budget will evolve during the process, these first estimates will define your scope.
I am an honest, realistic, and thrifty producer. That means that I will advocate for the resources that my project needs, but I will produce it on as slim a budget as possible. I make it my business to under-promise and over-deliver. My projects rarely run over budget because I make conservative projections and run a tight ship.
PRE-PRODUCTION
Everything is coming together! The project has been given the green light and you're ready for the planning phase. Communication is of the utmost importance at this point in the project's lifeline. This is where attention to detail becomes crucial.
Every member of the team must be on the same page. Clear and comprehensive documentation assures that the team will work as a unit. We have many tools at our disposal, including wireframes, flowcharts, technical specs, storyboards, mood boards, and more. My expertise is in overseeing the documents that will define the project's execution.
ART
The quality of your art can make or break your project. Artists and managers must come together to create good work, whether we're talking about design, illustration, animation, or performance. The producer's job is to set guidelines and constraints that allow creativity to flourish.
Details such as lines, color, and motion can always be analyzed and improved. Therefore, a good set of eyes is necessary to bring the art to its highest level. I have worked as an artist for hire, so I understand how to give effective notes in a sensitive way. If something isn't working to support the project's core message, I say so in a constructive way, while reminding the artist what is working.
PRODUCTION
The secret to a smooth production process is to let every member of the team do what they're good at. I describe my management style as engaged but hands-off. I hold my team members accountable for their work. I listen closely and check in often while empowering them to do their work.
Ideally, everything is smooth and the producer does very little work during this phase. But of course, there are always daily challenges. That's where my skills as a problem-solver and creative thinker become crucial.
DELIVERY
The project doesn't end when it's rendered or published. As a product owner, I continue to care for my projects even after they are in the public's hands.
A strong marketing effort is necessary for a product to reach its audience. For interactive projects, customer support is an imporant part of the project's lifeline. It is my job to make sure that active support and marketing systems are in place after a product's launch. Without this follow-through, all your previous work will have been for naught.