The terms project manager and producer get thrown around a lot in our industry. They share similar job descriptions, but in truth, these positions are unique from each other. A project manager is typically someone that has a general knowledge of the overall process within the agency and is tasked with following through on projects from start to finish. Typically they follow the project along by checking in with the key players, while creating and following a general project schedule. A project manager is someone that coordinates, but is not actual part of the process. In general a project manager has an educational background in general project management, business management or a general advertising program. 

A producer is someone that typically has a specialized background in one or more areas such as interactive, broadcast or print production. While a producer can manage an entire project from start to finish like a project manager, they typically concentrate on crafting the production part of the process. Intimate knowledge of the production process allows them to have a higher level of foresight than a project manager when it comes to managing schedules and handling project issues. Project managers get told what stage the project is at, producers change the state of the project to get it completed.

Lastly, as with all important financial decisions, utilize your accountant, these forms are for illustration purposes only. To learn more about these charts, visit the accounting section of this site for additional articles.

Simple FTE Chart Utilizing Blended Rates

FTE Chart Utilizing Individual Salaries for Staffing

"How The Agency Works."

It contains a few answers to some of the common questions I have been asked about over the years; cheat sheets for ad sizes, out-of-home sizes, notes about color and some photoshop basics.

Feel free to download it here Hey Ed? Handout Book.

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