Line Producer (freelance)

Overview

Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) is seeking a freelance Line Producer for its unscripted and digital programming. This role is responsible for the creation of project budgeting and production schedules, the review and tracking of cost reporting, the analysis and providing of financial projections, and oversight of series deliverables. The Line Producer provides managerial oversight for series in production, as well as serves as a key contact between business development, Business Affairs, third party producers, and cable, digital and streaming networks.

We’re seeking a candidate with contemporary, hands-on experience with high-profile projects, strong knowledge of broadcast and streaming platforms, and a proven YouTube/digital production track record, with the ability to implement cost‑saving production strategies.

This position reports to the Executive in Charge of Production and is in office four (4) days per week at our Hearst offices located in Glendale, CA.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and analyze creative development materials to assess their viability for pragmatic and cost-effective production
• Manage production timelines and budgets with an eye on minimizing costs and maximizing profits
• Partner with show runners and show staff to maintain adherence and accountability for aspects of budgetary, production standards, as well as contractual requirements for programming
• Attend shoots in the studio and on location as needed
• Collaborate with Executive Producers and key production personnel, on specified projects, to help ensure that creative and network imperatives are being met
• Remain current on guild, union, and labor compliance requirements and coordinate closely with labor and legal teams
• Problem-solve show issues with production and senior management

Qualifications

• 7+ years of Line Production/Production Management experience in unscripted production (i.e. true crime, docuseries, lifestyle, competitive reality shows, etc.) at a production company, network, or as a freelance Line Producer and/or EIC
• Proven track record in managing production budgets, cost reports, and financial projections.
• General understanding of production accounting
• Knowledge of contemporary TV production and post-production, including digital and social media
• Experience budgeting linear and streaming projects (i.e. for Netflix, A+E, Discovery, Networks, etc.) AND on modestly budgeted digital first content (i.e. YouTube, etc.) is strongly desired
• Knowledge of and experience with the latest AI production techniques, platforms, and vendors is a plus
• Proficient with Movie Magic Budgeting and Excel software
• Experience ensuring compliance with union and guild agreements (DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE), labor laws, insurance, and company safety policies
• Familiarity with production insurance policies
• Strong capability to multi-task and prioritize multiple demands
• Creativity when approaching the budgeting process
• Strong relationships with independent production personnel
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Collaborative leader and demonstrated leadership skills
• A team player with great problem-solving skills

Education

• Related experience and/or training considered as well as a combination of education and experience
• HMPG is a proud supporter of military veterans. Related military training and experience will be considered

Benefits

Eligible employees will have access to enroll in health coverage through our partnership with Entertainment Partners’ EP Cares program.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Emotional Wellness Support
• Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs

The estimated base pay for this role is between $3,000 and $4,500 per week. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands and conditions, including geographic location where the work will be performed, and other factors permitted by law. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

About Company

Hearst Media Production Group(HMPG), a business unit of Hearst Television, is an independent producer and distributor of original programming for TV stations, broadcast and cable networks and streaming services. HMPG produces hundreds of hours of Emmy®Award-winning programming annually across linear, streaming, digital and social media platforms for domestic and international distributionin100countries.Itspopularweeklyeducational/informational(E/I)programmingblocksair weekends nationwide including “WeekendAdventure,” onABC stations; “CBS WKND,” on the CBS Network;“TheMoreYouKnow,”ontheNBCNetwork;“OneMagnificentMorning,”ontheCWNetwork; “Mi Telemundo” on the Telemundo Network and “Go Time” on independent stations. HMPG also produces and/or distributes a diverse slate of other programming and content including the company’s dedicated FAST channels Xplore, The Jack Hanna Channel, Rovr Pets, and Lucky Dog Channel, availableonsomeofthemostpopularsmartTVsandstreamingplatforms.HMPGhasofficesinNew York, LosAngeles, and Charlotte.HMPG is represented by United TalentAgency.

Every career with Hearst Television is like a story. How it develops, where it takes you, the milestones you reach along the way – you’ve got a lot to look forward to as your unique career story unfolds.

Hearst Television, a subsidiary of Hearst, owns and operates local television and radio stations serving 26 media markets across 39 states reaching over 21 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all of the major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over nearly 70 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, This TV, Estrella and more.

Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry's premier companies. It has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism and industry innovation, including the Walter Cronkite Award for political journalism, the national Edward R. Murrow Award, the DuPont-Columbia Award and the George Foster Peabody Award.