Associate Project Manager, Audio Services

Associate Project Manager, Audio Services

Disney Digital Studio Services (DDSS) provides on-lot post-production services to filmmakers and Walt Disney Company stakeholders. DDSS services include sound mixing, editorial rooms, theater and screening room operations, as well as a broad array of finishing and mastering services in support of filmmakers and distribution.

At DDSS, Associate Project Manager, Audio Services will support the Digital Audio team with day-to-day handling of original language and localized audio workflows for Theatrical, Disney+ Originals, and Catalogue titles.  This person should embody our business ethos of innovation, reliability and quality for all our customers.  Attention to detail and ability to manage priorities are essential.

The APM must be technically knowledgeable of audio processes in the service of gathering information and understanding business requirements, technical specifications, schedules, and workflows.  They will be responsible for scheduling of individual projects, identifying and resolving resourcing conflicts, creating/maintaining project milestone schedules, calculating costs for completed projects, “owning” the customer relationship between internal Walt Disney Company clients/stakeholders and DDSS, and communicating with partners within DDSS (and third-party vendors) about shared deliverables.  They will work with minimal supervision, handling routine matters in the Manager’s absence as well as keeping an eye out for ways to improve workflows/increase efficiency, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Organize, process, and track audio post-production projects from initial client request through final delivery and financial closing.

• Maintain daily communications regarding work status, providing schedule changes and impacts on timelines and costs to clients and stakeholders.

• Coordinate with management to identify the optimal use of resources to meet day-to-day delivery priorities.

• Research, organize, and track audio asset source and deliverable files to fulfill archival and distribution obligations across the product’s lifecycle.

• Provide clear, detailed, accurate work orders to support the audio production staff.

• Liaise between technical teams and clients to ensure issues and recommended solutions are fully understood by all parties. Appropriately remediate or escalate issues to management as they arise.

• Ensure accurate billing entry and timely final submission in the ordering system.

• Build and foster positive relationships with our clients and partners to provide best-in-class service throughout all project stages.

• Partner with other DDSS teams to ensure we are operationally in sync.

• Prepare schedule and cost estimates for client projects and ensure project deadlines are met and remain within the allocated budget.

• Work closely with Studio Finance to ensure the accuracy of weekly accrual / financial reporting.

• Devote time to expanding knowledge of internal procedures and workflows.

Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of experience working in project management in a post-production environment.

• At least 2 years of experience working in sound design, editorial, recording, or similar pursuit is preferred.

• Attention to detail.

• Proficiency in audio post-production workflows, including audio localization.

• Experience working with work order management software.

• Excellent written and verbal, client-facing communication skills.

• Must be able to work efficiently under time constraints with multiple tight deadlines.

• Proficient in Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite Applications.

• Knowledgeable in Pro-Tools and Dolby Atmos Technologies.

• Ability to communicate effectively with international stakeholders.

• Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience preferred in Film, Television, Streaming, Communications or related field.

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $83,700 - $104,600 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.