The Role of Production

At its core, Production fosters and supports creativity, collaboration and champions the company's creative vision while keeping an eye towards the realities of resources and schedule. However there is no magic bullet for this and what it means changes daily. While I encourage you to see my resume for career details, I would like to take this opportunity to share my thoughts on the role of Production in game development.

Collaboration: The most successful ideas are the result of a meeting of minds
This ownership in the creative process needs to be fostered and supported with tools and opportunity. Strike teams are a great example of where this can benefit a company assuming those involved are provided with clear goals and insight into all related issues.  It's Production's job to provide these tools, information, opportunity and remove obstacles.

Communication: The problem is often a lack of questions not a lack of answers
A great deal of time and money is lost not from a lack answers but simply that the question doesn't get asked. Or, is asked of the wrong source. The "ripple effect" of an uniformed decision in one department will often mean lost time and money in multiple other departments. Production can provide the communication that prevents this expense.

Ownership: Decisions made in a vacuum tend to be expensive
In something as complex as a game, nearly any decision affects multiple departments.  Production can own items as they cross departments to coordinate and track progress, ensuring all concerns are addressed and the creative vision is of the product is accounted for.

Process and Development: There is no one size-fits-all solution
It's important not to confuse process with results. Every company, team and project has its own unique needs and personalities and what works for one team may not work for another. 

Collaboration between creative disciplines will always give the best results

Successful outsourcing depends on  strong internal  support and clean process

There is no one-size-fits-all for project management and communication.