Job Description
The SVP, Physical Production will lead all aspects of physical production for the network’s original scripted programming slate, overseeing projects from development through delivery. Reporting to the President of Programming, this executive will serve as a strategic partner to creative, business, finance, legal, post-production, and marketing teams—ensuring premium scripted series are produced at the highest creative standard while maintaining fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and production safety. The SVP will supervise production executives and collaborate closely with showrunners, producers, studios, and third-party production partners across domestic and international productions.
Key Responsibilities
Production Leadership & Strategy
- Lead physical production strategy for all scripted series from early development and budgeting through prep, production, post-production, delivery, and wrap.
- Evaluate scripts and creative materials for producibility, budget impact, scheduling implications, and operational feasibility; advise senior leadership on production risks and strategic opportunities.
- Architect master production and post-production schedules for the slate, ensuring workflows align with global content strategy.
- Establish scalable production models that support premium-quality storytelling across varying budget levels and production footprints.
- Pioneer and implement best-in-class production policies and procedures that define the operational backbone of the studio.
Financial Oversight
- Provide approval on all budgets, cost reports, cash flow projections, and staffing plans; apply expert-level understanding of script breakdown, market rates, and financial structuring to ensure fiscal integrity from development to delivery.
- Partner with Finance to manage contingency planning, cost controls, forecasting, and production reporting.
- Maximize production value through strategic use of tax incentives, co-productions, and global production resources.
Production Operations
- Oversee domestic and international production operations including location management, stage facilities, vendor negotiations, and production infrastructure.
- Ensure productions adhere to network policies, labor regulations, safety protocols, insurance requirements, and legal compliance standards; partner with Legal on complex legal, labor, and clearance challenges.
- Partner with Post-Production leadership to ensure seamless delivery workflows and schedule integration.
- Stay current on evolving production technologies, virtual production workflows, sustainability initiatives, and industry best practices.
Talent & Creative Collaboration
- Serve as a trusted production advisor to showrunners, executive producers, directors, and creative executives—supporting creative ambitions while identifying practical solutions and efficiencies.
- Leverage an elite network of production talent to attract and hire world-class producers, department heads, and key crew for critical projects.
- Participate in staffing and approval discussions related to key production personnel; foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented production culture across all productions.
Industry & Labor Relations
- Maintain deep knowledge of guild and labor agreements including SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, IATSE, Teamsters, and international labor frameworks.
- Manage relationships with studios, production partners, labor representatives, and government incentive agencies.
Qualifications
- 15+ years of progressive experience as a Producer and/or Production Executive, culminating in a senior executive role (VP, SVP, or Head of Production) at a major studio, streaming service, or production company.
- Proven track record managing multiple large-scale scripted drama productions simultaneously across domestic and international locations, including direct experience overseeing an annual slate.
- Portfolio including multiple projects recognized by major awards bodies.
- Expert proficiency in budgeting, scheduling, production finance, tax incentives, and labor relations; mastery of Movie Magic Budgeting/Scheduling, Word, and Excel required.
- Strong relationships within the television production community, including producers, studios, vendors, and production executives.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills; ability to balance creative priorities and fiscal accountability in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent distinguished experience.
Preferred Experience
- Experience at a premium cable network, streaming platform, or major studio television division.
- Familiarity with both studio-produced and independently produced series models.
- Experience with virtual production, international co-financing, and complex global workflows.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong operational instincts
- Collaborative and solutions-oriented leadership style
- Strong creative sensibility paired with financial discipline
- Calm and decisive under pressure
- High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
Compensation
$350,000 - $450,000
About STARZ
STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television. STARZ offers a robust programming mix for discerning adult audiences, including boundary-breaking originals and an expansive lineup of blockbuster movies, and is embodied by its brand positioning “We’re All Adults Here.” Complementary to any platform or service, STARZ is available across a wide range of digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors and is a bundling partner of choice. STARZ is powered by an industry-leading advanced technology, data analytics and digital infrastructure and the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app.
Our Benefits
Full Coverage – Medical, Vision, and Dental
Annual discretionary bonus and merit increase
Work/Life Balance – generous sick days, vacation days, holidays, and wellness days
401(k) company matching
Tuition Reimbursement (up to graduate degree)
EEO Statement
Starz is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Starz will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Starz will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.
