[In this second edition of Game Career Guide's practical feature series, Secret Level producer Michael J. Boccieri details his top ten tips for aspiring industry producers.]
1. Choose an initial trajectory.
Often the hardest part of breaking into games is choosing where to start. The most traditional path has been through quality assurance, but the number of entry options for the aspiring game producer has increased significantly over the past decade.
Bachelor's and Master's degrees in game production are now offered at several colleges and universities, and the number of industry internships has ballooned rapidly. Do not dismiss the prospect of entering games via other disciplines such as art or engineering... it worked for me.
2. Get yourself out there.
As a game producer -- and this holds especially true for producers with no or limited industry experience -- your personality is often your greatest asset. The communication and leadership skills that you bring to a team start with an interview, and the best way to get that interview is with a face-to-face introduction.
Even if you are brand new to games, plan on attending industry related activities as often as possible: GDC, local IGDA chapter functions, etc. Put your face and your business card in front of industry professionals, ask questions, and listen!
3. When is a producer not a producer?
Companies differ in their naming practices for game producers: executive producer, senior producer, producer, associate, assistant, and on from there. The responsibilities of each title can change from company to company.
Also remember that a producer at a game publisher, which is external from development studios, may have very different responsibilities from those of a development producer, who will be internal to those studios.
Do your research and read the job descriptions carefully before you apply for a new production position.
4. You are your resume and cover letter!
Unlike applicants to other development disciplines, a qualified producer with little or no industry experience may not have a game demo or portfolio to represent his or her skill-set.
One of the keys to locking in that first interview is a well-organized resume, and well written and creative cover letter. As Marc Mencher so aptly puts it, "If you can't organize a simple resume, how could you possibly organize the production of a game?"
Research what makes a resume stand out and capitalize on it, and be prepared to discuss your listed experience in-depth during the interview.
5. Master your business applications.
Any producer in the game industry will tell you that the tools they use most often are not Visual Studio or Maya, but Microsoft Office and Outlook! As a game producer you are not only required to know these business tools, but to master them.
Be prepared to go deep with your understanding of Excel macros and templates, and pick up and learn MS Project. A great team needs a solid schedule, and good schedules can be made quickly and accurately by understanding these tools in depth.
