Advertising Industry vs. Gaming Industry

Ptrangram · 12-07-2011, 11:14 AM

Hey all,

I'm a young professional currently working in the Account Management department at an advertising agency. In case you are unfamiliar with the position/industry, here's a quick gist.

Account Managers are the point-people responsible for interacting and communicating with the client. We represent the agency needs/interests when speaking to the client and vice-versa. We juggle this task on a daily basis, going back and forth with creative teams and the client to ensure everybody is satisfied with the work. We also ensure the work is on schedule to meet deadlines, whether that is a magazine insertion or a broadcast date. AMs also work with print/broadcast/interactive producers to make sure jobs are completed on-time and within budget. If there are any hiccups, AMs react accordingly. While AMs may not be getting their hands dirty in retouching, sound mixing, or color correction, we know the process and the methods behind it all since it's important to be able to communicate it to the client. AMs wear a lot of hats and work with various people/personalities/teams and also do a bit of asset management. We're get-shit-done-ers.

Okay, maybe that wasn't so quick, but my main question is, how similar is an Account Manager's role to an Associate Producer's role? From what I've been reading on Sloperama (amazing stuff btw, thank you so much) and other sites, it's really similar.

I've been fiddling around with the thought of making a career change for quite some time now. I find myself more interested in the production side of things (helping art directors/copywriters make great work), versus the business side of things (putting together metrics decks and CE-oh-no! decks).

Any advice for me?

Huge thanks in advance! You guys rock.

EDIT: Just read this great article - http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/KainS...Do_All_Day.php

In it, it states: "A Producer does what nobody else wants to do."

That statement in itself is exactly how I describe my job as an Account Manager!

yaustar · 12-07-2011, 01:03 PM

Looks like a bit of a mash up between Project Managers and Producers from your description. Shouldn't really be hard to make the switch given that you come from a creative industry.

tsloper · 12-07-2011, 04:39 PM

And read this, if you haven't: http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson41.htm

Ptrangram · 12-08-2011, 06:44 AM

Thanks for the replies! I'm glad I wasn't crazy to think about how similar it is.

I also have the liberty to be in the San Francisco, CA area and I know GDC is around the corner in March. How beneficial would it be for me to attend? Price of course is a big factor but I may be able to swing an Expo pass to attend the Game Career Seminar. Would it be a good idea?

Does anybody have experience going to this seminar?

Much thanks!

tsloper · 12-08-2011, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ptrangram

1. How beneficial would it be for me to attend?
2. Would it be a good idea?
3. Does anybody have experience going to this seminar?

1. Not beneficial if you don't have a purpose for attending.
2. Only if you have a purpose for attending -- a plan.
3. Yes. Many people do.

Ptrangram · 12-08-2011, 01:04 PM

Thanks for the replies and the luck!

That will definitely be my goal. While the deliverables are different (tv spots, print ads vs. a finished game) I'm sure the interactions and scheduling surprises can be pretty similar.

I've reached out to several contacts in the area with questions. Hope to hear back from a few at least.

tsloper · 12-08-2011, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ptrangram

I've reached out to several contacts in the area with questions. Hope to hear back from a few at least.

These are contacts with whom you'd already had contact?
What kind of questions?

Ptrangram · 12-08-2011, 05:45 PM

Some are through mutual contacts, others are fresh!

Kind of the same as I posted here. I gave a little bit of my background, told them about my budding interest and pointed out the similarities.

I asked what they like most about their job, what's most challenging, what advice they would have liked to have if they were just starting out like me. Pretty standard stuff, just trying to create a connection.

tsloper · 12-08-2011, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ptrangram

I asked what they like most about their job, what's most challenging, what advice they would have liked to have if they were just starting out like me. Pretty standard stuff, just trying to create a connection.

Pretty standard high-school career assignment stuff. Better you should ask for a chat at Starbucks (your treat) and a tour of their offices. Then wing it, conversationally.
And of course, network.