Bilingual Production Assistant (English/Mandarin)

Company Overview:

Snail, Inc. is the leading independent global developer and publisher of digital entertainment. Interactive Films is a dynamic and innovative production studio under Snail Inc. dedicated to creating and broadcasting compelling and engaging short-form narrative content such as vertical web series, FMV, etc. We are committed to delivering high-quality entertainment to audiences worldwide.

Job Description:

We are seeking a bilingual dedicated and hyper-organized production operations and creative development specialist who can be relied upon to oversee the day-to-day management of multiple ongoing vertical streaming productions; leading critical coordination, logistics, and administrative efforts to ensure consistently high-quality output that meets deadlines and budgets.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in production assisting, production coordination, and production management, with specific expertise within vertical series, streaming, and mobisode productions. We’re looking for an individual with deep understanding of (and passion for!) the tropes, trends, and subject matter that regularly perform for a female-centric demographic, and a dedication to the vertical drama space (both within international and domestic spaces).

Candidates will need to be bilingual in Chinese/English, in order to be a vital connecting piece between Los Angeles-based divisions and Chinese employees, partners, and production studios. Editorial and verbal translation will be regularly required, therefore, exceptional verbal and written communication skills in both English and Mandarin are a must. Possession of a valid translation certificate, such as American Translators Association (ATA), ASTA-USA (UN Translation Accreditation), or Certified Translation Professional (CTP) is a plus.

A thorough understanding of the entertainment industry, as well as a strong track record in managing production timelines, budgets, and personnel is required. The ability to think strategically, communicate efficiently, and manage many moving parts is a necessity.

Please note, this is not an entry-level position and requires on-set experience and behind-the-scenes expertise in the coordination and organization of productions, shoots, and series. A portfolio of IPs and projects worked on is a plus.

Preference will be given to candidates who have worked in similar roles for film organizations bridging the Western and non-Western markets, including FlexTV, ReelShort, DramaBox, ShortMax, GalateaTV, Playlet, and DreameShort.

This position will report directly to Interactive Films’ Content Director and will be a hybrid full-time role at our Beverly Hills office.

Responsibilities:

• Track and manage all moving parts across a multi-show slate from creative concept greenlighting through post-production, acting as project manager and keeping the Content Director and executives informed of progress, updates, and changes.
• Work in partnership with the Content Director on frontlines communications, while taking responsibility for facilitating the creation, tracking, and transfer of relevant information and materials across individuals and divisions.
• Handle logistics around payments, invoices, and how these impact bottom line budget. Compare against presented deliverables to ensure efficient compensation, and prompt follow-up if deadlines are not met.
• Run point on scheduling, showcasing comfortability in holding to and revising timelines as needed, all without deterrent to quarter-end and year-end goals.
• Assisting Content Director and Production Manager in the organization of junkets, set-up and execution of events, interviews, and shoots, as well as the capture of critical photography, BTS footage, and more on-set.
• Implement organizational systems alongside the Content Director to ensure consistency and quality is met across shows, locations, departments, talent, and partners.
• Lead organizational efforts that include collaboration with abroad teams, running point on all translation, communication, and project management needed in areas including, but not limited to: technical app development, international IP acquisition, game trailer creation, and more.
• Act as personal, direct translator and assistant to Content Director of Interactive Films.
• Evaluate and prioritize the most vital tasks and communications, presenting to the Content Director for discussion, action, and sign-off.
• Provide administrative assistance to the Content Director, as well as necessary support and creative input to Interactive Films as a whole.

Requirements:

• 2+ years as a production coordinator within the film and television industry. Additional experience working as an Executive Assistant to film executives is a plus.
• Bilingual in Chinese/English, with demonstrated business-level or higher proficiency in Mandarin, encompassing the translation of complex technical terms and concepts. Technical translation certification is a plus.
• 1+ years experience providing professional translation services, preferably in a technical context.
• Exceptional project manager: highly organized, detail-oriented, and communicative, with a track record of successful leadership and high-quality end results.
• Technical background in film or television production. Strong skill sets in photography, photo editing, post-production, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google Suite is required.
• Solutions-oriented with the ability to think quickly, act independently, and present innovative alternatives if issues arise.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, scheduling, and creating, managing, and holding others accountable to timelines.
• Experience within content greenlighting, with the ability to provide thoughtful feedback on communications, scripts, outlines, cuts, trailers, and drafts at all stages.
• Proven expertise working within web series, vertical series, and mobisode production, with the ability to link to specific IPs.
• Must have thorough understanding and appreciation for short-form romantic dramas and made-for-mobile digital content.
• Knowledge of Movie Magic Scheduling and Movie Magic Budgeting is a plus.
• Contacts across the entertainment space (including writers, production personnel, talent, etc.) is a plus.

Salary:

Competitive salary range of $65,000 - $72,000 per year

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and more