Associate Producer

Associate Producer

6-Month Contract-to-Hire

About Swanson Studio

Swanson Studio is an award-winning commercial photo & video studio that creates cinematic, story-driven visuals that ignite human connection to the products we love. We partner with innovative brands like Nike, AG1, and The North Face, producing photo and motion content in our Northwest Portland studio and on location around the world.

About the Role

The Associate Producer is a growth-oriented production role for someone with commercial production experience who is ready to take on greater ownership.

Reporting to the Head of Production, this position supports and collaborates across all phases of commercial still and motion projects, from pre-production through wrap. The Associate Producer contributes to budgeting, estimating, crew management, scheduling, and client communication, while progressively leading smaller projects independently.

As a small, highly collaborative studio, we operate without rigid silos. This role requires someone who can move fluidly between high-level production planning and hands-on execution. Depending on workload, that may mean stepping into Production Coordinator responsibilities, supporting logistics in the office, or helping maintain an organized, polished studio environment for clients and crew.

We value professionals who take ownership of both the work and the space around them. At Swanson, no task is beneath anyone if it supports the team, the production, or the client experience.

This role is ideal for someone who has already spent time on commercial sets and is now looking to deepen their involvement in estimating, planning, and leading productions within a studio that is actively evolving and growing.

What You’ll Do

Pre-Production:

  • Collaborate with Head of Production to build and manage production budgets and schedules

  • Prepare and revise estimates for internal review and client submission

  • Maintain accurate studio calendars

  • Book and manage freelance crew (stylists, assistants, PAs, etc.)

  • Source and secure talent as needed

  • Vet vendors for quality, pricing competitiveness, and alignment with project scope

  • Obtain and negotiate vendor quotes (equipment, locations, etc.) and issue purchase orders

  • Receive, track, and catalog product samples for shoots

  • Create and distribute production schedules and call sheets

  • Coordinate travel and accommodations for crew, talent, and clients

  • Set up jobs and onboard freelance crew and talent in Wrapbook

  • Partner with Creative and Post teams to ensure production planning aligns with downstream workflow needs

  • Lead logistics for assigned projects

Production:

  • Serve as a point of contact on set for crew, talent, vendors and (for assigned projects) clients

  • Monitor on-set spend and time management to protect margins and schedule integrity

  • Support real-time decision-making alongside Head of Production when scope shifts occur

  • Oversee distribution of creative briefs and shot lists

  • Coordinate and manage shipments to and from clients

  • Oversee on-set hospitality standards, including craft services coordination, either directly or in partnership with support staff, ensuring a seamless client and crew experience

  • Lead smaller in-studio shoots independently, ensuring alignment on budget, timeline, and creative execution

  • Troubleshoot day-of logistical challenges quickly and efficiently

Wrap:

  • Organize and archive wrap documentation, receipts, invoices, and production reports

  • Support reconciliation and project actualization in partnership with Creative Operations Manager

  • Track outstanding production paperwork, open POs, and vendor invoices

  • Conduct post-project review to identify efficiencies and areas for improvement on future productions

General Studio Support:

  • As a small studio, everyone contributes to the overall environment and client experience. The Associate Producer will:

  • Proactively identify opportunities to improve studio systems, organization, and client-facing spaces

  • Support a culture of accountability, hospitality, and operational excellence within the studio

What You’ll Bring:

  • 3–5+ years of experience in commercial photo and/or motion production or equivalent experience in agency

  • Confident and professional in client-facing environments

  • Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail

  • Ability to prioritize and make decisions under pressure and tight timelines

  • Strong work ethic and willingness to work extended hours during production

  • Ability to travel out of town 1–2 weeks at a time

  • Experience with Wrapbook, Studio Binder, Workamajig (nice to have)

  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

  • Access to a vehicle for production-related errands

This is a fully in-office position. Local candidates preferred, but exceptions made for exceptional candidates that are looking to relocate to Portland. This position does not offer any relocation reimbursement or package. Compensation based on experience.

Please send email with resume and cover letter to: Apply@swansonstudio.us with the subject line “First Name_Last Name_Associate Producer.” Please note, applications via LinkedIn will not be seen. Thank you for your interest!

 
Henry Fortier