Here at Hutch we have 3 game teams based in our London studio who make the magic happen for Top Drives, F1® Clash and Forza Customs. There are lots of similarities across our game teams, but each team also has its own unique personality when it comes to how things operate. And we want to take you behind the scenes to show you what it's like to work on those teams, so.... we asked our Hutch producers to spill the beans on how things are run, plus give their top tips for those looking to work in the industry, or progress their career. First up, it's the Forza Customs team! Here's Production Director, Alun and Producers, Graeme and Seb...

How does production work for Forza Customs?

GRAEME

The Forza Customs production team values discussion and collaboration from the Game Director all the way across to a junior. I believe that the role of the production team is to help the team unlock their awesomeness by enabling these conversations and collaborations as well as fostering openness.

ALUN

Like all teams at Hutch, we try to ensure we take a lean approach to all of our development. I believe people do their best work when they are constantly communicating and collaborating, rather than just working from strict documentation. We empower the team to really own their work rather than taking a top down approach. Our job as producers is to support the team in this endeavour rather than direct it outright.

What does a typical day look like for you?

GRAEME

I start with a little walk around the team just to make sure everyone’s feeling okay. Our day starts properly with the the daily scrum, and from there it’s heads down. Feature meetings help the team coordinate with each other and the designers. These meetings are effectively a mini demo where we try to capture feedback early and make changes on the fly rather than at the end.

ALUN

We kick off with the daily scrum and then follow that with a quick production sync between myself, Graeme and Seb. From there it can vary from day to day. My days in the office often heavily consist of meetings with the team, external partners or with people/teams from within other areas of the business. On WFH days I’m afforded more time to get my head down and take care of things on my to do list. I work very closely with the game director on the strategy for the game and ensure that this aligns with Hutch’s larger goals.

What 3 words would you use to describe your team?

GRAEME

Openness, Collaboration, Awesomeness :D <3

ALUN

Energetic, Inspiring, Sassy

What would you say is consistent across production teams?

GRAEME

In my opinion I think the most consistent quality across the Production teams here at Hutch is this idea that we are there to help facilitate what the team wants to do rather than tell them. We are servant leaders and that means we help guide their aspirations, as well as making the budget fit :)

ALUN

The people aspect for sure. The ‘people first’ attitude that is such an important part of Hutch’s DNA is clearly seen in the approach all of the producers take when working with their teams.

Top Tips

What are your top tips for those applying for jobs in production?

SEB

Always keep an eye out on LinkedIn for roles that match your current experience, but don’t be shy to apply for roles that you might not be 100% suitable for on “paper”. Display your interest and start engaging studios you’d love to work for. Even if you aren’t successful this time round, you might end up on their radar and learn a thing or two!

Look for useful job resources created by others. There are countless spreadsheets, slack channels and discord channels that are dedicated to helping others find production roles.

Stay ahead of the game. Check out the studios website, play their games and even read their blog posts!

Do your research and talk to Producers in the industry!. We’re usually a friendly bunch and would love to chat with anyone to help give them advice on how to apply or what to expect from a role in production.

GRAEME

Research, research, research. Learn everything you can about the companies you are interested in and applying for. It shows that you’re interested in what they are about and helps you talk from a point of authority.

Know what you are talking about, don’t try to fake it. So brush up on your production skills and knowledge.

ALUN

Do plenty of research. Be a sponge and learn all you can about different production processes and methodologies, as well as info about the companies you want to apply to and the area of games they work in.

When interviewing, lean heavily on your experiences within work, even if you are newer to production. Real, relatable experiences that you can talk through and demonstrate an ability to learn from can go much further than just text book responses.

What's your top tip for those already working in production?

SEB

Trust, honesty and open communication will take you 90% of the way. Empowering your colleagues and focussing on their needs will promote a focussed and enthusiastic team, where people take ownership and support one another. As a Producer, your objective is to listen, analyse and respond with what your team need both personally and professionally, to help bring out the best in them.

GRAEME

You are there to support the team and help them be awesome. If you can do that they will support you when making tough decisions.

ALUN

You are helping your team to do their best work. Take every opportunity to grow your production toolset, be the champion of continuous improvement and be willing to try new things.

‘Servant leadership’ and ‘psychological safety’ might just sound like buzz words, but living them really enables a producer to do a great job. If your team trusts that you genuinely care about them, they will be more willing to engage with you to help solve problems and respect you when you have to make difficult calls.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

SEB

Just keep being yourself and be considerate to others at all times. You’re going to have such a wicked time as long as you continue to listen, prove yourself and take time to enjoy it all with friends and colleagues. Constantly find opportunities for coffee, food and beers with team members, as you’re going to build great relationships this way.

GRAEME

Hey Graeme, it will be ok. Remember when you’re quick to anger you are slow to understand. So take the time to listen to those around you. You’ll also learn that there is no one person more important than anyone else. When talking to a Lead or Senior try not to feel intimidated, take a deep breath, you won’t feel like this forever

ALUN

Always look at ways things could be better and take the initiative to drive those improvements. Be willing to try anything and take ownership of things even if you’re uncomfortable.

Like the sound of working at Hutch? If you're looking to start a new chapter in your career, check out our current vacancies here: hutch.io/careers. We'd love to hear from you!