Production powerhouse: Sam Rutledge on production managing the Australian Open

For Sam Rutledge, being a Production Manager is like solving a massive puzzle—with people, logistics, and timing as the key pieces. With 24 years of experience at Nine, Sam has honed her craft across countless productions, including major events like the Logies, Carols by Candlelight, and now working for the Wide World of Sports (WWOS) team as the Production Manager for the Tennis. 

The Australian Open (AO) is one of the largest events Sam has worked on in recent years, second only to the Olympics.  “In a nutshell, when it comes to the AO, my job is to make sure 300 – 400 people make it on and off site as smoothly as possible,” shares Sam.  

A day in the life of a Production Manager

The lead up to the AO is one of her busiest times from organising crewing, travel to accreditations. By the time Sam steps foot on-site at the AO, most of her job is done.

“If I’m frantic on-site, it means I haven’t done my job properly. I should be lying there in the banana lounge with a Pina Colada ” Sam jokes. “But of course in reality I’m there putting out spot fires that can’t be planned for.”  

From dealing with heat stroke to picking up anything that’s gone pear shaped, every day brings something new. “All sorts of things can pop up and that’s what I’m there for.” 

Bringing the team together

While the AO can be a high-pressure environment, Sam emphasises the camaraderie among the WWOS team.

“Most of the WWOS team are usually based in Sydney, so when they come down to Melbourne for the AO, it feels like summer camp,” Sam shares affectionately. 

“We know we’ve all got a lot of work ahead of us but it’s also a great team vibe. We often organise little competitions to bring the team together. It’s a great mix of working hard but also good fun.”

Tips for aspiring Production Managers

Sam knew straight from high school that she wanted to work in TV. Back then, breaking into the industry was far more challenging if you didn’t already have connections. She recalls cold-calling companies straight from the Yellow Pages and even printing her CV on fluorescent paper to stand out.

Her persistence paid off, and after years in the industry, Sam has mastered what it takes to thrive as a Production Manager. Her top tips include:

1. Be Organised: “The key to the role is being organised and always seeing the bigger picture. By the time I get out on site, I pretty much should have done my whole job.”    
2. Communicate Clearly: “My communication needs to be super clear. I really take it back to basics to make sure everyone understands the plan.”  
3. Lead with empathy: “Always put yourself in somebody else’s shoes. What do they need to know? How can you make their life as easy as possible?”  
4. Stay Calm Under Pressure: “If I look frantic, then everyone else will panic, but if you’re cool and calm,then everyone will follow.”
5. Look for opportunities to improve: “Even after 7 years doing the AO, I always look at tweaking things. I always watch what’s going on and think we could tweak this or trim that.” 

A career to remember

For Sam, her career has been filled with ‘pinch-me’ moments that never get old.   “Every January you watch the AO and then one day you’re production managing it!” 

Even after all these years she still marvels at the opportunities her career has given her. 

“You don’t really think about it when you’re busy working, but then you’re there and Jim Courier is standing in your office and you’re just like what??? Is this real?”    

As the AO kicks off another Grand Slam season, Sam is ready to ensure everything runs like clockwork. Her dedication, persistence, and teamwork make her an integral part of Nine’s success and the AO wouldn’t make it to our screens without her.