PM in Entertainment?

I have. I worked long time in projects in cable operators which have multiple entertainment business like TV, radio, theatre, films, etc. In my personal experience what applies was the use of agile based approach and we use two methods: DSDM (while it was created for software we use it for non-software products) and our own method. But at the end is the same than any other type of projects. As you know, people "define" the success or failure then if you understand how those people work then there is no problem to work with projects in that domain. Just to comment that was between 1998 and 2002. I say that because today you can read about agile in everything but in that time few know about that, no matter agile was well stablished and well knonw in that time

Carrie -

The nomenclature and lingo will be different in the creative world just as it is when dealing with projects in the marketing industry but the basic rules remain the same.

As Sergio has indicated, given the high degree of uncertainty in entertainment (e.g. the creative process, impact from external factors), an adaptive approach to delivery is likely more suitable than a purely predictive one.

As such, the tools used might be those used for such project including - story maps, work boards and so on.

Kiron

I worked in the theater many years ago and there is certainly a need for project management. How formal it is will depend on whether you are considering a local theater group or a large production company.

A predictive plan is required if you expect the lights, sound, sets, costumes, and actors all to be ready on opening night. Venues must be booked, materials procured, performers cast, rehearsals planned etc.

On the other hand, you are working with artists in a highly unpredictable environment, so the agility to react to constant change is also necessary. When the choreography changes, so do the lights and possibly the sets. If the show moves from venue to venue, the performance must adapt.

At the amateur level where I worked, you would recognize less project management, and more semi-organized chaos. If you look at the olympics opening ceremony or a large half-time show of a major sporting event, there may be thousands of people involved and only one chance to get it right, which requires a high degree of planning and coordination.