Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Production

at Kurzgesagt

🏢 About Kurzgesagt

Kurzgesagt is renowned for its distinctive minimalist animation style and ability to explain complex scientific concepts through engaging YouTube content. Working here means contributing to educational media that reaches millions globally while being part of a creative studio that values both scientific accuracy and visual storytelling. The company's unique blend of animation, science communication, and German precision makes it an exceptional workplace for production professionals.

About This Role

As Head of Production at Kurzgesagt, you'll lead the team responsible for transforming scientific concepts into the studio's signature animated videos, overseeing everything from initial storyboards to final YouTube uploads. This role is impactful because you'll ensure the consistent quality and timely delivery of content that educates millions worldwide while maintaining Kurzgesagt's distinctive visual identity and scientific integrity.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves reviewing storyboards and animatics with the creative team, troubleshooting production bottlenecks in the animation pipeline, coordinating with scriptwriters on scientific accuracy checks, and monitoring progress against tight YouTube release schedules. You'll balance creative discussions about visual style with practical meetings about resource allocation, while ensuring each project maintains Kurzgesagt's signature quality from concept to final render.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Kurzgesagt Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of production management experience specifically in animation studios or educational media companies, with a portfolio demonstrating complex project completion
  • Possesses deep understanding of animation production pipelines, from storyboarding through post-production, with experience implementing quality control systems
  • Demonstrates proven ability to lead creative teams while balancing artistic vision with practical constraints like budgets and deadlines
  • Shows familiarity with science communication or educational content creation, understanding how to make complex topics accessible through visual media

📝 Tips for Applying to Kurzgesagt

1

Reference specific Kurzgesagt videos in your application, explaining how you would approach managing their production process from concept to delivery

2

Highlight any experience with science-based or educational content production, as this differentiates from entertainment animation roles

3

Demonstrate understanding of German work culture and production standards, even if applying internationally

4

Include metrics about production efficiency or quality improvements from past roles, as Kurzgesagt values data-driven management

5

Show familiarity with YouTube as a distribution platform, including understanding of upload schedules, audience engagement, and platform-specific requirements

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain how your production management philosophy aligns with Kurzgesagt's commitment to scientific accuracy and educational value", "Describe specific experience managing animation pipelines and how you've maintained consistent visual quality across projects", "Demonstrate understanding of Kurzgesagt's distinctive style and how you would preserve it while optimizing production processes", 'Share examples of leading teams through complex production schedules while maintaining creative momentum and meeting deadlines']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Watch multiple Kurzgesagt videos to understand their production complexity, visual style evolution, and educational approach
  • → Research the company's history and mission statement to understand their commitment to science communication
  • → Study German animation industry standards and production practices, as Kurzgesagt operates within this context
  • → Explore Kurzgesagt's YouTube analytics (publicly available data) to understand their content strategy and upload patterns
Visit Kurzgesagt's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you structure the production pipeline for a typical Kurzgesagt video from script approval to YouTube upload?
2 Describe your approach to balancing creative quality with production efficiency when managing tight deadlines
3 How would you handle a situation where scientific accuracy requirements conflict with animation production timelines?
4 What metrics would you implement to measure production team performance and content quality at Kurzgesagt?
5 How would you collaborate with scriptwriters and animators to maintain Kurzgesagt's distinctive visual style while optimizing workflows?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on entertainment animation experience without demonstrating understanding of educational or science communication production
  • Proposing radical changes to Kurzgesagt's established visual style without understanding why it's successful
  • Showing lack of awareness about YouTube as a primary distribution platform and its specific production requirements
  • Emphasizing only creative aspects without demonstrating strong project management and budget oversight capabilities

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Kurzgesagt!

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