Sometimes it’s difficult to understand the communication between producers and other people. Luckily, I’ve made a handy guide for people that explains in clear terms what the producers really mean when they are talking to other people.
| What producer says | What he really means |
| I’ll do it right away. | I’ll forget it as soon as you leave the room. |
| That’s interesting. | Couldn’t care less. |
| That’s really interesting. | I have no clue what you are talking about. |
| Sorry, I’ve been busy. | Your issue is not important. |
| Sorry, I’ve been really busy | You are not important. |
| Why it takes so much time to code? | I don’t trust you. |
| This can’t take so much time to program. | You are an idiot. |
| This is important. | I’m in charge here. |
| Should be better if we’d handle that issue in some other time | Stop interrupting me. |
| We can bring that issue up in the next meeting, now it’s not the time. | Shut up. |
| We need to get this thing finished asap. | We’re screwed. |
| It’s time for the performance review. | I have no clue what you guys have been doing this year. |
| Very important point, thanks. | Shut up. |
| *Nodding* | Shut up so I can talk. |
| Sorry, can’t talk now, I have a meeting starting in a minute | Don’t talk to me. |
| Yes. | No. |
| No. | No. |
| This is what our project needs. | I’m clueless, but in charge. |
| It’s not a problem, it’s a challenge. | I just read a new book about leadership. |
| That negativity isn’t helping us. | I’m the only one allowed to whine. |
| How would you rate my performance as a leader? | Anyone want to get fired? |
| You guys have done a great job. | You guys have done a great job, expecting to see much more in the future. |
| Tony was a troublemaker, it’s good for the team that we fired him. | I hated Tony. |
| Our project is 90% finished. | Only 90% more to go. |
| We got some great feedback from our testers. | Our game sucks and is filled with bugs. |
Feel free to add to the dictionary.
Even as a traditional digital (Flash-TV Series) animation producer, these are so relevant. My eyes tearing up laughing at these. I guess a Producer is a Producer is a Producer.
Producer: “We’re all one family here and frown on office politics.”
Translation: “We will chew you up, and spit you out while stealing every idea you have.”
“I love your creativity!”
classic!
Producer: “How much effort does that take?”
Translation: “I cut your feature three weeks ago and forgot to tell you.”
Producer: “I love your creativity!”
Translation: “No way in hell are we doing THAT.”
Producer: “You should go meet with them.”
Translation: “Not my job.” or “I already did your job for you.”
Producer: “Your opinion really matters to me.”
Translation: “Done bitching yet?”
great list! very, very true :)
Tanker – speaking from experience…
How do you know me so well? :-D Great list…
Stereotype much?
Spot on :-)
They’re all like that. Except usually even more insulting. It’s a sad sad fact. :-(
Sounds like a incompent producer.
It’s fine.
Translation: I can’t let you guys see my fear.
lol, these are great and very funny. Worst bit is I can see myself in many of them, oh dear.